Braintree Museum

Braintree Museum occupies the old Manor Street School building in the centre of Braintree and tells the story of the town and the surrounding district. Its displays cover the textile and manufacturing industries that shaped the area, along with local pottery, the artists associated with Great Bardfield, and the naturalist John Ray. The museum is built on one level and includes a classroom still in its Victorian layout, dressing-up areas and interactive stations such as weaving and smell boxes, which give younger visitors something to touch and try. Exhibitions have changing trails for different age ranges, and the team provides discussion prompts to help families talk about what they see. There is a café with a children's menu and a garden where visitors can eat a packed lunch. Families can also join toddler sessions, holiday activities and school visits run from the museum.