What to do in Colchester

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Colchester

Layer Marney Tower showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace

Places to Visit in Colchester

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Colchester, England while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Colchester attractions from NZ$10, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Colchester tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 12 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Colchester. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Colchester Zoo

Visit Colchester Zoo for a delightful family day out. Observe frolicking Patagonian Sea lions as you travel beneath them through an underwater tunnel. Board the Madagascar Road train to cross the lemur enclosure and catch one of the many daily feeding sessions and falconry exhibitions.

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Colchester Zoo featuring animals and zoo animals

2. Colchester Castle Park

Lay your picnic rug down and stretch out on the grass as you gaze across the River Colne at Colchester Castle Park. Behind you rises the impressive Colchester Castle, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Divided in two by a Roman wall, the Victorian style park features a lower and upper areas with different purposes. Come to relax, exercise or play alongside throngs of Colchester locals.

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Colchester Castle Park showing heritage architecture and château or palace

3. Layer Marney Tower

Clamber up the Layer Marney Tower for views across the Essex countryside and the River Blackwater. The tower has over 500 years of history to discover and is filled with historic artifacts and relics. When the weather permits a stroll around the gardens or along the Wildlife Walk is a great way to spend an afternoon in Colchester and a great way to see some local bird life around the Blackwater Estuary.

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Layer Marney Tower which includes château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture

4. Colchester Town Hall

Take a look at Colchester Town Hall’s ornate exterior and then enter the impressive building to see beautifully decorated rooms. There’s the council chambers with ceiling paintings and stained-glass windows, as well as the first library in Colchester. The Moot Hall is home to a large organ still used today.

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Colchester showing heritage architecture

5. Beth Chatto Garden

Visit the Beth Chatto Gardens to see years of hard work that have culminated in a majestic garden. Walk around to discover the contrasts between the dry Gravel Garden and the rich tones of the Water Garden. See the bursts of colour in the Woodland Garden each spring and autumn and stand in wonder at the Scree Garden. Afterwards, take a break at the tearoom or take some plants home from the nursery.

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Beth Chatto Garden which includes flowers, wild flowers and a garden

6. Mercury Theatre

Book in for a night of music, comedy, theater or dance at Mercury Theatre. Come to this cultural center to see a national or international touring show or take in one of the performances by the excellent “Made in Colchester” theater group. The events program runs throughout the year. You’ll find more local talent on display in the Digby Gallery within the same building.

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Colchester featuring interior views and theatre scenes

Recommended things to do in Colchester

Number of things to do	12
Things to do from	NZ$10
Cheapest thing to do	Medieval Lavenham: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Top 5 things to do	Tours of Colchester Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour Colchester: Quirky self-guided smartphone heritage walks
Half-day tours	Tours of Colchester Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester Medieval Lavenham: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
With kids	Medieval Lavenham: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Little Hall Lavenham Admission Ticket to Clacton Pier - Big Day Out Band

Discover the most popular places to visit in Colchester

Colchester Zoo

Get up close to huge mammals, watch as birds of prey swoop above your head and come face to face with deadly reptiles at one of the best zoos in Britain.

Colchester Castle Park

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Take a pedalo for a spin on the lake, practicing your putting at the mini golf course or just put your feet up in Colchester’s favourite park.

Flatford Mill

Find out about the history of Colchester when you take a trip to Flatford Mill. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Layer Marney Tower

4/5(1 review)

The tallest Tudor gatehouse in England is a great place to spend an afternoon outdoors, exploring the knot garden, farm and the historic grounds.

Colchester Town Hall

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Colchester’s Baroque town hall, a heritage-listed building with Victorian tower and antique organ, has been the focus of civil duties for over 800 years.

Beth Chatto Garden

5/5(1 review)

When master gardener Beth Chatto designed these spectacular arrangements she included plants from a variety of habitats around the world.

Colchester Castle Museum

4/5(1 review)

You can study the exhibits at Colchester Castle Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Colchester. Savour the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.