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.
Thanks to its central location, the Colchester Castle Park has been a key meeting place for centuries. The Roman wall at its centre suggests more than two millennia of human activity on the grounds and the 11 hectares (24 acres) of parkland today receive over a million visitors annually.
Follow the walking paths that traverse the park to discover the award-winning garden displays. Stop for some people watching at the bowling green or look for fish in the pond. Listen for the live music emanating from the bandstand during warm weather or head for the refuge of the café if the weather begins to turn. If you don’t have a rug head to one of the picnic benches that surround the park and set yourself up for the day.
Climb to the Upper Park to challenge your friends or family to a game of mini golf. The Upper Park is a great area for those travelling with kids as the play area and bouncing castle will keep young ones occupied for hours. Look down upon the cricket oval in the Lower Park to watch a match.
Rent a pedalo from the boathouse on the lake to see the park from a different angle. Enjoy a romantic cruise with a loved one or some quality time with friends on the water.
The Colchester Castle Park hosts regular concerts, fairs and performances year round and schedules can be found throughout the city. The park closes after dark but is open daily.
