The Combined Military Services Museum is a military museum located near Heybridge/Maldon. It showcases a wide range of artifacts from medieval times to the present day, including weapons and spy gadgets. The collection includes thousands of guns, uniforms spanning several centuries, bullets ranging from musket balls to mussels, books, papers and medals. The museum is well-maintained and impresses visitors with its stunning displays. Overall, it offers an extensive and comprehensive glimpse into the history of warfare across various periods.
Honest David's reviews. Well what can I say WOW WOW and WOW, now I have been to many museums but this one is totally amazing.
Set of a small rounder about in heybridge/Maldon you would never believe there was so much military stuff hidden away here.
Honestly I don't know where to start!!! Guns, thousands, uniforms from 1700's to modern day, bullets from musket balls to mussels. Books, papers, medals... I could go on and on and on.. seriously you need to get here one day... It's stunning and so clean.. did I mention WOW... Good because it is.
Full 5 ***** stars from me. Only because I can't give 6
David Bleeze — Google review
Very interesting museum to visit to learn about history, military service, special forces and spies. Thousands of exhibits like helmets, uniforms, guns etc. Some interactive activities for kids, which is great. Only a shame there was no cafe on site, just a coffee machine with undrinkable coffee. It would be good to have space with drinks and snacks.
Monika Pick — Google review
One of the very best museum experiences I've ever had. Its small but their collection is huge, very well organised and diverse from the early medieval ages all the way to the modern warfare. And not only a few but really tremendous amount of stuff to wonder and learn about. The crew is incredibly helpful and very knowledgeable, I can only compare this place to the greatest ones like Warwick castle so most probably will go back many times. As a long long long term traditionalist I enjoyed every moment, thank you
Tamas Varga — Google review
Found this by luck searching the Internet, took my sons to it and found it really interesting. Loads of exhibits and interesting stories behind some of it. Reasonably priced.. would definitely visit it again and recommend to others...
Stuart Mccrae — Google review
I want to say so many thankyous to all staff. It was like friends from school. Julie was great and accommodating. Some of specific exhibits, like fuses, are best I've seen around the world. There are things that most other war museums do not have. Small and huge amount to see in a medium size venue, maybe that's why aspects of exhibits were better...nothing general on display therefore worth a look.
warren swift — Google review
Fantastic place. Small and out of the way but totally worth a visit. Huge and comprehensive collection of arms, uniforms. Equipment, uniforms and a fantastic SOE & ‘spy’ collection. Great and knowledgeable staff as well.
Well worth a visit. I know it’s a bit out of the way but it’s in a nice area of the world so treat yourself!
Affe Moose — Google review
This place is amazing you have to see it. This collection far outweighs anything for sheer number of exhibits that I have ever seen.
Tracy Basten — Google review
I treasure trove of information, equipment and stories.
I came for a few hours and released I need alot more time.
The team are all very engaging and if you're researching anything military I'd give this place a look they have so much on offer and are happy to help with your research.
I'm currently studying and will 100% be returning.
100% recommended a visit.
youngy1919 — Google review
Absolutely awesome museum if you are interested in weapons and uniforms. The building is absolutely packed with amazing exhibits. There is also a handling section of pistols and machine guns. Free parking on the road in a quiet industrial estate. Highly recommended.
Barry Hillman-Crouch — Google review
What a wonderful place jam-packed with artifacts and replicas. The museum has displays covering a vast span of history, including local battles, world wars and spy paraphernalia from which Ian Fleming drew much of his inspiration. The staff at the museum are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Alex was on duty when we visited: he was so engaging and demonstrated a number of deactivated fire arms for us. I thoroughly recommend a visit and will definitely return.
Katy Winter — Google review
Far exceeded my expectations, and I'm leaving the wife and kids at home next time. This place needs many hours of uninterrupted browsing, the collection is vast and intriguing.
Just one tiny room, housing the Mason's spy craft collection, could have captivated me for the whole trip. The artifacts include real spy cameras, poison darts in a smoking pipe, items taken from Kim Philbys house....
