Whether you're staying in a hotel in the centre, or a Bed and Breakfast a little further afield, you'll want to start your day in the heart of Colchester: The City Centre.
This is an absolutely jam-packed itinerary which is not for the faint hearted; from dusk to dawn, you'll be busy and ready to go, and see some of the city's best spots in just one day. Please be aware that a lot of restaurants and attractions have varied opening hours, so be sure to check on their websites for the most up-to-date opening.
If you have a bit more time and fancy exploring some of Colchester's wonderful surrounding towns, you might enjoy one of our day trips to spots like Wivenhoe or Chappel.
9am: Start Your Day with a Hearty Breakfast
With a big day ahead of you, it's important to fuel up appropriately. In the city centre, you'll find plenty of sit-down breakfast options, serving up a variety of tasty goods. Be sure to check individual opening times, as these may vary throughout the week, and adjust your plans accordingly.
Is there anything better than a full English to get you ready for the day? We think not. Cafe 21 have a classic and a vegetarian version of the tasty dish available, and a few other breakfast classics, like Eggs Benedict and Smashed Avocado. Or, consider starting bright and early with Sip and Tuck, who offer a seasonal Summer Breakfast, complete with curd and pine nuts.
Bill's is a fan-favourite, familiar restaurant which serves breakfast and brunch, featuring pancakes and plenty of egg variations!
For familiarity, Bill's is conveniently located on the High Street and serves up one of Colchester's broadest breakfast selections, featuring pancakes, vegan options, and nearly every egg variety imaginable.
Level Best Enterprises' 'Art Cafe' is an affordable option, serving up tasty food full of heart. With locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, Level Best Enterprises are passionate about providing high-quality work and life skills training for adults and young people with learning disabilities. Plan considerately though, as these tasty dishes aren't available on the weekend.
If you'd prefer a later rise and are willing to sacrifice a few activities later in your day, you'll be able to enjoy brunch at some of these spots too.
10am: Explore one of the City's Top Treasures: Colchester Castle
One of Colchester's top attractions is our historic Norman castle: Colchester Castle. With over 2000 years of history, you'll find lots of information about the city's Roman history, and artefacts found in the city over the past two centuries.
For an extra special experience, why not take a guided walking tour to learn more about the castle's history? Leaving on the hour from 12pm-4pm, a specially trained local guide will take you into the vaults and up to the roof (weather dependent!), and shed some light on the city's Roman Temple, which once stood on the Castle's grounds.
If you find yourself with some extra time, you might enjoy exploring Castle Park. This beautiful green space is loved by locals and visitors alike, and is tended to by a dedicated team.
Tended to by a team of dedicated gardeners, Castle Park is a gorgeous green space which is loved by locals and visitors alike. Split into two sections: Upper and Lower castle park, the grounds are home to a small lake, a playground, cafes, a mini golf outlet and Colchester Castle.
1pm: Take a Midday Break with a Spot of Lunch
We hope you have worked up an appetite in your explorations, because it's time for lunch! Castle Park is the perfect starting point for your foodie ventures as you're only a few minutes from the city centre, and also have some options within and around the park.
Within Castle Park, you can enjoy a cafe-style lunch at Cafe in the Park or Putt in the Park - but be sure to check for their seasonal hours to avoid disappointment. Other lunch outlets nearby include Sip and Tuck, an independent shop which serves brunch and lunch items. Alternatively, No. 10 Museum Street offers breakfast, brunch and afternoon teas and snacks, with indoor and outdoor seating and a fantastic view of Colchester Castle.
You can learn more about the different food outlets available in Colchester on our 'Food and Drink' page. We also offer a dedicated 'Dietary Restrictions' page, to offer you some tasty - yet accessible - food and drink options.
2:30pm: Explore some of Colchester's Other Museums, or Shop 'Til You Drop the Wider City
Now that you've topped up your energy reserves with a spot of lunch, it's time to start exploring some of the city's other offerings. Colchester offers a mix of free and paid museums, including Firstsite for modern art, Hollytrees Museum for Colchester's social history, The Minories for local art, the Roman Circus Visitor Centre for information on Britain's only discovered Roman Circus, and the Natural History Museum. You can read about all the galleries and museums on offer on our dedicated page.
