The Bay Museum

The Bay Museum sits in a former degaussing station on the Western Esplanade at Canvey Island, a concrete wartime-era building that now houses a museum and research facility. The displays focus on local and wider military history, with material from the First and Second World Wars, including exhibits connected to Canvey Island itself. Volunteers run the museum and are glad to talk through the objects, which suits older children with an interest in history and families who enjoy a seaside outing with something to learn. There is also a research room with books and videos on the wars, and volunteers can help visitors trace family military records. Because it is a small museum, a visit is usually an hour or so, and it pairs well with a walk along the shoreline. Opening is seasonal and limited, so check the website before travelling.