Discover Colchester | Britain’s First City

Previously known as Britain’s Oldest Recorded Town, now Britain’s First City, Colchester is a location in Essex that has something to offer everyone. Enjoy great food and drink, exciting attractions, and rich history and heritage in this Roman city.

Explore Colchester’s Rich Heritage

As Britain’s First City, it’s no surprise that Colchester is steeped in rich history and heritage, with landmarks and attractions to show for it. Delve into the Roman history at Colchester Castle Museum, walk along the beautiful Dutch Quarter of the city, or enjoy the wonderful exhibits on display at the Natural History Museum. Your breath will be taken away at the magnificent site Layer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the UK, where events are regularly hosted throughout the year. 

Family-Friendly Days Out

Perhaps one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Essex, Colchester Zoo is a wonderful day out for the whole family, no matter your age! Home to around 180 species, with popular events such as their Freight Nights and Santa’s Grotto, Colchester Zoo is a must-have on your Essex bucket list. Bounce around and burn off some steam at AirHop Trampoline Park, hop on board a steam train at East Anglian Railway Museum, or enjoy a round of mini-golf in Castle Park. There’s endless amounts of fun to be had in Colchester!

Where to Eat in Colchester

Whether you’re craving a sweet Afternoon Tea complete with delicious scones and Tiptree jam, a classic pub Sunday roast, or a high-end three course meal, you’ll find something to satisfy your tastebuds in Colchester. Head to the Talbooth Restaurant in Dedham to enjoy delectable cuisine beside the River Stour, or book at table at the Church Street Tavern in the city centre for a quick bite for lunch or evening tipple. There’s endless wonderful spots to eat in Colchester.

Outdoor Activities

As well as the bustling city centre, Colchester District is home to some beautiful countryside and coastal destinations with some excellent walking trails and fun activities. Grab some paddles in Dedham and row yourself along the glistening river, explore Cudmore Grove Country Park on Mersea Island, or head out on an adventurous dog walk through Highwoods Country Park. With so much to discover, Colchester is a beautiful place to spend time out in nature.

Cultural Highlights

The Colchester community is a creative one, and that creativity is displayed in the magnificent arts and culture attractions found in the city. If you’re a fan of the theatre, take a look at what’s showing at the Mercury Theatre, where you can be entertained by professional plays, live music, comedy and more. Art lovers will be in their element at Firstsite and The Minories art galleries, with an array of wonderful exhibits taking place throughout the year.

Plan Your Visit

Does Colchester sound like the perfect place for your next day out or weekend break? We’ve got everything you need for planning your visit, including travel information on how to get around via public transport. For further information, check out the Visit Colchester Information Centre. For a full day itinerary of what to do and see in Colchester, check out teamtomastravels blog here.