Pretty dainty place. A fair collection of old military bits and bobs ranging from swords and armour to artillery munitions and guns. A large collection of sidearms are present with plenty of revolver and pistol variations. As per the usual each piece has a small descriptor that offers information on what you are looking that.
The museum isn't all military weapons. Various uniforms and equipment pieces are also present. Uniforms and gear from before the first World War to the cold War are in the museum.
Nothing is a replica (to my knowledge), with the museums inventory made from one man's collection, of which has been worked on for 50 years!
The museum itself is somewhat small, and doesn't possess its own dedicated cafe, having at most a small seating area with some rather dated vending machines (that do not accept the current £1 coins), although a Costa Coffee is but a 5 minute walk from the museum's location.
Overall a nice place to visit when you're looking for places to go...
Read moreMy son and I visited the Combined Military Services Museum in Maldon to research the history of special forces, and we were thoroughly impressed. The staff were helpful, knowledgeable, and eager to engage in conversations, making the visit enjoyable and informative.
The exhibits were fantastic, showcasing an impressive range of weapons, uniforms, and equipment from conflicts both old and modern. The sections on espionage and the remarkable Operation Frankton were particularly well-presented and insightful.
What sets this museum apart is its honest portrayal of the realities of warfare. Unlike some other military museums, it does not shy away from displaying weaponry or acknowledging the grim ingenuity involved in conflict. This unvarnished approach might feel a bit old-fashioned to some, but we found it refreshingly authentic and true to history.
If you're interested in military history or want a deeper, more honest exploration of the subject, this museum is a must-visit. Highly...
Read moreWhat an absolutely fantastic hidden gem! One man's stunning, eclectic collection. Run by really enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, who are present to share interesting facts and point out rare and unusual items and give more information when requested and answer our many questions! (I think the gentleman's name was Dave... thank you!)
Free parking on site. Tickets very reasonably priced. Usually closed Monday and Tuesday, but open every day for school holidays.
A list of items does not do the collection justice so I won't try, however the spy section was really cool and the Victoria Cross display. Husband is ex military and was really impressed with the scope and detail.
The collection spans 3 floors and is well laid out in sections. If you get overwhelmed with everything there is to see, seek out the yellow labelled items (rarest items or something interesting/different)
No cafe, just a coffee machine. Plenty of chairs to rest. Photos allowed. 100%...
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