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 and is ripe for exploring.
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
Antony Gormley: Field for the British Isles
Fri 15 Nov 2019 - Sun 8 Mar 2020
Experience this vast and iconic artwork at Firstsite
The Chappel Winter Beer Festival
Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb 2020
The celebrated Beer Festival returns to the East Anglian Railway Museum
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 29 Feb 2020
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester depating from the Visitor Information Centre
Colchester United v Cheltenham Town
Sat 29 Feb 2020
League 2 Football at the Weston Homes Community Stadium
Out Of Space Presents 90s Dance Anthems
Sat 29 Feb 2020
Out of Space is a night dedicated to the best 90’s Dance Anthems.
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 7 Mar 2020
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester depating from the Visitor Information Centre
Essex Book Festival - Colchester Weekend
Sat 14 - Sun 15 Mar 2020
Essex Book Festival sets up camp in Colchester
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 14 Mar 2020
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester depating from the Visitor Information Centre
Colchester United v Scunthorpe United
Sat 14 Mar 2020
League 2 Football at the Weston Homes Community Stadium
Colchester United v Crewe Alexandria
Tue 17 Mar 2020
League 2 Football at the Weston Homes Community Stadium
Borders by Henry Naylor
Thu 19 - Sat 21 Mar 2020
"We built walls. We built borders. Round our hearts. Round our minds." Homs, Syria
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 21 Mar 2020
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester depating from the Visitor Information Centre
Borders by Henry Naylor
Wed 25 - Sat 28 Mar 2020
"We built walls. We built borders. Round our hearts. Round our minds." Homs, Syria
Borders by Henry Naylor
Thu 26 Mar 2020
"We built walls. We built borders. Round our hearts. Round our minds." Homs, Syria
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 28 Mar 2020
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester depating from the Visitor Information Centre
More events around town
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Plan your visit
