Visit Colchester - Britain's first Roman city. Watch our film to discover what awaits you.
Welcome to Colchester! A historic Essex town, Britain's first city and former capital of Roman Britain. Its rich history dates back over 2000 years.
But it's not all about the past. 21st Century Colchester is a thriving, modern town with first class visitor attractions, including the family favourites Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle, as well as fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
Poised at the gateway to East Anglia with picturesque villages 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.
Explore the Beautiful Borough
There's more to Colchester than the historic town centre, with the borough covering more than 135 square miles of scenic Essex coast and countryside.
From island life on Mersea, jam-making in Tiptree, and the heart of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale, there's a wealth of small towns and villages just a short distance from Colchester' town centre, all with their own unique character and stories to tell. Sometimes the smallest villages hold the most unlikely secrets!
Stay a few days and explore the Beautiful Borough of Colchester, and share your experiences with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the #BeautifulBorough hashtag.
What to do in Colchester?
With Roman Ruins, a Norman Castle, and Civil War scars - Colchester's history can be explored without even leaving the town centre, but head further afield and discover even more!
With both a Zoo and a Castle Colchester is off to a great start for any adventurous children. There's more to see and do whatever the weather, and it doesn't have to break the bank.
With three theatres and several art galleries, including the internationally recognised Firstsite, Colchester is the cultural hub of Essex and the local region.
Constable Country and Mersea Island are on Colchester's doorstep, as well as several award winning parks, gardens and nature reserves, there's plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors.
Events in Colchester - Highlights
The Colchester Food and Drink Festival
Sat 29 - Sun 30 Jun 2019
Colchester's Annual Food & Drink Festival returns to Castle Park
Colchester Pride 2019
Sat 29 Jun 2019
A fully accessible, inclusive, family friendly day celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Colchester and beyond
16 Air Assault Brigade & Colchester Garrison Show
Sat 29 Jun 2019
The 16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester Garrison take over Abbey Field,
Roman River Festival 2019 – Colchester Weekend
Thu 11 - Sun 14 Jul 2019
As part of the Roman River 2019 Festival we have included the exciting innovation of a Colchester weekend in July, crammed full of musical treats for you to enjoy.
Colchester United Annual Open Day
Sun 14 Jul 2019
Join us here at the JobServe Community Stadium on Sunday 14th July for our fantastic Open Day!
Essex Castle Bike Ride
Sat 20 Jul 2019
Enjoy a great day's cycling and raise vital funds for charity!
Tom Jones - Live in Castle Park
Sun 21 Jul 2019
Sir Tom Jones brings his band to Colchester's Castle Park.
An Extraordinary Steampunk Fair
Sun 21 Jul 2019
Ladies and gentlemen…we cordially invite you to join us at the East Anglian Railway Museum for this, our first ever Steampunk fair hosted in conjunction with the League of Essexordinary Gentlemen.
More events around town
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Plan your visit
Colchester Visitor Information Centre
Tel: +44 (0) 1206 282920
Email: vic@colchester.gov.uk
