Earls Colne Heritage Museum
Details
Accessibility
https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/museums-and-attractions/entry/earls-colne-heritage-museum
2026:
- Part disabled access
Brief description
2026:
"Earls Colne Heritage Museum is located in The Old Water Tower of the former Atlas Works–the R. Hunt agricultural machinery foundry, which was pivotal to the development of the village from a purely agricultural to an industrial village in the 19th & 20th centuries.
Founded in 2005, the Museum is home to artefacts from the Neolithic to the 21st century and is also a centre for village historical and family research.
The Museum is actively engaged with the village and beyond, with a programme of walks, talks, school visits and liaison with other village organizations and also with other museums.
The Museum welcomes both visitors and online enquiries.
BLUE PLAQUE
On 29th October 2025 the Museum unveiled the village’s first blue plaque, dedicated to Mary Gee, at Colne House. Photos and more about the unveiling by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst can be found under the NEWS tab.
If you’re interested to find out who Mary Gee was and what she did for Earls Colne, VISIT the museum to see the Mary Gee Display in the upper gallery. You can also CLICK HERE or scan the QR code to find out more about Mary Gee and her generosity to not only this village but also Halstead, Greenstead Green and Great Maplestead and many other societies.
(Museum opening times Wednesday 2-4pm, Weekends 12-4pm)
ATLAS COMMUNITY GARDENS INFORMATION BOARDS
In October 2025, Four information boards and an audio post were installed in the Atlas Community Gardens in Massingham Drive, informing us of the rich historical past that Earls Colne enjoys. They can also be found on this website under the ATLAS GARDENS tab.
LANCASTER MEMORIAL
On the 20th September 2024 the Museum unveiled a memorial to the 15 aircrew of Lancaster LM167 & LL802, killed exactly 80 years prior as the result of a tragic mid-air collision above the fields of Earls Colne & Great Tey.
CLICK HERE for the story of the accident and the Memorial."
Address
The Old Water Tower
One Reuben Walk
Earls Colne
Colchester
Essex
CO6 2SZ
+ Earls Colne Heritage Museum
The Old Water Tower, Reuben Walk, Earls Colne, Colchester CO6 2SZ
Phone
Website
Directions
https://echm.org.uk/contact-us/
2026:
"Travelling from the West (Halstead): About 100 yards past the Zebra Crossing, take the first right into Massingham Drive, keep on this road and the museum is on your left.
Travelling from the east via Earls Colne High Street: Take the second left after the Zebra Crossing into Massingham Drive, keep on this road and the museum is on your left. On a lamppost opposite the turn into Massingham Drive is a small brown sign pointing to the museum."
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
https://echm.org.uk/contact-us/
2026:
"Open every Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm
Wednesdays 2-4pm"
Transport
- Chappel & Wakes Colne / 4 miles
Amenities
https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/museums-and-attractions/entry/earls-colne-heritage-museum
- Parking
- Souvenir Shop
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
168 metres*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.