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Why we love Colchester

It may be Britain’s oldest city, but Colchester never stands still in the face of time. 

Uncover more than 2,000 years of history, from the Romans through to the Victorians. Step into the past at Europe’s largest Norman Keep, explore its prisons and vaults and discover its hidden secrets. Or choose a nature-fuelled adventure in Dedham Vale for scenic cycling routes or foraging walks. There’s plenty of street cuisine and fine dining to sample too, alongside an eclectic mix of bars and pubs.

Whether it’s venturing out to the nearby Mersea Island to be immersed in nature, or surrounding yourself with contemporary art, discover a city that is bursting with cultural highlights and things to do.

Things to do in Colchester

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Nestled in the grounds of Castle Park, explore over 300 years of history through exhibitions and displays.

Uncover history at Hollytrees Museum

Photo by: Rodger Tamblyn Photography

People relaxing in the grounds in from of Hollytrees Museum
Hollytrees Museum

An National Landscape (previously known as area of outstanding natural beauty) north of Colchester, discover the landscape that inspired artist John Constable.

Dive into nature at Dedham Vale National Landscape

Photo by: VisitEssex

Family in a rowing boat on the river at Dedham Vale
Vale National Landscapes (AONB)

Pit your wits against the wall at this bouldering centre filled with over 150 climbs to attempt.

Rock on at Colchester Climbing Project

Photo by: Colchester Climbing Project

Climbers on the walls
Colchester Climbing Project

Explore parklands covering more than 11 hectares and home to annual events including Colchester Food and Drink Festival and Oktoberfest celebrations.

Visit Colchester’s Castle Park

Photo by: Indre @Colchesterstreets

Cherry Blossom in Castle Park, Colchester
Colchester Castle Park

Brave battles in a fortress that has stood the test of time, with many a tale to tell.

Take a trip to Colchester Castle

Photo by: Colchester City Council

Mother and daughter looking at a display case in Colchester Castle museum
Colchester Castle

Gigs, comedy shows, theatre, poetry and more all come alive in the city’s cultural hub.

Unleash your creativity at Colchester Arts Centre

Photo by: Jeff Scott

Music Gig at Colchester Arts Centre
Colchester Arts Centre

With chances to spot roaring lions, cheeky penguins and grizzly bears, get up close with some exciting creatures.

Visit the animals at Colchester Zoo

Photo by: VisitEssex

Visitors feeding lemurs at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo

Essex’s hidden gem is an idyllic spot for any nature-lover and experience seeker.

Set sail to Mersea Island

Photo by: VisitEssex

Friends kayaking on Mersea Island with beach huts in background
Mersea Island

A cultural hub bursting with creativity and flair, see Colchester through a different lens.

See what's on at Firstsite

Photo by: VisitEssex

Two women looking at an art display at Firstsite
Firstsite

Check out the Mercury Theatre’s jam-packed events calendar for unmissable theatrical moments.

Catch a show at the Mercury Theatre

Photo by: Pamela Raith Photography

Cast on stage at Colchester's Mercury Theatre
Mercury Theatre

Bring your binoculars to see thousands of visiting ducks, swans and geese at one of Europe's top wetland sites.

Get outdoors at Abberton Reservoir

Photo by: Visit Essex/ Rod Edwards

A man who uses a wheelchair and a woman review a map in the countryside
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Nestled in the grounds of Castle Park, explore over 300 years of history through exhibitions and displays.

Uncover history at Hollytrees Museum

Photo by: Rodger Tamblyn Photography

People relaxing in the grounds in from of Hollytrees Museum
Hollytrees Museum

An National Landscape (previously known as area of outstanding natural beauty) north of Colchester, discover the landscape that inspired artist John Constable.

Dive into nature at Dedham Vale National Landscape

Photo by: VisitEssex

Family in a rowing boat on the river at Dedham Vale
Vale National Landscapes (AONB)

Pit your wits against the wall at this bouldering centre filled with over 150 climbs to attempt.