They have a real Cavaliers felt hat from the civil war, along with many full uniforms from throughout British military history. Every sword, gun and grenage... It's endless.
Plan to spend a nice long time looking around. The parking is minimal, so be prepared to walk in if required. There are drink and snack machines inside, but no cafe. The staff are fantastic and very happy to answer questions.
David — Google review
Very large collection of interesting items. The information on the items is abundant and factual. Weapons from roman times until Falkland and beyond. Displays of ammunition and fuses... Uniforms. And more interesting stuff like diaries, maps and so on.
Joachim Habisan — Google review
Little jewel of a museum in Maldon, Essex. Situated on 3 floors, ground is mainly medieval, 1st has an SOE, Secret Service, and Cold War collection plus some other items, and the top floor has many uniforms and arms from Napoleonic through to the 1980s. No cafe but has a drinks machine, loos on each floor. Definitely worth a visit if you are interested in military history and uniforms.
The Bobster — Google review
A great local museum to me which I'm so glad that I checked out! I found it more interesting than the imperial war museum! 👀 It's stacked with historical artifacts from all ages! Get yourself down there I'm 100% going again 👌🏻
michael pugh — Google review
Wasn't expecting what we encountered.
Arrived and was greeted by a number of volunteers .
Very knowledgeable and happy to converse and share knowledge with the family.
Lots of things to see and also a number of uniforms to try on.
They had time to spend with the children and happy to answer any questions.
Reasonably priced .
On the top floor there is a cafe area where you can sit down and use the vending machine for a drink.
They do prefer payment by card due to the loss of local banking but happy to take cash.
Family ticket £30.
We spent around 2 hours in the museum although you could probably spend the entire day and still not read everything.
Jennifer Scutt — Google review
Visited whilst on holiday in the local area. Friendly welcome, so much to see and even an area for the kids (and big kids!) to try on uniform from some of the services. Everything was presented well and clean. My son loves history and James Bond so particularly liked looking at the vast amount of guns on display! Great way to spend a couple of hours with free parking too
Sarah W — Google review
I don't give five stars on a review lightly. I don't honestly believe this museum could be any better. It has such a diverse and comprehensive collection of weapons, uniforms and equipment it is difficult to take in. Wonderful and detailed knowledge about conflicts, operations and the detailed workings of weapons and ordinance. I will definitely be revisiting.
Adam England — Google review
A fantastic collection of military history and well worth a visit.
A hidden gem.
Promenade Park is a historic Victorian riverside park that offers an impressive ornamental lake, forested paths for strolling and various play areas for children. The park is particularly popular with families during the summer months due to its large splash pad and other fun activities. It features mature tree-lined avenues, a pirate ship-style playground, duck feeding spots, mini-golf course and even a petting zoo. The area also boasts food outlets that serve fish and chips, bacon sandwiches and more.
Love Maldon. It's fairly dog friendly and we love the walk across the river and a lunch in our favourite pub. Lunch first, then walk, then ice cream. Then pop up to the Maldon Coffee Company for a variety of blends, ground your way, or a takeaway coffee.
Clare Anthony — Google review
Love it there. It's good for the kids. Have a massive playpark and splashpark when the weather is better. Lovely day out for the whole family. Have got quite a few places to eat if you want to grab some food. Or there are a few places to sit in and eat. Also, a lovely walk along the water and loads of boats to spot. Do go there often, especially when the weather is nice. Kids love it. They also have a little zoo and a mini golf if you fancy something extra. But overall, it is a lovely day out load of parking space.
Reka Hotoran — Google review
A lovely place to walk and see the boats, and things to keep the kids entertained as well: an impressive pirate ship-style play area, a splash park that's open in the summer, ducks to feed, a petting zoo, mini golf...the list goes on! There's car parking on-site but we parked in Maldon and walked along the water to get there. A few little food places on-site too, selling fish and chips, bacon sandwiches, sausage rolls and the like.
Emily Henley — Google review
A fantastic place to go for a family day out, a dog walk, or birdwatching at low tide. Huge grassy open spaces for picnics, ball games - we have seen the space used for large family celebration gatherings.
