-Stacey-England-1200-480.jpg "Visit Colchester Colchester Zoo - photo: Stacey England")
Colchester offers every visitor a huge range of great things to see and do and interesting places to visit, whatever your taste or budget. With so many activities, events, places to eat, drink & shop to choose from, you never need be at a loss for things to do in Colchester and the surrounding area.
There are plenty of attractions and activities in Colchester town centre and beyond, whether you’re looking for things to do in Colchester today or want to plan ahead and find out what’s going on when you visit.
Find your Colchester accommodation now and plan your perfect fun-packed visit to Colchester, full of great activities and unforgettable experiences.
Things to do in Colchester Today
RA250: Sir Alfred Munnings and the Royal Academy
Fri 30 Mar - Wed 31 Oct 2018
Exhibition celebrating Alfred Munnings as Past President of the Royal Academy
Colchester In The First World War
Mon 2 Jul 2018 - Sun 6 Jan 2019
Exhibition commemorating WWI in Colchester Castle
Green Island Gardens
Thu 26 Jul - Fri 30 Nov 2018
Green Island Gardens are private gardens, open for the public to visit in Ardleigh near Colchester, Essex. 20 acres of woodland and gardens with nursery and tearooms
Coastal Open
Fri 21 Sep - Sun 28 Oct 2018
The Coastal Open is a celebration of local artists, giving a chance to display their talent in arts and crafts. It gives an opportunity to demonstrate what inspires them about their community, environment and heritage through their artwork.
Caroline Walker: Home
Thu 27 Sep - Sat 3 Nov 2018
Caroline Walker's ambitious and compelling large-scale paintings of refugee women in London.
Imran Perretta: 15 days
Thu 27 Sep - Sat 3 Nov 2018
Imran Perretta's ’15 days’ is inspired by the time that the artist spent in Calais with former inhabitants of the refugee camp known as the Jungle, who are now living in surrounding woodland.
Raqs Media Collective: Not Yet At Ease
Sat 29 Sep - Mon 31 Dec 2018
Exhibition as part of #1418NOW at Firstsite
flyingleaps: Art on the Streets
Tue 2 Oct 2018 - Sun 6 Jan 2019
Firstsite, Colchester, is delighted to announce a group exhibition featuring posters by eight artists: Magda Archer, Dolores De Sade, Jeremy Deller, Dr. D, Heath Kane, kennardphillips, Oddly Head, Simon Roberts and Mark Titchner.
Scaresville - The Haunted Village
Wed 3 Oct - Sat 3 Nov 2018
Scaresville - The Haunted Village, East Anglia's award winning premier Scare Attraction.
Scaresville
Wed 3 Oct - Sat 3 Nov 2018
Scaresville - The Haunted Village. East Anglia's award winning premier Scare Attraction.
SILENCE
Fri 12 - Sat 20 Oct 2018
A Made in Colchester production is opening in the Mercury Studio prior to a UK Tour.
Regius Lecture: An ever more violent world?
Tue 16 Oct 2018
Professor Kristian Skrede Gleditsch, newly appointed Regius Professor of Political Science at University of Essex will discuss conflict resolution at his Regius Lecture.
Robin Ince: Chaos of Delight
Tue 16 Oct 2018
Robin Ince mashes up the two cultures of art and science in this celebration of the human mind from Bohemians to Black Holes, Dali to DNA, another of his stand up sort of lectures.
Attractions
What is there to see in Colchester?
- Find out what to visit on your trip to Colchester by browsing Colchester's Top Attractions.
- Watch our great videos and discover some of the Borough's hidden gems
- Explore the town's fantastic historical and cultural attractions including Colchester Castle and Firstsite Art Gallery
- Get back to nature in the town's parks, gardens and nature reserves, or for some more exotic animals why not visit Colchester Zoo?
-Scott-Davey-320-213.jpg "Colchester Zoo. Photo: Scott Davey")
Activities
Activity Suggestions in Colchester
- Get out and about with some great walking routes and cycle paths around the Colchester area
- Browse our featured venues that are sure to keep you busy - from where to play a round of golf to the location of Europe's finest roller-rink.
- Discover our secrets for wearing out the kids with our great activites listings.
Walking & Cycling
- Get great suggestions for popular walking and cycling routes
- There are walks for all abilities - take a stroll around the park, or embark on the 81 mile Essex Way
- Download maps to help you find your way
- Learn what landmarks to keep an eye out for along your route
Family Fun
Great For Kids
- Discover attractions that are great for kids around Colchester
- Keep the children entertained whatever the weather.
- Keep an eye on our child-friendly event listings
- Check back regularly for special features on what's on in the school holidays in Colchester.
- Find great activities happening all year round that are both fun and informative.
Fun For Free
- See what's happening in Colchester that won't break the bank.
- Find out which venues have free entry, and what events won't cost you a penny.
- Discover historic sites and museums with no charges
- Explore cultural venues with no entrance fees
- Find Nature Reserves and Parks that are completely free to explore
Watch Our Family Day Out Video
History, Art and Culture
Culture & Heritage
- Learn about Colchester's history and heritage spanning back over 2000 years.
- Discover great heritage sites and historical attractions to visit
- Explore Colchester's Artistic Heritage, from the Romans to the present day
- Browse through local Galleries, Arts Venues, and the contemporary art scene.
Theatre & Art Galleries
- Explore the artistic side of Colchester.
- Learn about Colchester's Arts Venues including three theatres and a dedicated Arts Centre
- Find out what plays and shows are on during your stay
- Discover a selection of featured local galleries and preview the exhibitions that will be running during your stay.
Shopping
- Get a feel for the small lanes with their independent outlets and boutique stores.
- Discover East Anglia's largest department store - Fenwick Colchester.
- Enjoy shopping for branded goods at a fantastic selection of High Street chain stores, in our pedestrianised shopping precincts.
- Browse our dedicated event listings for markets, fairs and other pop-up shopping experiences.
More Things To Do
Tours & Sightseeing
Itineraries
Nightlife
