The reconstructed starting gates at the Roman Circus

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About

The site of the Roman circus was identified in 2004 and represents the only known Roman circus in Britain. It was a monumental structure and it may have seated up to 8,000 spectators: it would have been used as a venue for spectator sports, including chariot-racing. It was built in the early 2nd century AD and seems to have been in use for about 150 years.

The Roman circus site and visitor centre include outdoor and indoor displays, and a small cafe. The visitor centre is off Roman Circus Walk and it is accessible by car from Butt Road or by cycle/on foot from Circular Road North. There is disabled parking and limited visitor parking on site as well as two public car parks nearby in Butt Road and Napier Road.

Summer Season - After Easter to end of September, 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Winter Season - October to Easter , 11am - 3pm.

Please check website for up-to-date opening times and notices.


Entry ticket is £3 (£6 with a guided tour at 12 or 2pm). Children under 11 go free.

Roman Circus Cafe

The (independent) Roman Circus Cafe serves home-baked cakes and delicious light refreshments. Indoor tables are reserved for paying customers to the visitor centre during the summer season, where seating in the garden marquee is available.

Wheelchair / pushchair accessible. Free Wi-Fi in circus centre and café.

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Entry & Guided Tour£6.00 per adult

Entrance £3, or £6 with tour of Roman Circus archaeological remains.
Children under 11 go FREE

Events

Saturday, 15th April 2023 - Saturday, 15th April 2023

Open Day at the Roman Circus Visitor CentreROMAN OPEN DAY with the Colchester Roman Society
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Staff are dementia aware

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Group Travel

  • Out of Hours Visits

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Guided tours for groups
  • Mini Coach Parties Accepted

Languages

  • Spanish signs/guides

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Gift shop
  • Guided tours for individuals
  • Smoking not allowed
  • WiFi or internet access

Suitability

  • School Trips

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Colchester

Road Directions

Nearby public Pay & Display car-parks in Butt Road and Napier Road. Access for pedestrians and cycles from Circular Road North and Roman Circus Walk. Access for cars from Butt Road.The nearest railway station is Colchester Town (St Botolph's), which is 0.6 miles away.

Roman Circus Visitor Centre

Type:Roman Remains

Colchester Roman Circus Centre, Roman Circus Walk, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7GZ

Tel: 01206 501785

Awards

  • Other AwardsSelf-assessed Accessibility Information Self-assessed Accessibility Information 2020

Opening Times

* Easter - September: Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10.00am to 4.00pm
October - Easter: Open Tuesdays to Fridays, 11.00am to 3.00pm.
The Roman Circus Visitor Centre is closed on bank holidays.
Please check website for up-to-date information.

For Cafe enquiries please call 07935 604640