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
Essex Book Festival: Place Weekend
Sat 23 - Sun 24 Mar 2019
A weekend of book related talks and activities in Colchester
Colchester United v Tranmere Rovers
Sat 23 Mar 2019
League 2 fixture at the Jobserve Community Stadium
Kristin Hersh (Electric Trio)
Fri 29 Mar 2019
The former Throwing Muses frontwoman play at Colchester Arts Centre
Gyles Brandreth: Break A Leg!
Sat 30 Mar 2019
Gyles Brandreth brings his one man show to Colchester Arts Centre.
David Starkey - A Monarchy of Misfits
Tue 2 Apr 2019
The celebrated historianl on stage at the Mercury Theatre
Lee Mead - My Story: A Dream That Became A Reality
Fri 5 Apr 2019
West End Stories on stage at the Mercury Theatre
Colchester United v Oldham Athletic
Sat 6 Apr 2019
League 2 fixture at the Jobserve Community Stadium
Meet Flame The Dragon at Colchester Castle
Sun 14 Apr 2019
A dragon has been spotted at Colchester Castle, are you brave enough to come and meet him?
Seann Walsh - After This One I'm Going Home
Tue 16 Apr 2019
Stand Up Comedy at Colchester Arts Centre
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
