Visit Colchester - Britain's first Roman city. Watch our film to discover what awaits you.
Colchester in Essex is Britain's oldest recorded town and was the first city and capital in Roman Britain. Its rich history dates back over 2000 years.
But it's not just history. 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
An Evening with Astronaut Tony Antonelli
Thu 21 Feb 2019
A Pint of Science event in the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall at the University of Essex
Colchester United v Carlisle United
Sat 23 Feb 2019
League 2 fixture at the Jobserve Community Stadium
Talk: The Witchfinder General
Thu 28 Feb 2019
Witchfinder General: Matthew Hopkins and the East Anglian Witch-Hunt A talk from author and historian Malcolm Gaskill
The 10th Chappel Winter Beer Festival
Fri 1 - Sat 2 Mar 2019
Well regarded Beer Festival at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Jon Boden and The Remnant Strings
Mon 4 Mar 2019
Jon Boden "Ambitious, genre-busting folk" - The Guardian
Jason Manford: Muddle Class
Thu 7 Mar 2019
Jason Manford's nationwide tour comes to Colchester's Charter Hall
Essex Book Festival: UNSPEAKABLE
Fri 8 Mar 2019
Banned Books, Difficult Words and Taboos at Essex University
Snapping the Stiletto: Festival
Sat 9 Mar 2019
Snapping the Stiletto: Essex Women’s History Festival
Colchester United v Newport County
Sat 9 Mar 2019
League 2 fixture at the Jobserve Community Stadium
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
