Essex Police Museum

Plan Your Visit

Opening Hours

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: Group Bookings & Schools

Wednesday: Group Bookings & Schools

Thursday: Group Bookings & Schools

Friday: Group Bookings & Schools

Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Sunday: CLOSED

If you are doing a risk assessment, paying for a visit or visiting for any other reason outside of public opening hours please email us to make an appointment.

Wednesdays (School Holidays Only)

We open 10am-4pm on wednesdays in school holidays. For 2023 these dates are: 

• 15th February
• 5th, 12th April
• 31st May
• 26th July
• 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th August
• 25th October

Please note there is no parking available on site for these dates, so we advise visitors to plan alternative parking in advance, or consider using public transport.

Admission

Admission is free, although a small charge applies for special events – see our events page for more details.

Parking

If you are using sat nav please use CM2 6DN 'Kingston Crescent'. 

Free parking is available in the museum bay or the Orchard Car Park on Saturdays only. Both are signposted on site. A small number of weekday parking spots are reserved for groups and schools. Please refer to your booking confirmation for information. Alternatively the nearest car parks are Riverside or Chelmer Village.

Group Visits

Due to volunteer shortages we are unable to provide evening visits at this time. Morning or afternoon visits are still available. 

Groups of 10 or more can book visits in advance, Monday-Friday, during the daytime or evening. All of our group visits are run by volunteers so we require at least 6 weeks notice to arrange cover. There is a small fee per person. Please email us to enquire. 

Audio guide

We have created audio content to enhance your visit! Simply go to our podcast or scan the QR code at the museum and play the episodes relating to each display. It is available on most major podcast players and via web link. Content can be downloaded for offline use and episodes are between 1 and 5 minuted long. We've also included bonus content for items not on display and you can listen from anywhere! This feature is new to the Museum and we have lots more content to come.

Transcribed content is available from the till.

Handling Collection

We have a touch-box with objects that can be handled so visitors with visual impairments can get more from their visit. Please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help you.

Children's Activities

We have lots of free activities and interactive exhibits for children of all ages:

• Museum Explorer Eye-Spy: Can you find the objects on the cards? Turn them over to learn more. 
• Crime Scene: Use the prompt cards to help you solve our 1970s crime scene!
• Police Uniform: Real uniform to dress up in (not just for kids)!
• Fingerprinting: Use our magic ink to take your fingerprints. Rub your hands together and the ink will disappear!
• Toy Cars: Let your imagination run wild with our road play mat and toy cars.