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
Roman River Festival
Thu 20 - Sun 30 Sep 2018
Colchester's classical music festival returns, at different venues throughout the town
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Wed 26 Sep 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
Moll Flanders
Fri 28 Sep - Sat 13 Oct 2018
Daniel Defoe's classic novel, unfaithfully adapted for the stage.
Raqs Media Collective: Not Yet At Ease
Sat 29 Sep - Mon 31 Dec 2018
Exhibition as part of #1418NOW at Firstsite
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Sat 29 Sep 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
Apple Day hosted as part of National Organic Month
Sat 29 Sep 2018
Free Family activity day at High Woods Country Park's Big Garden
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Sat 6 Oct 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
Jason Manford: Muddle Class
Fri 12 Oct 2018
Jason Manford's nationwide tour comes to Colchester's Charter Hall
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Sat 13 Oct 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
Robin Ince: Chaos of Delight
Tue 16 Oct 2018
Robin Ince mashes up the two cultures of art and science in this celebration of the human mind from Bohemians to Black Holes, Dali to DNA, another of his stand up sort of lectures.
From Camulodunum to Colchester Guided Walking Tour
Sat 20 Oct 2018
Guided Tour through the Town Centre. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre
Rotten Romans and Naughty Normans Walk
Sat 20 Oct 2018
Back by popular demand, especially for October half term, the Rotten Romans, Naughty Normans, and Victorious Victorians family guided walk
STICK MAN LIVE
Mon 22 - Wed 24 Oct 2018
Touching, funny and utterly original, Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is coming to the Mercury Theatre.
Oktoberfest Colchester
Fri 26 - Sat 27 Oct 2018
Returning for the second year, the world famous Oktoberfest is coming to Colchester.
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
