-Stacey-England-1200-480.jpg "Visit Colchester Colchester Zoo - photo: Stacey England")
Colchester is full of fantastic visitor attractions waiting to be discovered.
History - Explore Roman ruins, Medieval buildings, and Civil War destrucion. Colchester has a fantastic local heritage and a unique history.
Culture - There's no shortage of great arts venues. Our galleries, theatres and arts centres always have something going on.
Nature - From Constable Country to the Essex Coast there are fantastic wild sites just a short distance from the town centre. Don't forget a trip to Colchester Zoo either to get up close with the animals and discover it's conservation programme.
Discover some of Colchester's Hidden Gems
Museums and Historic Attractions
Colchester Castle
A must-see for anyone visiting the town for it's history. A Norman keep built on the foundations of a Roman Temple destroyed by Boudicca, it now houses Colchester Castle Museum, home of many nationally important treasures including the recently discovered Fenwick hoard. It is also an excellent starting point for discovering the many other historic sites around town.
More Museums
Located in the grounds of the Castle you will find Hollytrees Museum, home of the Visitor Information Centre and a social history museum exploring a wide range of local curios, including a collection of longcase clocks, local portraits, and a fabulous dolls house replica of the museum itself. Just over the road you can also discover some of the town's wildlife in Colchester Natural History Museum.
Further Afield
Spend a day looking at various Roman and Medieval sites around the town, including the fantastic Roman Circus Centre. A little further and you can be transported back to the golden age of steam at the East Anglian Railway Museum, discover the history of Mersea at Mersea Island Museum, or even explore the history of Wilkins and Sons Ltd at the Tiptree Jam Museum & Tea Room.
Gardens & Parks In Colchester
Colchester Castle Park
Take time out from the bustle of the town centre with a visit to the classic Victorian Castle Park at the end of the High Street, awarded a Green Flag for its high standards. With a boating lake, ornamental flower displays, cafe, bandstand, and children's play area there's plenty to enjoy in the park, including of course the large Norman Castle after which it is named!
Beth Chatto Gardens
Any gardening fan must visit the world famous Beth Chatto Gardens - inspirationally transformed over four decades with plants especially selected to suit the local conditions. Don't miss the opportunity to take home some plants as souvenirs from the nursery, a favourite haunt of television gardeners!
More Parks and Gardens
At High Woods Country Park (once a Royal hunting forest), you can take a marked walking trail through the greenery. Soak up even more nature at a Local Nature Reserve: Fingringhoe Wick has a full events programme including children's activities related to its diverse habitats while Abberton Reservoir is a major place for bird watching.
Arts & Cultural Attractions
-240-160.jpg "James and the Giant Peach at Mercury Theatre")