Wonder towards the promenade (affectionately know locally as ‘The Prom’ and there’s a large fenced in play area (note that no dogs are allowed inside the park). Here there is the popular pirate ship - a huge climbing and play ship, a zip wire, beach hits for hire, a shaded picnic area and the splash park.
See the website for details of splash park ticketing. It gets very popular in the summer so it’s a good idea to book up and pay in advance.
The latest developments include mini golf and a petting zoo.
There is also a well used skate park and ample parking. A small amount of parking is available in a small car park at the bottom end of the car park (easy reach to the fish and chip shop although Maldon has plenty). Follow the signs to a huge field car park. All day for £6 - bargain for what could be a free day out.
You can walk along the prom to the statue of a Britnoth who commemorates the Anglo Saxons who warded off the first Viking invasion.
Views across the estuary are beautiful whatever the time of year; the area is frequented by water birds at low tide. You can walk along the promenade into town; Maldon is full of independent shops, especially coffee shops although there are plenty of snack shacks open along the prom itself selling everything from cold drinks and coffee to ice creams and fish and chips.
Helen Waring — Google review
Lovely walk for a whole family. Great views over the river Chelmer. You can watch some amazing boats leaving the small port.
For shipwrecks turn right by the Maldon yacht club and follow the pathway to a viewing point. Watch the nettles.
Monika Pick — Google review
Really great place to have a walk or let the kids burn off some energy. There is a carpark that you have to pay for (Ringo app) but it's not too badly priced. For children there is a play park a load of ramps and BMX track.
Peter Ryan — Google review
Amazing day out for those with little ones.
The splash park was shut which was expected due to it being spring but amazing value for money, the small businesses are amazing value compared to other seaside resorts and the play area was perfect for my two young child.
Good day out and would recommend
Cdot. — Google review
Upon entry to the large carpark area and purchased your ticket you can head off to several directions depending on how your day is planned. PLEASE NOTE DISABLED BADGE HOLDERS PARK FOR FREE!! Just display your badge clearly.
You can head straight yo the several play areas, kick a ball on the grass, wander along the estuary edge towards yo pub or lake to grab a bite or drink from the many very cheap vendors or head the other way for a spot of crabbing.
It really is much bigger than it seems here with ample parking and toilets too. There is a mini petting zoo but that's pay entry which when it 1st started years ago was a fiver a family now its more than that each person. Shame really. You can but a ice cream for undef £1.50 or cheap chips coffee etc too. There is usually an ice cream van near the play area mugging poor parents off with over inflated prices so try to use one of the permanent buildings for your drinks and snacks but personally I'd just bring a picnic.
As mentioned within this sub review that this place used to be atot better but it seems Maldon council seem a bit begrudge to spend any money on it. Speculate to accumulate guys. It's tired and needs more than a dab of paint it needs investment desperately
Robs Reviews — Google review
Smoke and Fire Festival 2023 was a fantastic day out, despite a little deluge of rain the sun shine came out and a brilliant day was enjoyed by all. Followed by a walk on the promenade. Interesting historic boards to read along the way. We will be back . Beautiful town.
Sarah Cunningham — Google review
Lovely place to visit. You can take a lovely walk along the sea wall. There's toilets and places to eat. Children love the pirate ship and sand pit. There's a splash park and small petting zoo and crazy golf but we didn't visit them.
Av Hope — Google review
Lovely walk around the park and along the promenade. Lovely weather helped and great to see so many families out enjoying themselves.
A few places around to eat as well, which helps.
Parking a little expensive, but worth it to be near the park 😀😀😀
Neil Lowe — Google review
We enjoyed a lovely family day out here. It was our first time here, but it her family members have been many times. Booked an early slot in the splash park, which the children really enjoyed. We also booked 2 huts to cover our family. This was a fab base for our day. Storing the buggies and excess luggage. While in the huts, we texted through an order to the cafe, which was quick and easy to do, and will def be doing again.
Zoe Taylor — Google review
A lovely place for a walk along the waterfront. There are a few cafes spread along the path where you can grab a hot chocolate or coffee and walk along. In Autumn the trees are gorgeous, and there's a beautiful view back onto the town. Definitely worth a visit!