Be sure to check the opening times and dates so you don't get caught out, as some of our attractions take a hard-earned break on Mondays! Don't worry though, as come rain or shine, there's plenty to do. Alternatively, if you'd like a change of pace, why not explore some of the wonderful independent and big-name shops that are on offer in Colchester? You can read all about them here!
Inside the historically significant Norman castle, you'll find Colchester Castle Museum, which is well known for its accessibility and unique rotating exhibits. This is just one of the many fantastic museums and galleries in Colchester, covering everything from Romans to Modern Art.
4:30pm: Walk Around the Roman Walls and the City's Historical Landmarks
Take advantage of the last stretch of sunlight with a self guided walk around Britain's earliest Roman Walls, which were erected in the years following Boudicca's attack on Camulodunum. The 2 mile route includes some steep hills and uneven grassed areas, and takes you on an adventure alongside the country's best-preserved and longest town wall.
You can either download a digital map, or buy a printed map at the Visitor Information Centre. The map provides additional history and information about the route.
Another wonderful option for those interested in historic structures is St Botolph's Priory, which was the first Augustinian priory, founded at the end of the 11th Century. The priory has stood the test of time, with substantial and picturesque ruined remains surviving still, under the care of English Heritage.
The remains of St Botolph's Priory are picturesque, and definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
5:30pm: Savour the City's Flavours with Dinner and Drinks
Depending on your evening plans, you have plenty of good options. If you're seeing a show at the Mercury Theatre, a band at the Colchester Arts Centre or a film at the Odeon Cinema, Church Street Tavern serves up tasty, award-winning food. If you're a beer connoisseur, you can indulge your passion at Two Brews, who have one of the city's finest selections of beers.
Whether you're looking for upscale dining, a familiar favourite or a local delicacy, there are plenty of places to enjoy a dinner before your evening activity begins.
For a tried and true classic, why not grab a cheeky Nandos? If you're looking for a vibrant, sports-bar atmosphere, Hudson House and Walkabout are options not too far from the venues too, located along Head Street.
While The Headgate Theatre is a little bit further down Head Street, it's easily walkable from a number of great restaurants along Sir Isaac's Walk. You'll be able to find a selection of tasty dinner treats like jacket potatoes, curries and ramen.
Alternatively, if you're stopping in for a film at the Curzon Cinema, be sure to stop in at Three Wise Monkeys to sample their American-Barbeque-inspired cuisine. Three Wise Monkeys is also well regarded by locals for its beer and spirit selection, boasting a dedicated traditional ale and craft beers floor ('The Tap House') and onsite micro-brewery.
A beer tasting selection from Three Wise Monkeys
7pm: Catch an Evening Show or a Film
With an extensive event calendar and plenty of wonderful venues, you can always find something to do in Colchester. Whether you're seeing a theatre production at the Mercury Theatre or the Headgate Theatre, seeing a world-famous comedian at Charter Hall, watching a film at Firstsite, Curzon or Odeon, or being dazzled by a local performer at Coda or Three Wise Monkeys, there are plenty of ways to be entertained. You can read all about the amazing events on offer on our 'What's On' page!
If you're at the Mercury Theatre, you can also enjoy an after-show treat at their beautiful bar!
Enjoy a grand performance at the Mercury Theatre, or one of the city's other wonderful entertainment offerings.
10:30pm: Tuck Yourself in at a Local Hotel
After a long day, it's time to tuck yourself comfortably into bed. There are plenty of great lodgings in the city centre and beyond, and you can peruse your options on our 'Places to Stay' page.
Some of the wonderful options located in the city centre include Greyfriars and The George Hotel, both located in beautifully historic buildings, and The North Hill Hotel for a homely, Bed and Breakfast feel. Further afield, you may enjoy Wivenhoe House Hotel, which is conveniently located on the grounds of the University of Essex and only a stone's throw from Wivenhoe.
Doesn't that sound like a great day? We think so! If you're looking for more inspiration, be sure to visit our Blog for Day Trip itineraries.
