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.
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
Mersea Island Food, Drink & Leisure Festival
Sat 25 - Sun 26 May 2019
Savour the Flavour of Island Life! Join us for fun in the sun by the sea, food and drink for all the family...
Transport Extravaganza
Sun 26 - Mon 27 May 2019
Classic Vehicle Show at the East Anglian Railway Museum
The Bird Alphabet exhibition of Sculpture painting
Mon 27 May - Sat 15 Jun 2019
Art exhibition at the Minories Galleries
Hospital Radio Colchester Family Fun Day
Mon 27 May 2019
Hospital Radio Colchester Annual Family Fun Day
34th Colchester Summer Real Ale and Cider Festival
Tue 28 May - Sat 1 Jun 2019
The well-loved Beer Festival returns to Colchester Arts Centre
Paul Young: 35 Years of 'No Parlez'
Sat 1 Jun 2019
Everyone’s favourite 80’s crooner Paul Young, Live at Charter Hall
Martin Newell at the Roman Circus
Sun 2 Jun 2019
A special one-man show of poetry performed in Martin's own unique style.
Craig David LIVE in Castle Park
Sun 2 Jun 2019
Craig David performs live in Colchester's Castle Park
Service to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day
Thu 6 Jun 2019
Wreath laying and unveiling of a flower bed in Castle Park
Colchester Day of Morris Men Dance
Sat 8 Jun 2019
The Colchester Morris Men dance throughout the town 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
