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
Autumn Worksheet for kids, courtesy of the Friends of Castle Park

Book Tickets

Events

Saturday, 3rd June 2023 - Sunday, 4th June 2023

Colchester Medieval FayreColchester Medieval Fayre and Oyster MarketColchester Medieval Fayre and Oyster Market returns to Castle Park
more info

Saturday, 10th June 2023 - Saturday, 10th June 2023

Sing with Songs of PraiseBBC Songs of Praise at Castle Park BandstandSongs of Praise is coming to Colchester’s Castle Park Bandstand and we would love you to join us!
more info

Sunday, 11th June 2023 - Sunday, 11th June 2023

Pipes in the Park 2023
more info

Saturday, 24th June 2023 - Sunday, 25th June 2023

The Colchester Food & Drink FestivalColchester Food & Drink FestivalThe annual Food and Drink Festival returns to Castle Park
more info

Wednesday, 28th June 2023 - Friday, 30th June 2023

Tuesday, 4th July 2023 - Saturday, 8th July 2023

Wednesday, 19th July 2023 - Saturday, 22nd July 2023

Castle Park Theatre - A Midsummer Night's DreamCastle Park Theatre - A Midsummer Night's DreamOutdoor Theatre in Colchester's Castle park
more info

Sunday, 2nd July 2023 - Sunday, 2nd July 2023

Open Air Theatre - Peter PanOpen Air Theatre - Peter PanOutdoor Theatre in Colchester's Castle park
more info

Sunday, 16th July 2023 - Sunday, 16th July 2023

Audience on camping chairs watching a bandstand concertCommunity Charities Festival: Bandstand ConcertA day of music on the Castle Park Bandstand
more info

Saturday, 29th July 2023 - Sunday, 30th July 2023

Colchester Roman FestivalA celebration of all things Roman returns to Colchester's Castle Park
more info

Thursday, 10th August 2023 - Sunday, 13th August 2023

Summer Social in Castle ParkSummer Social in Castle ParkMusic, Cinema and Street food over a (hopefully) hot August weekend in Colchester's Castle Park
more info

Saturday, 12th August 2023 - Saturday, 12th August 2023

IBIZA Live in Castle ParkIBIZA Live in Castle ParkA family friendly daytime festival in Colchester's Castle Park
more info

Saturday, 19th August 2023 - Sunday, 20th August 2023

Colchester Siege Spectacular logoColchester Siege SpectacularRe-enacting the epic Siege of Colchester in 1648, the English Civil War Society presents a wonderful free weekend of living history.
more info

Sunday, 27th August 2023 - Sunday, 27th August 2023

Olly Murs - Marry Me Tour 2023 - Colchester
more info

Saturday, 2nd September 2023 - Saturday, 2nd September 2023

Eco Festival 2023A free festival in Colchester Castle Park
more info

Friday, 8th September 2023 - Saturday, 9th September 2023

Colchester Anti Loo Roll FestivalColchester Anti Loo Roll FestivalThe Colchester Anti Loo Roll Festival returns to Castle Park for 2023.
more info

Sunday, 24th September 2023 - Sunday, 24th September 2023

Essex Classic Vehicle Show 2023Essex Classic Vehicle Show 2023
more info

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 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)

* 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.