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Colchester has a colourful history dating back over two thousand years. It's a history you can share by visiting the town's award-winning museums where you can see collections of international importance including the Fenwick Treasure and Colchester Mercury (pictured).
As Britain's First City and the former capital of Roman Britain Colchester has many important and unique Roman sites and ruins, but a lengthy history means there is plenty to discover from other eras of English History including the Normans, Tudors and Victorians who all contributed to Colchester's story, as well as the English Civil War which made significant marks on the town that can still be clearly seen today.
Historic Places to Visit in Colchester
Alongside Colchester Castle Museum, you can discover the history and heritage of Colchester at numerous attractions around the town. From the ruins of the country's 
oldest church to the winding streets of the Dutch Quarter where Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written, there are stories to be found and discoveries to be made around every corner.
Visit the only known Roman Circus in Britain, or learn about the social history of the town in Hollytrees Museum, if you're interested in history then you'll need more than just a day-trip to fit in everything Colchester has to offer - why not stay for a few days in one of our historic hotels?
Historic Places beyond the Town Centre
The Borough of Colchester extends beyond the town itself, and many of the nearby villages share a history that is just as fascinating.
Take a short car journey, or brief hop on public transport and you could discover Britain's largest Tudor Gateway in Layer Marney or the landscapes and buildings immortalised by some of England's finest painters scattered throughout Constable Country and the Dedham Vale.
The history and heritage of this part of Essex and East Anglia is as widespread as it is ancient, and it is all easily accessible from Colchester.
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Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe and houses the town's main museum- 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
- An important part of Colchester's rich history with three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts displayed in an attractive Georgian town house from 1718.
- 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
- 1 Jan 202131 Dec 2021
Number of results: 39
, currently showing 21 to 39.
Address
The National Trust, Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1RETelephone
01376 562226Coggeshall
Grange Barn stands as a reminder of the once powerful Coggeshall Abbey; with ancient pillars soaring to a cathedral like roof.
Address
Dedham High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DETelephone
01206 322136Dedham
*TEMPORARILY CLOSED EXCEPT FOR SERVICES* The church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin in 1492 when the present building was begun, is not the first church to have been built upon this site.
Address
Langham Lane, Langham, Nr Colchester, Essex, CO4 5NWTelephone
01206 865275Nr Colchester
Boxted Airfield Museum. The most important US fighter base in the UK in WW2.
Address
Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 9NWColchester
16th century chapel, built as the burial place for the Audley family.
Address
Hythe Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PNColchester
A Grade II listed Church dating from the 14th Century, St Leonards bears traces of the Civil War and has some notable historic and artistic features.
Address
Timberfields, Off Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJTelephone
01255 502872Harwich
Museum contains the last Clacton off-shore. Oakley Class Lifeboat 34ft and a history of the lifeboat service in Harwich.
Address
Nottage Institute, Wivenhoe, EssexTelephone
01206 824142Wivenhoe
A registered charity specialising in teaching RYA Shorebased Courses and other unique nautical courses. The Nottage also houses a maritime museum with a collection of paintings, photographs and models.
Sudbury
Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, is Suffolk’s hidden gem and one of England’s finest Tudor houses that stands within the most extensive moat in the county and over 30 acres of gardens and ground. Kentwell offer a yearly calendar of events.
Colchester
Dating from the 4th century AD the foundations of this church near the Police Station just off the Maldon Road roundabout is probably the earliest known Christian church in Britain.
Colchester
The Archaeological Park is one of the most significant Iron Age and Roman sites in the country. Enjoy a walk and discover the highlights of the site with the interpretation boards around the Park.
Colchester
The Town Hall is a superb example of Edwardian Architecture built in 1902 with outstanding function rooms, still used for their original purpose.
Address
Baley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJTelephone
01787 460261Castle Hedingham
Visit Hedingham Castle for a great family day out. Bring a picnic and explore the beautiful gardens and lakes then take time to explore the 110ft tall Norman Keep.
Colchester
Redundant 14th Century church restored by The Churches Conservation Trust. Features include extensive use of recycled Roman brickwork. Tower was partially destroyed during the seige of Colchester in 1648. Interior is unfurnished.
Address
Coggeshall Village Hall, Stoneham Street, Coggeshall, Essex, CO61UHTelephone
01376 563003Coggeshall
Exhibitions and photographs of Coggeshall's industrial, agricultural and social history. Coggeshall lace, working loom, archaeology, Coggeshall bricks, video footage and computerised postcard show. Town tours by prior arrangement.
Address
The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LFTelephone
01255 822783Jaywick
Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community & visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks & events.
West Bergholt
St Mary's Church dates from the 14th Century, although it is believed to have Saxon origins. Reused Roman bricks are used in the walls and the North Wall is 1000 years old.
Address
Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DFColchester
Rising up from the horizon on the A1124 you will see the imposing Chappel Viaduct. The Victorian viaduct, with its 32 arches and total length of 346 metres, is thought to be the second largest brick built structure in England.
Address
Barrow Hill Farm, West Mersea, Essex, CO5 8SLWest Mersea
Mersea Barrow is thought to be a Roman Burial Barrow dating from 100-120 AD.
It was excavated in 1912 and a green glass urn containing remains was found in the barrow
Address
1 Reuben Walk, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2SZTelephone
01787 223032Colchester
Heritage museum detailing the history of Earls Colne since Neolithic times. Temporary exhibitions are regularly mounted relating to a particular aspect of the village & its inhabitants. Complementary slide shows run during open hours.
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