Hollytrees House framed by Wisteria

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About

Colchester's Castle Park is a large, scenic and well maintained Victorian park in the heart of Colchester's town centre. As well as being a perfect location for a spot of fresh air, quick walk, or picnic the park also provides a perfect setting for a huge range of events including shows, festivals and concerts. 

Free to explore and fully accessible throughout, the park grounds include notable historic sites, including the Roman Wall, Victorian Bandstand, and the Castle itself. A second museum, Hollytrees Museum sits within it's grounds and tells a social history of the town as well as housing the Visitor Information Centre for the town. You'll discover a fish pond and boating lake at opposite ends of the grounds and the river Colne flows through the Northern end of the site. There's an extensive play area for children, well tended gardens (including Colchester's famous rose beds) and numerous short walks and intriguing paths to follow. 

A mini golf course can be found in the lower park, and during the warmer months swan peddalos operate on the boating lake.

The Cafe in the Park offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as serving ice-creams and takeaway refreshments to enjoy.

Castle Park also hosts Colchester town centre's Park Run every Saturday morning.

PLEASE NOTE: Dogs and cycling are not permitted in the Upper Park, but are allowed in the the Lower Park

Trails, Activities and Walks

Download a Castle Park Tree Trail
Castle Park History & Nature trails for families
Seasonal Worksheet for kids, courtesy of the Friends of Castle Park

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Changing Places
  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets - Disabled toilets require a RADAR key to access. A Changing Places facility is available but requires a code that must be requested from the borough council in advance.

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Guided tours for groups - Guided tours can be arranged for groups. Please contact the Visitor Information Centre.

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Grounds for outdoor activities
  • Leisure facilities onsite
  • Venue approved for civil marriage

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Gift shop - Gifts can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre in Hollytrees Museum
  • Public toilets

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Colchester

Road Directions

By Road:Main Entrance at the east end of Colchester High Street.Parking is available with a charge at any of the towns' car parks. The nearest car parks are Nunn's Road, Priory Street and Osborne StreetAccessible by Public Transport: Colchester Town station is 0.5 miles away.

Castle Park

Type:Park

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Tel: 01206 282962

Fax: 01206 855287

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVistEngland VAQAS Gold VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018
  • Other AwardsGreen Flag Award Green Flag Award 2020

Opening Times

Open Christmas
Open New Year
Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* Open dawn to dusk everyday of the year. Park locked in the evenings - check gates for details.
Some parts of the park may be closed off during events.