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Visit Colchester
Visit Colchester - Britain's first Roman city. Watch our film to discover what awaits you.
Colchester in Essex is Britain's oldest recorded town and was the first city and capital in Roman Britain. Its rich history dates back over 2000 years.
But it's not just history. 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
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Sat 24 Nov 2018 - Sun 20 Jan 2019
The Mercury panto is back, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever.
The Blockheads
Fri 14 - Sat 15 Dec 2018
The classic English Rock & Roll group play two nights at Colchester Arts Centre
Crouch Street Christmas Grotto
Sat 15 Dec 2018
Santa visits the St Helena Hospice store on Crouch Street
Darth Vader's Galactic Grotto 2018
Sat 15 Dec 2018
Darth Vader has felt your presents, at Ace Comics.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Music of Vince Guaraldi
Sun 16 Dec 2018
Nostalgic Christmas Jazz at Colchester Arts Centre
Christmas Poetry Bash w/ John Cooper Clarke + more
Sat 22 Dec 2018
The annual festive bout of local poetry heroes at Colchester Arts Centre
Snow White, Rose Red, Brown Bear
Sun 23 - Mon 31 Dec 2018
After the huge success of Rapunzel, Theatre of Widdershins is back with a brilliant fairy tale adventure for kids aged 4 to 104
New Year's Day Walk - High Woods
Tue 1 Jan 2019
The traditional New Year's Day 3 mile long ranger-led walk through the park followed by a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie.Wrap up warm
Colchester Operatic Society present: Annie
Wed 30 Jan - Sat 9 Feb 2019
Classic Music at the Mercury Theatre
12th Colchester Winter Beer Festival
Wed 30 Jan - Sat 2 Feb 2019
A Three-Day Beer Festival in Colchester Town Centre
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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