The reconstructed starting gates at the Roman Circus

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About

The site of the Roman circus was identified in 2004 and represents the only known Roman circus in Britain. It was a monumental structure and it may have seated up to 8,000 spectators: it would have been used as a venue for spectator sports, including chariot-racing. It was built in the early 2nd century CE and seems to have been in use for about 150 years.

The Roman circus site and visitor centre include outdoor and indoor displays, and a small (independently owned) cafe. The visitor centre is located at the end of  Roman Circus Walk, and it is accessible by car from Butt Road or by cycle/on foot from Circular Road North. There is disabled parking and limited visitor parking on site as well as two public car parks nearby in Butt Road and Napier Road.

Summer Season: April - September, 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Winter Season:  October to March, 11am - 3pm, Tuesday to Friday.

Please check website for up-to-date opening times and notices.


Entry ticket is £3 (£6 with a guided tour at 12 or 2pm). Children under 11 go free. Can book online or pay at the door.

The Roman Circus Cafe

The (independently owned) Roman Circus Cafe serves home-baked cakes and delicious light refreshments.

Wheelchair / pushchair accessible. Free Wi-Fi in circus centre and café.

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Entry & Guided Tour£6.00 per adult

Entrance £3, or £6 with tour of Roman Circus archaeological remains.
Children under 11 go FREE
No need to book, pay at the door.

Facilities

Other

  • Accessible Toilet

Accessibility

  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Staff are dementia aware

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)
  • Online Booking Possible

Catering

  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome - Children supervised by responsible adults please.

Group Travel

  • Out of Hours Visits

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Guided tours for groups
  • Mini Coach Parties Accepted

Languages

  • Spanish signs/guides

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Gift shop
  • Guided tours for individuals
  • Smoking not allowed
  • WiFi or internet access

Suitability

  • School Trips

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Colchester

Road Directions

Nearby public Pay & Display car-parks in Butt Road and Napier Road. Access for pedestrians and cycles from Circular Road North and Roman Circus Walk. Access for cars from Butt Road.The nearest railway station is Colchester Town (St Botolph's), which is 0.6 miles away.

Roman Circus Visitor Centre

Type:Roman Remains

Roman Circus Visitor Centre, Roman Circus Walk, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7GZ

Tel: 01206 501785

Awards

  • Other AwardsSelf-assessed Accessibility Information Self-assessed Accessibility Information

Opening Times

* April - September: Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10.00am to 4.00pm
October - March: Open Tuesdays to Fridays, 11.00am to 3.00pm.
The Roman Circus Visitor Centre is closed on bank holidays.
Please check website for up-to-date information.

For Cafe enquiries please call 07935 604640