Museums, heritage and culture
Home to award-winning museums, nationally significant textile collections and historic mills, our district offers a fascinating insight into the people, industries and traditions that have shaped the area over centuries.
Whether you're interested in industrial innovation, local history, traditional craftsmanship, performing arts or family-friendly experiences, there is plenty to explore across the museums, heritage sites, theatres and cultural landmarks.
Alderford Watermill
Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, CO9 3HZ
A restored, Grade II-listed timber building, typical of rural water mills and one of the best preserved in the county. The site mainly milled corn until after the second war when it began producing animal feed.
The venue is open to visitors on set days throughout the year. The water wheel runs when water levels allow.
Bocking Windmill
300 Church St, Braintree, CM7 5LQ
A post mill with a two-story roundhouse which has been in situ on Church Street in Bocking for over 300 years. The landmark is listed and has much of its original machinery still in place. The windmill is open to visitors on set days, and group visits need booking in advance.
Braintree District Museum
Manor Street, Braintree, CM7 3HW
An award-winning museum with exhibitions which focus on local industrial heritage, production of fabrics for state occasions and innovations in metal window design.
The museum holds events, workshops and activities and is open to group and school visits. There is also a shop selling a range of unique gifts.
Finchingfield Guildhall
Church Hill, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4NN
A restored 15th Century venue with an interactive museum, watercolour gallery, library and resource centre. The venue hosts community events and is available for hire. The premises has an alcohol and music licence but is not licensed for weddings.
Finchingfield Post Mill
Finchingfield Road, Finchingfield, CM7 4NA
The Grade II listed landmark, built in 1756, is the oldest windmill in Essex and the last of seven windmills that once stood in the village of Finchingfield. The windmill is open to visitors on set days throughout the year.
The Institute
15 Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9AE
The Institute offers an exciting calendar of events, from musical theatre and comedy nights to tribute bands, pantomimes and dance nights.
The theatre was built in 1863 and the Grade II Listed building was a gift from the Courtauld family to the people of Braintree. The venue has played host to plays and performances since the 1750s.
Warner Textile Archive
Warners Mill, Silks Way, CM7 3GB
An extensive textile collection which documents the history of Warner & Sons, a company that produced fabric for royal weddings and pioneered manufacturing techniques that have never again been replicated.
The archive holds events and is open to groups and school visits on an appointment only basis.
