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
Explore our most popular attractions including Colchester Zoological Society 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 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.
Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape
How do we make sense of a world in constant change? Discover how some of Britain's most…
Mythical Creatures
From 26 July 2025 until 22 February 2026, embark on a magical story quest through folklore and…
Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
Colchester Christmas Light Switch On 2025
Expect joyful harmonies from The Big Sing Choir, panto magic from Headgate Theatre’s…
Mother Goose
Roll up, roll up for the greatest show on earth! A panto perfect for the whole family. To celebrate…
The Magic of Christmas
Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with our festive activities taking place…
The Santa Experience at Colchester Zoological Society
Experience the magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo, but book soon as tickets to the North Pole are…
Enchanted: Trail of Light 2025
Enjoy a magical journey along a 1 mile route, featuring a BRAND NEW 40m light tunnel with over…
The Wivenhoe Art Trail
The next Wivenhoe Art Trail will take place from Friday 28 - Sunday 30 November 2025. A warm welcome…
InColchester Festive Market
The Annual Festive Market hosted by Colchester Market and the Colchester BID returns with up to 80…
Colchester Castle Open Evening
As a special festive treat, Colchester Castle’s FREE Christmas Open Evening returns for 2025…
Enlightened - Castle Park Christmas Light Trail
Enlightened, a spectacular light trail in Colchester Castle Park is returning to the city this…
Colchester Christmas Evening Market
Our Christmas Evening Market is looking very special! On the evening of December 13th we’ll be…
Shrek the Musical
This award-winning musical brings to life the world of Shrek live on stage in an unforgettable…
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…