Julia Damtoft — Google review
Beautiful and lots to do.
Maybe because I am lucky enough to live close by, but I love this place and should come here more often.
Something here for everyone - the sun is a welcome addition.
Soultasia music festival is just one of the many events that take place throughout the year.
All the ducks and birds trying to make sense of the partially frozen lake - beautiful.
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Essex is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts. The establishment dates back to World War I and boasts an impressive collection of original Royal Flying Corps buildings and equipment. It served as the base for B Flight of No 37(HD) Squadron, pivotal in the Battle of Britain. The aerodrome has been meticulously restored, offering visitors guided tours and displays showcasing its rich history.
Visited today for the large RC aircraft display.
Purchased tickets via the online link provided advertising the event.
Some very impressing and no doubt very expensive models performing the usual stunts .... plenty of food and drink places with local ales on tap for those who didn't have to drive for a change :<)
I'm Beelzebub — Google review
Great little museum, picked as a random destination for a motorcycle ride and really glad I did. You can really get a feel for what the place must have been like during those operational periods guarding London against the zeppelin terror. Had a tour from David who was really nice and dead enthusiastic. Looking forward to going back during armed forces day
Oliver Hardy — Google review
Recently l visited this place and l found it very interesting wandering around the many buildings here. You will a very cafe in site and l would highly recommend the fish pie and crumble.
Peter Cowling — Google review
Amazing day out for a whole family. Fantastic volunteers made our day special. Planes, history, interactive play and beautiful views. Will be back for sure.
Monika Pick — Google review
Excellent place to visit for shows planes, and history by knowledgeable guides. Lots of wildlife and a woodland walk. All for a reasonable price. Or even better park for free and ask for a pink wrist band in the shop and visit the cafe for delicious food
Shaz Robinson — Google review
Beautiful place with interesting displays and friendly, accommodating staff. We took our 2yr old who loves aeroplanes and the staff let us view the planes without the usual tour as they suggested he wouldn't enjoy the content (they were right, he wouldn't have been able to pay attention - but I intend to return so I can take the tour myself as it sounded fascinating from what I overheard!) The play table in the mess was a big hit with the little dude as well, and lunch was delicious and very good value.
Emma Holby — Google review
Amazing day out for a whole family. Fantastic volunteers made our day special. Planes, history, interactive play and beautiful views. Will be back for sure.
Monika Pick — Google review
Friendly welcome from knowledgeable team. Interesting museum, especially if you come from Essex. Excellent cafe.
Duncan Robinson — Google review
Excellent food in the cafe. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Great tour guides who showed us around the hangers. All the volunteer staff couldn't have been more welcoming
Anne Fitzgerald — Google review
Visited here today in a group of 13 people on 12 bikes for a tea stop. They were kind enough to have the place ready for us and they understood that we would not be in a position to enjoy the guided tour etc. However the "staff" were more than happy to explain bits and bob's to us and their enthusiasm was contagious.
It is a beautifully preserved historic site. One of 3 created in 1916 to fend off the threat of zeppelins and the only one remaining as it was. One became Southend Airport and the other in Goldhammer was labelled after the WWI.
We had coffees and cake in the "Other Ranks" Mess building, they have a wide range of home made options, all of which were outstanding. The treacle tart I had was big and lush mmmmm!
I would imagine its a great family day out especially if the children are of an age where they can understand how important it all was.
There is no doubt the information will be delivered in the most easily understood way to suit all.
Thank you for a great tea stop and I am sure we will be visiting again.
Jonathan — Google review
Great airfield and an absolute historical treasure. Lots to see and some really interesting WWI displays all housed within various sympathetically restored WWI buildings. Lovely little cafe with tasty homemade cakes. Very friendly atmosphere. Will fly in to visit again soon!
Sj Huxtable — Google review
A great place to visit for anyone young or old who are interested in Aviation especially First World War. All of the volunteers are so enthusiastic about the place and passing information onto those who are interested. I was fortunate to fly in for their " a time for Essex " and enjoyed the day immensely.