Colchester Museums is committed to providing access to its museums, collections, and services to as wide an audience as possible.

The service acknowledges that intellectual access is as important as physical access. We are always trying to improve access to our museums and would welcome any comments and suggestions you may wish to make.

Colchester Museums Service Disability Access Policy

The Museum Service has a Disability Access Policy which makes sure that attention is paid to both physical and intellectual access for disabled people.

The policy has been written using guidelines issued by the Museums and Galleries Commission, (MGC Guidelines on Disability for Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom), and the Museums Association, (Museums Briefing: The Disability Discrimination Act). Information provided in the MGC Disability Resource Directory for Museums has also been used to ensure that the policy is of the highest standard.

Museums Access Group in Colchester

Colchester Museums has established an Access Advisory Group to involve disabled people in the decisions which need to be taken in order to continue to improve access to the museums, collections and displays.

The groups mission statement is:

"Our purpose is to advise and work with Colchester Museum Service in order to provide equal access, in its broadest sense, to the monuments and collections in their care.

Our common aim is to promote greater use and enjoyment of the service, and to inspire a feeling of shared ownership in our heritage"

We meet once a month and the group, which involves six members advises the museum on access issues. The group were heavily involved with the re-development of Hollytrees museum resulting in the project becoming a leading example of excellence for access issues in the Museum world. Their work and involvement with the museum is wide ranging, from display and text analysis and advice with an ongoing review of museum buildings and even evaluating this website!

We are interested in ensuring that people with disabilities are represented in the museum displays and collections. We are included in new projects so that we can comment on access issues.

If you would like further information please contact Sophie Weaver, Sophie.weaver@colchester.gov.uk

Access to the Museums

Colchester Castle Museum The Castle Museum has won awards for improvements made in regard to physical access. It has level or ramped access to the ground floor, a lift to the first floor and an accessibile toilet on the ground floor. Induction loops are fitted in appropriate locations through out the museum. However tours of the Castle itself do include two sets of steep stairs and so are not accessible for people with mobility problems. Disabled people and their helpers are eligible for concessionary rate admissions. Download Colchester Museums Access Leaflet (pdf format)
Hollytrees Museum Hollytrees Museum underwent a major re-development supported by the Heritage lottery funding. This important project has made (for the first time) Hollytrees accessible to the majority of people who use wheelchairs. It includes the installation of a lift to all public spaces and the levelling of the approach to the museum from the Castle Park. There are exciting interactives and new displays which are designed to be accessible to as wide an audience as possible. Download Colchester Museums Access Leaflet (pdf format)
The Natural History Museum The main Natural History galleries are on one level throughout. There is, however, a step into the Discovery Room. Arrangements can be made to have any material displayed in there accessible, this room is not normally open to the public. There is an accessible toilet. Download Colchester Museums Access leaflet (pdf format)
Tymperleys Clock Museum The museum is on the ground floor of this Grade II listed building. Access is available to people who use wheelchairs through a ramp to a side entrance. Please ring the bell at the front door and the museum assistant will open the side door. Download Colchester Museums Access leaflet (pdf format)