Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester Castle is Europe's largest Norman Keep and houses an incredible Museum showcasing Colchester's history from Iron Age Tribes, through…
Colchester and its surrounding area offers a wide variety of things to do, places to see, and fantastic attractions to explore. From family activities to date ideas, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied to matter the length of your stay or the weather!
We've got all of Colchester's top attractions covered, so dive in and check out the best things to do in Colchester. If you're planning on spending some time in Colchester - from a few hours to a whole week - but don't know where to start, we've grouped all the best loved things to do in themes so you can pick a perfect day out, tailored to your interests and budget.
On a City Break
In the city centre you'll discover a number of museums and galleries sitting amongst the numerous historic buildings and heritage sites - combine this with the great entertainment and the fantastic shopping experiences on offer in the city and you may want to consider extending your trip!
Outside of the City
Further afield there's more to explore. Colchester Zoo is one of the country's top attractions and you can also discover the area's natural beauty via a great selection of scenic walks and cycling routes throughout the local area.
On a Family Holiday
If you're coming with children then be sure to check out our Kids and Families page, and for those on a budget we recommend checking out our tips on how best to enjoy Free Days Out. Of course, don't forget to pop the dates of your visit into our What's On Calendar - you may find something in the city's fantastic events programme that is perfect for you.
Then, after a busy day's sightseeing wind down in a restaurant or bar - before perhaps enjoying some of the city's friendly nightlife.
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors. Archaeological…
Beth Chatto Gardens in a beautiful outdoor space near Colchester. Covering 6 acres, these gardens have become world famous for their beauty and innovation, with planting led by Beth Chatto's mantra 'The right plant for the right place'. Original problem areas…
Colchester Zoo is set within over 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes and is home to over 155 different species, including the critically endangered Amur leopards, Black and White Ruffed lemurs and Bornean orangutans. Discover many different habitats from across the globe…
'Walking the walls' is a great way to explore Colchester's history. The town's Roman Walls, which were erected in the years following Boudicca's attack on Camulodunum, have stood for 2000 years and have the stories and scars to prove it. Around two thirds of…
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…
Firstsite is Colchester and the East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery. Housed in a spectacular golden building designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects, Firstsite is both a gallery and community hub - showcasing a wide variety of impressive artworks from…
The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Essex is at the heart of the city's arts scene - an active theatre venue involved in putting on plays of national and international importance, as well as in the creation of its own theatre pieces by local artists (Made in Colchester). An…
Colchester Arts Centre is located in a venue as unique as the artists that perform there. The former church now hosts a regular programme of events ranging from jazz music, comedy shows, beer festivals, farmer's markets and folk clubs. Big acts play alongside quirky…
Colchester's oldest Art Gallery. A listed Georgian building, The Minories is of local importance within the historic city of Colchester. The Victor Batte-Lay Foundation, over the years assisted by the ‘Friends of The Minories’ support group, have ensured the…
Hollytrees Museum is located in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park. This attractive Georgian town house, dating from 1718 houses the city's social history museum, showcasing three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts. Discover what family life…