Audio Described Events

There is so much to explore at Christchurch Mansion and we want every visitor to get the most out of their time with us. Our audio described events have been created with visually impaired visitors in mind, but can be enjoyed by anyone.

Where we have available staff, our team will try and accommodate on-the-day requests for audio described tours or object handling sessions, but to guarantee the full experience we strongly recommend booking in advance.

A Mansion Tour

Christchurch Mansion is so full of incredible objects and stories, it can be hard to know where to start.

Our audio described tours provide an introduction to some of the museum’s star objects. A member of our team will describe a selection of pieces, which might include the curves of an ornately carved chair, the light bouncing off a clock face or the workmanship of a tiny toy soldier.

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Participants will be met at the Mansion welcome desk and taken to various displays. We can explore the ground and first floor galleries, just the ground floor or the current exhibition inside the Wolsey Art Gallery. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

These tours are completely free and can be booked by calling 01473 433554. The booking line is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-3.45pm, and Sunday 11am-3.45pm. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred date and time, but please note this will be subject to available staff.

The tours are suitable for ages 4+.

We are able to accommodate groups of up to 5, plus carers.

Object Handling

What was it like to wear a deportment back board? What does a horse sweat scraper feel like?

Our audio described object handling sessions are a great way of getting closer to history. One of our team will talk through a selection of real and replica objects from Mansion collection.

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Participants will be met at the Mansion welcome desk and escorted to one of our quieter spaces on the ground floor. The session will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

These sessions are completely free and can be booked by calling 01473 433554. The booking line is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-3.45pm, and Sunday 11am-3.45pm. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred date and time, but please note this will be subject to available staff.

The object handling sessions are suitable for ages 4+.

We are able to accommodate groups of up to 5, plus carers.

Access

Whether you want to know when the Mansion is quieter, what to expect when you arrive or what facilities we have, simply follow the link below to find out more.

If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please contact us on 01206 282939 or email museums@colchester.gov.uk and our team will be happy to help.

More Information