THE heavens have opened up and the summer storms have arrived. So it’s the perfect opportunity to check out some of the marvellous museums in Essex.

The Castle Point Transport Museum is housed in a former bus garage on Canvey.

Themuseum is home to over 30 buses, coaches, commercial, military and emergency vehicles.

Particularly impressive is the collection of former Eastern National vehicles. Also there is a display of a ranger of transport memorabilia and uniforms.

The Natural History Museum, Colchester offer you a fascinating chance to get closer to nature. Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change. Did you know that there was an earthquake in Colchester in 1884? Or that mammoths and hippos used to roam this area?

Discover more about open salt marshes, beaches and the creatures that lurk beneath your feet.

Crawl through the badger sett, stroke the friendly fox and enjoy many hands-on activities.

The Museum of Power is housed in the redundant steam pumping station at Langford.

The collection, which illustrates the theme of from watermill to nuclear energy, comprises of engines from a large working steam engine to examples of those powered by diesel, petrol and gas.

It also includes a working belt drivenmachine workshop.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Chingford is a unique Tudor timber framed hunt standing dating from 1543.

It has magnificent views over Epping Forest from its upper storeys and is still set amidst its original woodland pasture with ancient pollards.

Displays include Tudor Food, Children’s Tudor Dressing up and a Timber Frame Construction.

For more museums and tonnes of ideas for great things to do in Essex this summer check out visitessex.com