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Wivenhoe is a small riverside town, close to the University of Essex, with a history of fishing and boat building. Whilst some of this industry remains, it now has a healthy population of students and creatives giving it a unique character within the borough.
Wivenhoe's small High Street has a collection of independent businesses and eateries, whilst a number of attractive pubs are dotted thoughout the town. You can also find the Sentinel Art Gallery, and Nottage Museum close to the riverside in the town.
The University is located in Wivenhoe Park, between Colchester and Wivenhoe, where the once-criticised brutalist architecture is gaining new-found respect and popularity. The park itself, was famously painted by John Constable, and the juxtaposition of 20th century architecture with scenic countryside makes a visually arresting combination.
Within a morning's walk from Colchester Town Centre, and serviced by a regular rail service, Wivenhoe is a popular destination with walkers visiting Colchester. Take the Town to Sea Trail to Colchester's historic Hythe port, then follow the Wivenhoe trail along the bank of the River Colne. Enjoy a pub lunch, then head back to town on the train or bus.
The University of Essex is relatively self-contained on its Wivenhoe Park campus, with its own theatre, gallery, and the obligatory bars, nightclubs and eateries. There is a large proportion of international students attending the university, with many of them living within the campus grounds, making the grounds a lively and vibrant place to visit.
The grounds themselves are expansive and offer good opportunities for walking and exploring, with first class sports facilities there are also plenty of activities to take part in, and a number of competitive teams to watch in action.
Within the grounds lies the historic Wivenhoe House, a hotel training school which offers on campus accomodation to guests visiting the University as well as Colchester itself.
One of the most popular walks in Colchester is the Wivenhoe Trail, following the River Colne from Colchester's historic Hythe port, along its banks towards the Wivenhoe Quayside.
You can start the walk from Hythe (Essex) rail station, just a short hop of Colchester mainline station, or extend it by beginning in Colchester Town Centre and following the Town to Sea Trailalongside a section of the river further upstream.
The town to sea trail is marked with waymarkers illustrating Colchester's history, then as the route changes to the Wivenhoe trail, you cross the river next to the permanently moored TS Colne Lightship and continue through the Essex Countryside and local woodland towards your destination.
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Watch our specially created video for Heritage Open Days 2021 to discover Wivenhoe's links to two significant stage actors from the 19th and 20th century.
10 Sep 2021
The Wivenhoe Trail is an informal route of about 5 miles, stretching from Colchester town centre to the riverside town of Wivenhoe.
Number of results: 9
Address
Ivor Crewe Building, University of Essex, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQTelephone
01206 304551Wivenhoe, Colchester
Join the renowned and energetic Ben Vonberg-Clark as he conducts his first concert as Musical Director for the University of Essex Choir in an extravaganza of uplifting classical Christmas music
Address
University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQTelephone
01206873016Colchester
Men's and Women's Professional Basketball at the Essex Sport Arena, based at The University of Essex
Address
Chapel Road, Wivenhoe, Colchester, CO7 9DXTelephone
07769945793Wivenhoe
A newly opened art gallery, located in the heart of Wivenhoe. Hosting regularly changing exhibitions of local artists of 2D and 3D, alongside Pru Green's own pottery workshop is a ceramic room of her pots and others with jewellery.
Colchester
Colchester's four-star luxury hotel once painted by Constable. Surrounded by glorious parkland, Wivenhoe House combines the romance and charm of an eighteenth century Grade II listed house with all the comforts of contemporary living.
Address
University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQTelephone
01206 873261Colchester
Lakeside Theatre is a hidden gem. We present the best in touring fringe theatre performances, home grown performances, music and local groups. Set in parkland with café, lakes, sculptures and ducks. Twitter @lakesidetheatre
Address
University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQTelephone
01206 873184Wivenhoe Park
Contemporary Art gallery on the University campus, showing temporary exhibitions and associated events. Parkland with lakes and sculptures.
Address
Nottage Institute, Wivenhoe, EssexTelephone
01206 824142Wivenhoe
A registered charity specialising in teaching RYA Shorebased Courses and other unique nautical courses. The Nottage also houses a maritime museum with a collection of paintings, photographs and models.
Address
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQTelephone
01206 873261Colchester
A pleasant walk around parts of the campus and Wivenhoe Park highlighting some of the notable trees. The route starts at Square 5 and will take around an hour, or longer if you linger over some of teh more interesting trees. There is a shorter…
Colchester
The contemporary brasserie is ideal for get-togethers with family & friends & for business gatherings. We use the best of British produce to create a fusion of great tastes and innovative culinary delights.
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