While the proud Colchester locals will tell you that their town is the oldest recorded Roman town in Britain, it’s roots actually go back much further. Nevertheless, it was the Romans who shaped the “Camulodunum” and today visitors can still see the remains of a Roman wall in the heart of Colchester.
The town has endured more than two thousand years of human settlement, resulting in a colourful tapestry of local history. The dominant architecture of Colchester Castle and the stunning St. Botolph’s Priory are examples of Colchester’s more recent history, along with contemporary sites including galleries, shopping strips and a vibrant town centre.
Traversing Colchester on foot is a treat, thanks to the proximity of its major attractions. Enjoy a morning stroll to the Visit Colchester Information Center to pick up maps and pamphlets before exploring the town. In Colchester Castle Park the Castle Museum and Hollytrees Museum are great places to learn about the local history. Cross the town to the High Street precinct to find the Colchester Natural History Museum and the contemporary art galleries of Firstsite and The Minories. Snap a photograph of impressive Colchester Town Hall.
Make the most of a sunny day in Colchester by visiting the Beth Chatto Gardens or spending the afternoon with the family at the Colchester Zoo. Feed the elephants and giraffes before you head out for a drive through the famous countryside captured by the famous painter John Constable. Here you’ll find the Tudor Layer Marney Tower.
By night there are plenty of entertaining activities to capture your heart. Catch a performance at the Mercury Theatre before meeting the locals at a traditional British pub.
Located only 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of London, Colchester is easy to reach by car, rail, bus or plane. Stansted International Airport is located just a short drive west of the city. While temperatures are chilly in winter, the city is one of the driest areas in the United Kingdom.
