Looking for affordable activities over the October half-term in Essex? Why not Visit Colchester this October Half-Term for FREE or budget-friendly activities for kids and families. Home to history, fun and plenty of green spaces, you can mix education and entertainment to keep your little ones busy all week. Keep reading for inspiration and some great, Halloween-y activities!
Learn About Colchester's Roots with FUN Roman Trails
We offer a mix of free and paid trails on our website, so you can pick the perfect one for you based on your interests and needs. From audio tours to apps, there are plenty of options for exploring the city in an engaging way.
For the older or more adventurous learners, you may enjoy our Roman and Medieval Gates Self-Guided Walking Route, which takes you all around the city with 2000 years of stories. There is a free digital copy on our website, or you can purchase a printed copy at the Visitor Information Centre. And for our younger visitors - or, regardless of age, someone looking for an interactive route - why not follow our Roman Trivia Trail to learn a bit more about the city?
Walk along the Roman walls and explore the city's history.
Inspire Your Inner Artist at Colchester's FREE Art Galleries
Firstsite Art Gallery is home to a variety of exhibits with modern art from around the world, chosen to inspire, empower and open your mind. Thismuseum is open Tuesday - Sunday and is free to enter.
Or, on the complete opposite end of the timeline, why not visit The Minories Galleries, which is Colchester's oldest art gallery? Located in a listed Georgian building, you'll find rotating exhibits, including work from local artists. Level Best Cafe also has a small art collection for perusal, and you may enjoy some freshly baked goodies, using locally-grown ingredients.
There are even more galleries beyond the city centre, so why not visit The Sentinel Gallery in Wivenhoe or the Art Exchange on the University of Essex campus.
Firstsite art gallery hosts a variety of modern art exhibits.
Treat Yourself to Family Fun with BONUS Activities and Trails
A great option for unlimited year-long fun is the Colchester Museums Pass, which includes admission to both Hollytrees Museum and Colchester Castle for a whole year. With discounted rates for Colchester residents, it's definitely worth investing if you plan to visit more than once in a year - you can ask for more information at the Colchester Castle front desk.
Some of the city's attractions are offering additional activities and trails this half-term, giving you the opportunity to get more bang for your buck. This half-term, you'll be able to Visit the Armoury in Colchester Castle and handle some historic objects. There are also other paid extra activities including the Monstrous Medieval Trail and the Haunted History Family Tour.
Enjoy Some Spooky Outdoors Fun Highwoods Country Park
High Woods Country Park is also offering some spooktacular events this half-term, with Halloween High Jinks, Spooky Crafts and a Halloween Trail gracing the woods. Join in with a ghoulish ghost walk, or make broomsticks, whittled wands and scary spider webs with the team before capping off the session with hot chocolate and marshmallows around the fire.
While the weather may be changing and the cold coming in quickly, there's still time to explore some of the city's green spaces and nature trails. From Dedham's beautiful, picturesque settings to the river-side Wivenhoe Trail, these routes are a perfect, adventurous alternative to screen-time and a great opportunity to unwind as a family.
High Woods Country Park is one of the lovely green spaces you could explore this half-term. Credit: Dennis White
