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About
The John Collins Historic Cycle Collection
At the Harlow Museum
Opening times
From 29 July until 31 August, the museum is open to the public on:
Tuesday 9.30am to 3.30pm
Thursday 9.30am to 3.30pm
Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm
Saturday 10am to 2.30pm
Admission
FREE ENTRY TO BOTH GARDENS AND MUSEUM
Contact
Address: Muskham Road, Harlow, CM20 2LF
Phone: 07568 103852
There is free parking available on site.
About
The Museum is located in the stable block of the former Mark Hall Manor House – visited on three occasions by Queen Elizabeth 1.
It is surrounded by the beautiful 16th century Walled Gardens which make a perfect picnic spot in the spring and summer.
The Museum is home to the John Collins Cycle Collection which ranges from the Penny Farthing and Quintuplet to the Hobby Horse and Rayleigh Bomber. John Collins, from Sawbridgeworth, ran a successful cycle business in Old Harlow where he built up his impressive collection of historic cycles. This is a comprehensive collection that spans the history of cycle use and development from its very beginning to the present day. Discover why the early cycles had such a large front wheel, how the foundations for our modern cycle layout was laid down over 100 years ago and how the original cycles were designed with men in mind, which led to the development of special ladies models to allow for their voluminous dresses!
The museum also has four main galleries tell the story of Harlow over four periods: from the designing of the New Town, through the Victorians, Stuart and Tudor times, reaching back to the remarkable local Roman finds. The Museum’s Heritage Centre provides a quiet study room, archive materials and newspaper records and services provided in partnership with the Essex Record Office, such as online access to parish records.
Accessibility
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens are both suitable for visitors in wheelchairs and we have disabled restroom facilities. Please note that some pathways in the Gardens are shingle surfaced.
Disabled car parking is available on request in the Courtyard.
Assistance dogs are welcome, but we do not otherwise allow dogs.
Volunteering
Our passionate volunteers carry out gardening and horticultural work to the Walled Gardens, creating an inviting and serene surrounding for the Museum.
On Friday the main Museum facilities are not available, so volunteers need to bring their own drinks.
We also welcome volunteers who are interested in helping with the running of the Museum itself. This could range from welcoming and directing visitors, to research and supporting events.
If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact corrina.dunlea@gmail.com
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From the roundabout at junction 7 on the M11, take the A414 signposted to Harlow. Continue on the A414 and take the first exit on the fourth roundabout into First Avenue. Take the first road on the right, Muskham Road. Drive past the Museum entrance on the right and at the end of the road, turn right. The museumcar park entrance is on the right. From the car park, there is an entrance in the museum garden wall into the grounds. You can explore the gardens from here, or if you want to arrive at the museum entrance, walk down the right hand side of the garden and through an openning in the wall on the right, to continue along the side of the building and turn left to the main entrance.
There is limited free parking including disabled speces. There is also disabled parking ext to the main entrance but this must be booked in advance.
Public Transport Directions
LOcal buses 8, 10, 508, 509 and 510 all stop in First Avenue almost next to the museum grounds and there are entrances from the road that take you straight into the walled gardens.
