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Get Back to Nature with a trip to Colchester
From the pastoral fields of Constable Country to the Essex coast at Mersea Island there's plenty of the great outdoors to discover in and around Colchester. The beaches, nature reserves and wildlife parks surrounding the city centre are fantastic spots to take a walk on a nature trail, get away from it all, or simply to get a flavour of the unique landscapes and wildlife habitats that Essex has to offer.
Highlights include several wildlife sites managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, with the large reserves of Abberton Reservoir and Fingringhoe Wick being of particular significance, and fantastic locations for walks or a spot of bird-watching. There are also a number of local nature reserves managed by Colchester Council, which are great for a breath of fresh air, or stretching your legs if you find yourself nearby.
The coastline of Mersea Island is another popular destination, with beaches for tourists as well as wilder stretches of coastline on the Eastern side of the Island. It's a perfect location to blow away the cobwebs, take in the famous 'big Essex skies' and refresh yourself (as well as maybe trying a spot of local seafood).
For those with more exotic tastes in nature, Colchester Zoo is one of the finest in the country, with an expansive site housing many varieties of animal. You can easilly spend a whole day at the zoo and it a surprising effective way to burn off some energy - for adults and children alike!
In addition to its naturally wild sites Colchester offers plenty of parks and gardens to explore too, including the wonderful Castle Park in the centre of the city and the internationally renowned Beth Chatto Gardens, not to mention opportunities for scenic walks and cycling trails.
If you're visiting with children you may also like to take advantage of Colchester's playgrounds.
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World renowned gardens showcasing sustainable planting and 'the right plant for the right place'. Planted by the late Beth Chatto
The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, putting green and boating lake.- 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
- 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
- 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
- Colchester Zoo is home to 240 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes! Listed as the 11th best zoo around the world and in the top 2 zoos in the UK as part of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Attractions.
- High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's best-loved beauty spots, with plenty of opportunities to relax, play and explore the large grounds.
Number of results: 20
Address
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DBTelephone
01206 822007Colchester
World renowned gardens showcasing sustainable planting and 'the right plant for the right place'. Planted by the late Beth Chatto
Colchester
The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, putting green and boating lake.
Address
St Osyth Road, Alresford, Essex, CO7 8ASAlresford
Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with children aged 2-12.
Come and join in with the magic at WyvernwoodAddress
Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SLTelephone
01206 331292Colchester
Colchester Zoo is home to 240 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes! Listed as the 11th best zoo around the world and in the top 2 zoos in the UK as part of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Attractions.
Address
South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Fingringhoe, Essex, CO5 7DNTelephone
01206 729678Fingringhoe
Nature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre with tea room. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children.
Address
Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Highwoods, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JRTelephone
01206 853588Highwoods, Colchester
High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's best-loved beauty spots, with plenty of opportunities to relax, play and explore the large grounds.
East Mersea
Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.
Address
Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TGTelephone
01376 563796Coggeshall
A tree collection from all the temperate areas of the world set in more than 200 acres of historic landscape provides interest and enjoyment throughout the year at Markshall Estate.
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.
Address
Park Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7SPTelephone
01206 230455Colchester
20 acres of professionally designed gardens within woodland destroyed by the 1987 hurricane. Now a plantsman's paradise full of unusual plants for all year round colour.
Address
Roman Circus Visitor Centre, Roman Circus Walk, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7GZTelephone
01206 501785Colchester
The site of the Colchester Roman circus (chariot-racing arena) was discovered in 2004. It was built in the early 2nd century CE and seems to have been in use for about 150 years. It is the only known Roman circus in Britain.
Address
Flatford, East Bergholt, Manningtree, Essex, CO7 6ULTelephone
01206 391153Manningtree
A fabulous wildlife garden to inspire you to Give Nature a Home where you live. New family trail to get your children involved.
Address
Church Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Abberton, Essex, CO2 0EUTelephone
01206 738172Abberton
Conservation centre run by the Essex Wildlife Trust, at a site of international importance for winter wildfowl. Nesting cormorants, common terns and nightingales. Nature trails for all the family and bird hides. Shop selling gifts, optics and…
Address
Dead Lane Ardleigh, Colchester, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7PFTelephone
01206 231593Colchester
Our stunning vineyard is open Wednesday - Sunday to explore. Stroll through the vines on the Vineyard Trail and spot the wildlife on Ardleigh Reservoir or just relax and take in the view on the terrace with a glass of wine.
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.
Address
Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8SXTelephone
01206 385900East Mersea
Producers of fine wines and real ale (cask and conditioned).
Address
Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5TSTelephone
01206 271136Colchester
** Closed until 2022** Dedham Vale Vineyard is set in 40 acres of vines, woods and pasture on the edge of the Dedham Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Sample the wines and wander through the vines as you enjoy this glorious part of North…
Address
Salary Brook, off Avon Way, Greenstead, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3YRTelephone
01206 853588Greenstead, Colchester
A local nature reserve on the edge of Greenstead and Longbridge with open aspect to farmland.
Colchester
Hilly Fields offers an interesting mix of woodland, undulating paths and fantastic views.
Essex
A 700 acre coastal farm and the head office of Essex Wildlife Trust situated on the Blackwater Estuary. Visitors can see the success of the coastal realignment project and enjoy a fantastic, wildlife packed walk. An exemplar of how to farm…
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