Rock on at Colchester Climbing Project

Photo by: Colchester Climbing Project

Climbers on the walls
Colchester Climbing Project

Explore parklands covering more than 11 hectares and home to annual events including Colchester Food and Drink Festival and Oktoberfest celebrations.

Visit Colchester’s Castle Park

Photo by: Indre @Colchesterstreets

Cherry Blossom in Castle Park, Colchester
Colchester Castle Park

Brave battles in a fortress that has stood the test of time, with many a tale to tell.

Take a trip to Colchester Castle

Photo by: Colchester City Council

Mother and daughter looking at a display case in Colchester Castle museum
Colchester Castle

Gigs, comedy shows, theatre, poetry and more all come alive in the city’s cultural hub.

Unleash your creativity at Colchester Arts Centre

Photo by: Jeff Scott

Music Gig at Colchester Arts Centre
Colchester Arts Centre

With chances to spot roaring lions, cheeky penguins and grizzly bears, get up close with some exciting creatures.

Visit the animals at Colchester Zoo

Photo by: VisitEssex

Visitors feeding lemurs at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo

Essex’s hidden gem is an idyllic spot for any nature-lover and experience seeker.

Set sail to Mersea Island

Photo by: VisitEssex

Friends kayaking on Mersea Island with beach huts in background
Mersea Island

A cultural hub bursting with creativity and flair, see Colchester through a different lens.

See what's on at Firstsite

Photo by: VisitEssex

Two women looking at an art display at Firstsite
Firstsite

Check out the Mercury Theatre’s jam-packed events calendar for unmissable theatrical moments.

Catch a show at the Mercury Theatre

Photo by: Pamela Raith Photography

Cast on stage at Colchester's Mercury Theatre
Mercury Theatre

Bring your binoculars to see thousands of visiting ducks, swans and geese at one of Europe's top wetland sites.

Get outdoors at Abberton Reservoir

Photo by: Visit Essex/ Rod Edwards

A man who uses a wheelchair and a woman review a map in the countryside
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Places to stay in Colchester

City centre

Colchester’s centre is where you’ll uncover its rich history and heritage, alongside an exciting nightlife scene. Stay in modern hotels to self-catering options as you discover the city’s cultural gems.

Suburbs

Surrounded by flourishing nature, a stay in Colchester’s countryside will lead you to country houses, spas, boutique hotels and camping and glamping options. Look to the Colne Valley for breath-taking scenery and outdoor activities.

Mersea Island

A coastal stay at Essex’s Mersea Island, just a 9-mile (14.5km) journey south-east from Colchester, offers accommodation to suit any budget. Pitch up a tent, or take to the many bed and breakfasts across the island.

Explore nearby

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and innovation.

Photo by: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River

From ice-cream parlours to seafood festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Location: Kent

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

From traditional seaside towns to adventure sports and charming cities with heaps of history, the East of England has something for everyone.

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Dunwich, England

A woman carrying a dog along a beach in Dunwich

This five day itinerary features quirky cities, an iconic university and Britain's biggest wetland.

Photo by: Getty Images/Peter E Stokes

Location: Cambridge

A single punt passes under the Mathematical bridge, in Silver street, Cambridge late on a summer's evening

Getting to Colchester

Stansted Airport is 50 minutes from Colchester by road and there are regular coach transfer services between Marks Tey train station and Stansted Airport.

Colchester is also easily accessible by road and rail. Regular trains run from London Liverpool Street and take around 1 hour. National Express coaches run from London Victoria Coach Station and Stansted Airport.

Getting around

Colchester is best explored on foot, although there are regular bus services and a park and ride scheme. If you choose to explore its neighbouring Mersea Island, bus services run from the high street in Colchester to West Mersea. 

By bus

First Bus operate regular services around Colchester, as well as to surrounding towns and villages across Essex.

By bike

The city has multiple National Cycle Networks running through it. Cycle Colchester provide a handy map of local cycle routes. Take advantage of the city’s bike rental scheme, including e-bikes.

By foot

Colchester can be easily explored by foot and there are many dedicated footpaths and trails in the surrounding countryside too. 

Want to know more?

Head to Visit Essex for insider tips on Colchester from those in the know.