Discover Colchester's incredible past through our historic attractions and the city streets themselves.
Having once been Britain's First City and the former capital of Roman Britain, our incredible history dates back over 2000 years. On a visit to our city you'll discover that the historic centre is ripe for exploring, with important heritage sites waiting to be found around every corner.
Colchester was recently gifted modern city status, confirming that we're not all about the past. 21st Century Colchester is also a thriving, modern destination filled with first class visitor attractions and cultural sites, as well as fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
Let us inspire you.
Beyond the city centre, you can discover popular destinations like Mersea Island and Constable Country in the Dedham Vale, as well as the highly regarded Colchester Zoological Society.
Poised at the gateway to East Anglia with picturesque villages on its doorstep, and located only minutes away from the coast, the Colchester area is the perfect destination for a well-deserved short break, day trip or family holiday.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with all the latest events, plus information about some of the city's top attractions.
Places to Visit
Check out our most popular attractions including Colchester Zoological Society and the Castle…
What's On
From pop-up markets to huge summer festivals, check out our What's On guide.
Places to Stay
Boutique or budget - there's accommodation options for every taste in Colchester.
Colchester for Groups
Learn more about great days out for groups, young and old alike!
Sample Local Food and Drink
Sample Mersea Oysters, Tiptree Jam or a locally brewed beer.
Explore our Coast and Countryside
Discover the wider city area, including Dedham Vale and Mersea Island.
Colchester Then and Now: VE Day 80
The Colchester: Then & Now project is part of a wider engagement and outreach…
Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
Margaret Cavendish: Trailblazer
This Valentine's Day, Colchester Museums announces the opening of a new exhibition at Hollytrees…
Knights and Dragons Trail
From the 24th May to the 1st of June, pick up a fun paper trail and explore Colchester Castle…
Getting Started with Drawing
Getting Started with Drawing, is a relaxed and beginner-friendly drawing workshop, where you'll…
Bank Holiday Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
Explore the Armoury
Drop-in sessions are available from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on 26th, 28th & 30th May. As well as…
Fairy-tale Storytelling
Gather round inside Colchester Castle on the 26th (1.30-2pm) 28th (2-2.30pm), or 30th of May…
Family Tour: Knights in Training
Guided tours will run from 11 – 11.45am and 2.30 – 3.15pm everyday between Monday 26th…
Meet the Hollytrees Servants
Head to Hollytrees Museum on the 27th or 29th of May from 10 AM to 12 PM for Secrets…
ROMAN & MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL 2025
ROMAN & MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL 2025 ⚔️ When: June 7th & 8th, 2025 10:30am to 5:00 pm Where: Lower…
All about Kids - Colchester Family fest
All About Kids Colchester Family Fest 2025 After a sellout first event last year, we're back…
COLCHESTER FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 2025
COLCHESTER FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 2025 When: June 28th & 29th, 11am–6pm both days Where…
Food and Drink Festival 2025
There will be lots of old favourites and this year we have some new and exciting stalls and products…
Tendring Show
A one day agricultural show including livestock classes, heavy horses, Food and Drink Pavilion…
Busted
The much-loved British band Busted has been announced as the latest headliner for the Colchester…
Craig David TS5
Craig David brings his incredible TS5 set to Castle Park, headlining the first Colchester Castle…
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell
Undisputed kings of UK reggae, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline a huge day of reggae, sunshine…
Texas
Scottish legends Texas have announced a huge show as part of the Colchester Castle Summer Series on…
Sweet & Sour: The Ultimate Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo
Get ready for an electrifying night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet…
Visit Colchester Information Centre
The Colchester Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is the tourist office for Colchester, situated in…
Visit Colchester 2025 Visitor Guide
The official Visitor Guide to Colchester, packed with lots of information on places to…
A Walking Tour of the Roman and Medieval Gates
'Walking the walls' is a great way to explore Colchester's history. The…
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Beth Chatto Gardens in a beautiful outdoor space near Colchester. Covering 6 acres…
Castle Park
Colchester's Castle Park is a large, scenic and well maintained Victorian park in the heart of…
Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple…
Colchester Zoological Society
Colchester Zoological Society is set within over 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes and…
Firstsite
Firstsite is Colchester and the East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery. Housed in a…
Hidden Colchester Walking Trail
Take a walk through the backstreets, lanes and alleys of Colchester to discover its secrets…
Hollytrees Museum
Hollytrees Museum is located in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park. This attractive Georgian town…
Layer Marney Tower
Layer Marney Tower near Colchester in Essex is the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the UK, a magnificent…
Mercury Theatre
The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Essex is at the heart of the city's arts scene - an active…
Roman Circus Visitor Centre
The site of the Roman circus was identified in 2004 and represents the only known Roman circus in…
St Botolph's Priory, Colchester
St Botolph's Priory was the first English Augustinian priory church, founded at the end of the…
The Munnings Art Museum
Each year a changing selection of 150 paintings and drawings from the museum’s significant…
The Siege of Colchester - Walking Trail
During the second English Civil War in 1648, Colchester found itself under siege as parliamentarian…
The Wivenhoe Trail
One of the most popular walks in Colchester, the Wivenhoe Trail is an informal route of about 5…
WyvernWood
Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with children…