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.
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.
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's centre, all with their own unique character and stories to tell. Sometimes the smallest villages hold the most unlikely secrets!
Stay a few days, explore the Beautiful Borough of Colchester, and share your experiences with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the #BeautifulBorough hashtag.
Events in Colchester - Highlights
The Dark - The Ultimate Scare Experience
Fri 18 - Thu 31 Oct 2019
Enter the DARK side of Colchester at Rollerworld
Day Out With Thomas
Sat 26 - Sun 27 Oct 2019
Thomas and Friends appear at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Shriek Week
Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov 2019
‘Shriek Week’ returns to Colchester Zoo this October half term! Join in with our fantastic themed displays and activities taking place every day between the 26th October – 3rd November!
NSPCC Book Fair
Sat 26 - Sun 27 Oct 2019
Over 35,000 BOOKS for sale at the NSPCC's annual book fair.
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 26 Oct 2019
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester. Meet at the Visit Colchester Information Centre
Colchester United v Newport County
Sat 26 Oct 2019
League 2 Football at the Weston Homes Community Stadium
The Serpent’s Curse - Escape at The Castle
Thu 31 Oct - Sun 3 Nov 2019
Unique Escape Room at Colchester Castle
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 2 Nov 2019
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester. Meet at the Visit Colchester Information Centre
Colchester Castle Park Fireworks
Tue 5 Nov 2019
Colchester's annual fireworks display in Castle Park
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 9 Nov 2019
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester. Meet at the Visit Colchester 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
