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 the city you'll discover that the historic centre is ripe for exploring, with important heritage sites 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 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 including Mersea Island and Constable Country in the Dedham Vale, as well as the highly regarded Colchester Zoo.
Poised at the gateway to East Anglia with picturesque villages on its doorstep, and only minutes away from the coast, the Colchester area is the perfect destination for a well-deserved short break, day trip or family holiday.
Places to Visit
Check out our most popular attractions including Colchester Zoo and the Castle Museum!
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's 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.
Meet Santa At Lion Walk Shopping Centre
This festive season, Santa’s sleigh is making a special stop in Colchester, and he’s…
Popina at The Courtyard
Our brand new pop-up bar, Popina at The Courtyard, will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13th…
The Magic of Christmas
Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with our festive activities taking place…
Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle's enchanting grotto returns for 2024! This December, Father Christmas and his…
Enlightened - Castle Park Christmas Light Trail
Enlightened, a spectacular light trail in Colchester Castle Park is returning to the city this…
Christmas Open Day at Hollytrees Museum
On Saturday 7 December, Hollytrees Museum opens its doors for a free-entry day with activities for…
Colchester at Christmas; Guided Tour
Get in the mood for Christmas on our fun and entertaining guided tour of Colchester city centre!…
Colchester Farmers Market
Every month we now have a wonderful line up of nearly 30 stalls joining us selling a fantastic range…
Folk & Bespoke Craft Fair
Handmade shopping day for gifts and crafts at Firstsite Art Gallery. 40 small creative businesses…
Colchester Castle Open Evening
As a special festive treat, Colchester Castle’s FREE Christmas Open Evening returns for 2024…
Day Out With Thomas at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Join Thomas & Friends for family fun at the East Anglian Railway Museum. Take a train ride with…
Steam Days at the East Anglian Railway Museum
A firm favourite with families, they're a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride…
Colchester Town Hall Ghost Hunt
One of the most commonly recounted experiences is the sensation of being watched. Many claim to have…
Craig David TS5
Craig David brings his incredible TS5 set to Castle Park, headlining the first Colchester Castle…
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell
Undisputed kings of UK reggae, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is the next announcement for the…
Chris McCausland – YONKS!
You might have seen him on Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The…
Visit Colchester Information Centre
The Colchester Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is the tourist office for Colchester, situated in…
Visit Colchester 2024 Visitor Guide
The official Visitor Guide to Colchester, packed with lots of information on places to…
Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
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 Zoo
Colchester Zoo is set within over 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes and is home to over 155…
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…