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Visit Colchester
Visit Colchester - Britain's first Roman city. Watch our film to discover what awaits you.
Welcome to Colchester! A historic Essex town, Britain's first city and former capital of Roman Britain. Its rich history dates back over 2000 years.
But it's not all about the past. 21st Century Colchester is a thriving, modern town with first class visitor attractions, including the family favourites Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle, as well as fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
Poised at the gateway to East Anglia with picturesque villages and only minutes away from the coast, the Colchester area is the perfect destination for a well-deserved short break, day trip or family holiday.
Explore the Beautiful Borough
There's more to Colchester than the historic town centre, with the borough covering more than 135 square miles of scenic Essex coast and countryside.
From island life on Mersea, jam-making in Tiptree, and the heart of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale, there's a wealth of small towns and villages just a short distance from Colchester' town centre, all with their own unique character and stories to tell. Sometimes the smallest villages hold the most unlikely secrets!
Stay a few days and explore the Beautiful Borough of Colchester, and share your experiences with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the #BeautifulBorough hashtag.
What to do in Colchester?
With Roman Ruins, a Norman Castle, and Civil War scars - Colchester's history can be explored without even leaving the town centre, but head further afield and discover even more!
With both a Zoo and a Castle Colchester is off to a great start for any adventurous children. There's more to see and do whatever the weather, and it doesn't have to break the bank.
With three theatres and several art galleries, including the internationally recognised Firstsite, Colchester is the cultural hub of Essex and the local region.
Constable Country and Mersea Island are on Colchester's doorstep, as well as several award winning parks, gardens and nature reserves, there's plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors.
Events in Colchester - Highlights
Black Buoy Real Ale and Cider Festival
Fri 3 - Mon 6 May 2019
Beer Festival at the Black Buoy, Wivenhoe.
Jane's Walk - Colchester 2019
Fri 3 - Tue 7 May 2019
An international weekend of local walks led by local people on local themes (‘citizen-led, walking conversations’), taking place in towns and cities around the world, honouring the legacy of the urbanist, writer and activist, Jane Jacobs.
The Man who Painted Colchester and Sudbury
Sat 4 May - Sun 2 Jun 2019
An exhibition of the work of Charles Debenham at Chappel Galleries
Bandstand: John Seeley’s Jazz and Saxophone Group
Sun 5 May 2019
Free concert on Castle Park's Victorian Bandstand
May Bank Holiday Festival
Sun 5 - Mon 6 May 2019
Join us over the May bank holiday for a weekend of family fun…! Steam train rides all day long, have a go at driving a diesel locomotive or take a punt on the Pump Trolley - face painting, bungee trampolines and lots of stalls.
Preloved Vintage Clothing Kilo Sale
Sun 5 May 2019
Brought to you by Preloved Vintage Wholesale. Stocked by us and run by us. Come straight to the wholesaler for bargain prices!
More events around town
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Plan your visit
Colchester Visitor Information Centre
Tel: +44 (0) 1206 282920
Email: vic@colchester.gov.uk
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