Discover Colchester's incredible past through our historic attractions and the city streets themselves.
Having once been Britain's First City and the former capital of Roman Britain our incredible history dates back over 2000 years. On a visit to the city you'll discover that the historic centre is ripe for exploring, with important heritage sites to be found around every corner.
Colchester was recently gifted modern city status, confirming that we're not all about the past. 21st Century Colchester is also a thriving, modern destination with first class visitor attractions, and cultural sites, as well as fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
Let us inspire you.
Beyond the city centre you can discover popular destinations including Mersea Island and Constable Country in the Dedham Vale, as well as the highly regarded Colchester Zoo.
Poised at the gateway to East Anglia with picturesque villages on its doorstep, and only minutes away from the coast, the Colchester area is the perfect destination for a well-deserved short break, day trip or family holiday.
Top Attractions
Check out our most popular attractions including Colchester Zoo, the Castle Museum, Beth Chatto…
Latest events
From pop-up markets to huge summer festivals, find great events in our What's On guide.
Find somewhere to stay
Boutique or budget - there's accommodation options for every taste in Colchester.
Family fun
Great days out with kids and fun for young and old alike!
Explore local food and drink
Sample Mersea Oysers, Tiptree Jam, or a locally brewed beer, or simply find a great local…
Independent shopping experiences
Independent shops nestle side-by-side with big name chains in Colchester's bustling City Centre
Wivenhoe Art Trail
Whether you’re local or an art lover from afar, save the date, mark the calendar and book time…
Wivenhoe Open Gardens 2024
Many different gardens around the village are open across the two days. The money raised supports…
Ride London
The 2024 Ford RideLondon Classique, part of the UCI Women’s World Tour, will feature three…
Love Your Zoo Week
Join us as we celebrate our charity, Colchester Zoological Society and the vital conservation work…
Steam Days at the East Anglian Railway Museum
A firm favourite with families, they're a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride…
Transport Extravaganza at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Soak up the atmosphere and feast your eyes on some great classic cars, vintage motorbikes and modern…
Colchester Farmers Market
Every month we now have a wonderful line up of nearly 30 stalls joining us selling a fantastic range…
Colchester Roman and Medieval Festival
Join the festivities at the Colchester Roman and Medieval Festival. kids under 14 get in absolutely…
Essex Book Festival: Launch Event - Enlightenment with Sarah Perry
Multi award-winning and best-selling author, Festival Patron and University of Essex Chancellor…
Reptile Weekend
Did you know… the Aldabra Giant Tortoise can live up to 150 years! Join us as we share all things…
Packing Shed Theatre Presents: 'Macbeth'
Something 'wicked' this way comes with this intriguing and visually stunning production of…
The Country Music Experience: Colchester
Rodeo Rhythms brings you an incredible country experience like no other, throw on those cowboy hats…
Father's Day Steam & Supercar Show
Father's Day Steam Unlimited Steam Train Rides Come along this Father's Day for Steam Train…
Midsummer In Castle Park
Explore glorious Castle Park at midsummer. Discover its history, it's landscape and…
16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester Garrison Show
Join us on Saturday 29 June for the 16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester Garrison Show on Abbey…
Chappel 175 Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Marks Tey to Sudbury line and Chappel & Wakes Colne…
Colchester Food and Drink Festival
Join us in Colchester’s beautiful Castle Park for another year of our Food & Drink…
Folk & Bespoke Craft Fair
Handmade shopping day for gifts and crafts at Firstsite Art Gallery. 40 small creative businesses…
The Ibiza Orchestra
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience returns to Colchester for our third year and what will be our biggest…
Colchester Carnival
Our carnival promises an array of exciting activities and experiences for all ages. Here's a…
Visit Colchester Information Centre
The Colchester Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is the tourist office for Colchester, situated in…
Visit Colchester 2024 Visitor Guide
The official Visitor Guide to Colchester, packed with lots of information on places to…
Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
Thunderbirds and Co : The Joy of Puppetry
Embark on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting world of puppetry with our exhibition…
A Walking Tour of the Roman and Medieval Gates
'Walking the walls' is a great way to explore Colchester's history. The town's Roman…
Ancient Colchester App
The Ancient Colchester App developed by Colchester & Ipswich Museums allows you to wander around…
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Beth Chatto Gardens in a beautiful outdoor space near Colchester. Covering 6 acres…
Castle Park
Colchester's Castle Park is a large, scenic and well maintained Victorian park in the heart of…
Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple…
Colchester Orbital
The Colchester Orbital is a 15 mile picturesque walk and cycle route, which follows…
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is set within over 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes and is home to over 155…
Firstsite
Firstsite is Colchester and the East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery. Housed in a…
Hidden Colchester Walking Trail
Take a walk through the backstreets, lanes and alleys of Colchester to discover its secrets…
Hollytrees Museum
Hollytrees Museum is located in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park. This attractive Georgian town…
Mercury Theatre
The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Essex is at the heart of the city's arts scene - an active…
Roman Circus Visitor Centre
The site of the Roman circus was identified in 2004 and represents the only known Roman circus in…
The Siege of Colchester - Walking Trail
During the second English Civil War in 1648, Colchester found itself under siege as parliamentarian…
The Wivenhoe Trail
One of the most popular walks in Colchester, the Wivenhoe Trail is an informal route of about 5…
WyvernWood
Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with children…