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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
Snapping the Stiletto: Essex Women
Sat 9 Nov 2019 - Sat 18 Jan 2020
Exhibition celebrating Essex Women in Hollytrees Museum
Antony Gormley: Field for the British Isles
Fri 15 Nov 2019 - Sun 8 Mar 2020
Experience this vast and iconic artwork at Firstsite
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 23 Nov 2019
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester. Meet at the Visit Colchester Information Centre
Christmas Light Switch On 2019
Wed 27 Nov 2019
We have our yearly Christmas Light Switch On EXTRAVAGANZA! Join us for an evening not to be forgotten.
Guided Walk: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Sat 30 Nov 2019
Guided Walking Tours of Colchester. Meet at the Visit Colchester Information Centre
Christmas Celebration and Light Switch On
Sun 1 Dec 2019
Join us for the annual spectacular, which marks the beginning of Christmas in town. Expect to see bands, choirs and street performers throughout the day, with an appearance from Santa on stage for the Big Light Switch-On at 5pm.
Dear Santa
Wed 4 Dec 2019
What better way to celebrate Christmas than with author Rod Campbell’s festive story DEAR SANTA.
Colchester United v Salford City
Sat 7 Dec 2019
League 2 Football at the Weston Homes Community Stadium
Colchester Christmas Market Day on the High Street
Sun 8 Dec 2019
Christmas Street Market in Colchester Town Centre
Day Out With Thomas
Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec 2019
Thomas and Friends appear at the East Anglian Railway Museum
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
