You are here: Routes > Essex Police Museum

Essex Police Museum

Website

Call direct on:

Tel01245 457150

Opening Times

* Open Saturdays 10am-4pm. Pre-booked groups and education visits welcomed during the week and in the evenings.

About

The museum tells the story of the history of the police in Essex from the Victorians to modern day. It was set up as a charity (charity No. 1042055) in 1992 to provide a home for the historical items belonging to Essex Police. We now have over 30,000 items in the collection consisting of objects, photos and paper documents. Our aim is to preserve the history of Essex Police while making learning and exploration fun for all ages. Visitors are able to explore a Victorian cell, take a look at past crimes and solve our mock crime scene! We have children's activities running every opening (£1-£2 charge) so there's plenty to keep them entertained while you have a look around. We're open Saturdays, 10am-4pm.

Facilities

Accessibility

Assistance dogs welcome
Autism Friendly - Please tell us how we can help. We are able to turn the volume down on video exhibits, or turn them off, and can reduce lighting. We also have sensory backpacks to borrow, containing a weighted lap mat, ear defenders and fidget toys.
Disabled access - All car parks are wheelchair and mobility aid friendly. The ground is solid and even. The museum is equipped with an enclosed platform lift taking you from ground level to the entrance. Once inside the museum is all on one level. There are sofas in the research area and benches or chairs throughout.
Disabled toilets - The toilet is fully accessible with supports and space for a wheelchair or other mobility aid. It is located in a different building to the museum but is close by (100 yards), with entry via the Museum's enclosed platform lift and a solid even path.
Ear defenders available
Facilities for hearing impaired - The museum has a hearing loop at the till and full transcripts of our audio guide are available from visitor trolley near the museum entrance.
Facilities for visually impaired - The museum has an audio guide with information about each display. This is not audio described yet but does give all the information for each display. If you would like a member of staff to guide you round or would like to use our handling collection please ask at the till and we'll be happy to help.

Booking & Payment Details

Credit cards accepted (no fee) - All major credit/debit card suppliers are accepted with contactless or chip and pin. We are also able to accept mobile payments.
Free Entry

Children

Children welcome - The museum is designed with children and young families in mind. At the museum entrance the visitor trolley has lots of play equipment and an eye spy trail. Children can take their fingerprints, try on uniforms, do some colouring and play with our toy cars, all free of charge. We do optional children's trails or crafts costing £1 or £2. Please see the events section of our website for full details.

Group Travel

Out of Hours Visits

Groups

Coach parking - Must be pre-booked with the museum.
Drop Off Point - Visitors can be dropped off at the museum parking bay located next to the Orchard Car Park. Groups must be pre-booked with the museum.
Education/study area - The museum has a small research area with a small library. Research visits outside of public opening hours can be arranged - please email us to enquire. School visits are welcome, with availability Tues-Fri. All school visits must be pre-booked. See our education programme for details: https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/essex-police-museum/museum/education/
Facilities for Coach Driver - Coach drivers are welcome to join the group in the museum free of charge. They can also use the museum toilets. Nearby (350 yards), at the junction of Kingston Crescent and Sandford Road, there is a Nisa shop with a sandwich bar (hot and cold).
Facilities for educational visits - School visits are welcome, with availability Tues-Fri. All school visits must be pre-booked and charges apply. See our education programme for details: https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/essex-police-museum/museum/education/
Facilities for groups - Group visits are available on weekdays, but must be pre-booked. We charge £3 per person, with a minimum payment of £30. We recommend enquiring as soon as possible, with a minimum of 6 weeks notice, as all group visits depend on volunteer availability.
Guided tours for groups - Group visits are available on weekdays, but must be pre-booked. We charge £3 per person, with a minimum payment of £30. We recommend enquiring as soon as possible, with a minimum of 6 weeks notice, as all group visits depend on volunteer availability. A typical group visit has a talk on the history of policing in Essex followed by a chance to browse the museum exhibits. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions and we can tailor your visit to your needs and/or interests.
Mini Coach Parties Accepted - All groups are welcome at the museum, but must be pre-booked. If coming on a Saturday for our regular public opening, booking is not essential but please notify us if possible.
Typical visit duration - A typical group visit lasts approximately 2 hours. A typical education visit lasts 4 hours. A typical public opening visit lasts between 1 and 2 hours.

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

Mobile phone coverage - There is good mobile phone coverage, with 4G available in most areas. A couple of areas furthest from the entrance have slightly slower internet speeds but still hold good phone signal.
Sole use of venue - If coming as part of a pre-booked group or education visit you will have sole use of the museum.

Parking

Free Parking - Free parking is available in the Orchard Car Park (use CM2 6DN, Kingston Crescent and follow to the end), but is only available on Saturdays.

Property Facilities

Dogs Accepted - Dogs are welcome in the museum. Please note the museum is quite small and can get crowded, which may not be suitable for some dogs. Our main visitor group is young families, so dogs must be child and toddler friendly.
Gift shop - The museum has a small gift shop at the entrance/exit, selling children's toys, books and souvenirs. With the exception of a few books, prices are under £10, with the majority of stock £5 or under.
Guided tours for individuals - Private tours are available, but must be pre-booked. Please email us to enquire.
Passenger lift - The museum is located at basement level, with an enclosed platform lift for visitor use.
Public toilets - The toilet is located in a different building to the museum but is close by (100 yards). It is fully accessible and has room for a wheelchair, mobility aids and pushchairs.
Smoking not allowed - Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vapes, is not allowed in the museum premises or around Essex Police Headquarters. Please use the dedicated smoking area only.

Suitability

School Trips

Target Markets

Accepts groups - Group visits are available on weekdays, but must be pre-booked. We charge £3 per person, with a minimum payment of £30. We recommend enquiring as soon as possible, with a minimum of 6 weeks notice, as all group visits depend on volunteer availability. A typical group visit has a talk on the history of policing in Essex followed by a chance to browse the museum exhibits. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions and we can tailor your visit to your needs and/or interests.
Coach parties accepted - Coach parties must be pre-booked with the museum. Coach drivers are welcome to join the group in the museum free of charge. They can also use the museum toilets. Nearby (350 yards), at the junction of Kingston Crescent and Sandford Road, there is a Nisa shop with a sandwich bar (hot and cold).
Hen/Stag Dos Welcome - All groups and visitors are welcome at the museum. Groups must be pre-booked to ensure availability.