Discover Colchester's incredible past through our historic attractions and the city streets themselves.
Having once been Britain's First City and the former capital of Roman Britain, our incredible history dates back over 2000 years. On a visit to our city you'll discover that the historic centre is ripe for exploring, with important heritage sites waiting to be found around every corner.
Colchester was recently gifted modern city status, confirming that we're not all about the past. 21st Century Colchester is also a thriving, modern destination filled with first class visitor attractions and cultural sites, as well as fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
Let us inspire you.
Beyond the city centre, you can discover popular destinations like Mersea Island and Constable Country in the Dedham Vale, as well as the highly regarded Colchester Zoological Society.
Poised at the gateway to East Anglia with picturesque villages on its doorstep, and located only minutes away from the coast, the Colchester area is the perfect destination for a well-deserved short break, day trip or family holiday.
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Places to Visit
Check out our most popular attractions including Colchester Zoological Society and the Castle…
What's On
From pop-up markets to huge summer festivals, check out our What's On guide.
Places to Stay
Boutique or budget - there are accommodation options for every taste in Colchester.
Colchester for Groups
Learn more about great days out for groups, young and old alike!
Sample Local Food and Drink
Sample Mersea Oysters, Tiptree Jam or a locally brewed beer.
Explore our Coast and Countryside
Discover the wider city area, including Dedham Vale and Mersea Island.
Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
VOYAGER 2000: Worldbeing & Wonder?
What does the online world mean to autistics? This summer, Firstsite presents VOYAGER 2000…
Heritage Open Days: Grey Friars (now Greyfriars Luxury Hotel and Restaurant)
Refurbished 18th Century building; previously used as a school and now a luxury hotel. Exhibition of…
Myth, Magick and Mystery
Join us at Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October, for a…
Chris McCausland – YONKS!
You might have seen him on Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The…
Luke Combs UK
Get ready to experience the heart and soul of country music as we pay homage to one of the…
Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle’s enchanting grotto returns for 2025! This December, Father Christmas and…
Stephen K Amos: Now We're Talking
How good’s a laugh? Stephen K Amos' joke book is overflowing, so let’s get talking…
Tiny Tots Nursery Grotto at Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle’s enchanting Grotto for nursery and preschool…
Colchester Castle Open Evening
As a special festive treat, Colchester Castle’s FREE Christmas Open Evening returns for 2025…
Shrek the Musical
This award-winning musical brings to life the world of Shrek live on stage in an unforgettable…
Starlight Grotto at Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle’s beloved grotto returns this December with a magical twist! Step into a…
Tiny Tots Grotto at Colchester Castle
Father Christmas has set aside time for preschool aged children to meet him this December. Designed…
An Evening with Father Christmas and Friends at Colchester Castle
Join us on Saturday, 20 December 2025 for a festive evening at the Castle, where the magic…
The Manningtree Witches
A country divided. A town on it’s knees. A teenage girl with a dangerous secret. As the Civil…
Visit Colchester Information Centre
The Colchester Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is the tourist office for Colchester, situated in…
Visit Colchester 2025 Visitor Guide
The official Visitor Guide to Colchester, packed with lots of information on places to…
A Walking Tour of the Roman and Medieval Gates
'Walking the walls' is a great way to explore Colchester's history. The…
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Beth Chatto Gardens in a beautiful outdoor space near Colchester. Covering 6 acres…
Castle Park
Colchester's Castle Park is a large, scenic and well maintained Victorian park in the heart of…
Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple…
Colchester Zoological Society
Enjoy a wild adventure at the Eastern region’s No. 1 Zoo, Colchester Zoological Society!…
Firstsite
Firstsite is Colchester and the East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery. Housed in a…
Hidden Colchester Walking Trail
Take a walk through the backstreets, lanes and alleys of Colchester to discover its secrets…
Hollytrees Museum
Hollytrees Museum is located in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park. This attractive Georgian town…
Layer Marney Tower
Layer Marney Tower near Colchester in Essex is the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the UK, a magnificent…
Mercury Theatre
The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Essex is at the heart of the city's arts scene - an active…
Roman Circus Visitor Centre
The site of the Roman circus was identified in 2004 and represents the only known Roman circus in…
St Botolph's Priory, Colchester
St Botolph's Priory was the first English Augustinian priory church, founded at the end of the…
The Munnings Art Museum
Each year a changing selection of 150 paintings and drawings from the museum’s significant…
The Siege of Colchester - Walking Trail
During the second English Civil War in 1648, Colchester found itself under siege as parliamentarian…
The Wivenhoe Trail
One of the most popular walks in Colchester, the Wivenhoe Trail is an informal route of about 5…
WyvernWood
Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with children…