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.
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
Babe, The Sheep-Pig
Fri 27 Jul - Sun 26 Aug 2018
The classic children's tale live on stage at the Mercury Theatre
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Sat 18 Aug 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
Tudor Hands On Re-creation
Sat 18 - Mon 27 Aug 2018
Kentwell's largest Tudor event with over 200 costumed Tudors. This is your chance to try your hand, get involved and immerse yourself in to a living Tudor community. A wonderful family day out.
Wildlife Fair
Tue 21 - Wed 22 Aug 2018
Wildlife-filled day for families at the beautiful Beth Chatto Gardens just outside Colchester. FREE entry for children if adults book their tickets online in advance. Pond dipping, bee-related activities and much more.
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Wed 22 Aug 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
August Day Out With Thomas
Sat 25 - Mon 27 Aug 2018
Kids' activity day at the East Anglian Railway Museum
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Sat 25 Aug 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
The Siege of Colchester. Themed Walk
Sat 25 Aug 2018
Travel back to 1648 when the Civil War raged and Colchester lay under siege for 11 weeks
Simple Minds + The Pretenders + KT Tunstall
Sun 26 Aug 2018
Three iconic pop acts hit the stage in Colchester as part of a Nationwide Tour.
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Mon 27 Aug 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Wed 29 Aug 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Sat 1 Sep 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
Uncovering Roman Colchester. Themed Walk
Sat 1 Sep 2018
Follow in the footsteps of the Emperor Claudius and Queen Boudica as you discover Colchester’s fascinating Roman history.
Chappel Summer Beer Festival
Tue 4 - Sat 8 Sep 2018
Beer Festival at the East Anglian Railway Museum
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Wed 5 Sep 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information 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
