Colchester Castle Museum
Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
Colchester Castle is Europe's largest Norman keep and was built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. It was constructed around 1076 by William the Conqueror and has been a royal fortress, prison and, since 1860, a museum with internationally important Iron Age and Roman finds from the local area.
This Summer's special exhibition is 'Mythical Creatures' which explores how people in the past perceived the world around them. The exhibition is in four sections: an exploration of how natural objects were once interpreted as parts of imaginary animals, the role of folklore and storytelling, local legends of dragons and 'black dogs', and a focus on four creatures - the unicorn, griffin, dragon and mermaid. In addition to exploring these creatures – their physicality, powers and behaviour – the exhibition will showcase representations of these beasts from an array of collection types, including archaeology, social history and art. 'Mythical Creatures' includes items on loan from the British Museum and other Essex museums.
Colchester Castle has historical associations with Boudica, William the Conqueror, King John and Matthew Hopkins, the infamous Witchfinder General. More information is available in our award-winning souvenir guidebook.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1700
Location & directions
Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
- Contact on day:
- Duty Officer
- Telephone number:
- +441206282939
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
There are a limited number of disabled bays by the Museum Street entrance to Castle Park.
Additional information
Saturday 13 September is the only free day at Colchester Castle. Last admission is at 1630. Guidebooks and gifts available in the museum shop. Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on the same day are St James the Great Church, Hollytrees Museum, Roman Theatre (Maidenburgh Street), 7 Queen Street, Peake's House (East Stockwell Street) and SPACE Colchester (37 Queen Street).
