Colchester is different. 2,000 years of history set alongside contemporary culture makes Colchester perfect for a short break or longer stay.
Discover the largest Norman castle keep in Europe (now an award-winning museum), and Britain´s best preserved Roman gateway. Close by are the quaint narrow streets of the Dutch Quarter, where the cloth industry once flourished. Excellent shopping and leisure facilities. Lovely parkland and gardens.
Colchester is so much more than Britain´s oldest
recorded town.
Today it has cutting edge galleries, specialist shops and boutiques in small lanes set alongside all the big-name shops. The town is also known for its range or restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes and pockets giving the centre a cosmopolitan ambience.
There are historical treasures in award-winning museums and a wealth of high quality attractions on land, water, inside and out.
At night discover clubs, theatres, music and open air vibes. By day explore lush landscapes in classic parkland and nearby coast and countryside.
A longer stay means that you will be able to explore the surrounding area. Take in calming views of the River Colne in the waterfront towns of Wivenhoe and West Mersea. Meander across the Essex/Suffolk border as you discover pretty villages and hamlets like Dedham, Hadleigh, Lavenham and Kersey.
Contact
Visitor Information Centre 1 Queen Street Colchester Essex CO1 2PG Great Britain
Open all year. Easter to end September: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 0930-1800; Wednesday, 1000-1800; Sunday, 1100-1600; Bank Holidays, 1000-1600. October to Easter: Monday to Saturday, 1000-1700. Closed on Sunday.
