Colchester Holidays

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

Colchester Holiday

Things to do in and around Colchester

Shopping

In Colchester, visit Assington Barn for unique gifts, located 14.5km away. If you're up for a drive, Braintree Village and Freeport Outlet Village, both 22.5km away, offer a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of high street and outlet stores, perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Mercury Theatre, where you can enjoy captivating performances and immerse yourself in local culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, Colchester Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience amidst lush landscapes, while Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool is perfect for family fun and refreshing swims in the sun.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Tenpin Bowling Colchester, where family fun meets adventure in a vibrant arcade. For water sports enthusiasts, Alton Water offers exhilarating outdoor activities 19.3km away. Don't miss The Wheel Experience, an exciting amusement ride located 20.9km from Colchester for an unforgettable day out.

Nightlife

Colchester's nightlife offers a delightful mix of pubs and entertainment. Visit The Royal Oak, a charming drinking pub 25.7km from the town, where you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere and lively entertainment vibes. It's a great spot to unwind and soak in the local culture.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Colchester

Colchester offers a fantastic blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, making it ideal for city-themed vacations. Key attractions include the historic Colchester Castle, the Colchester Zoo, and the nearby Chester Zoo, perfect for nature lovers. Whether you’re keen on exploring cultural sites or enjoying a day out with the family, Colchester's diverse points of interest ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

  • Colchester Castle Park: Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Colchester Castle Park. This private garden offers a serene escape with friendly locals and a rich historical ambiance, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics amidst beautiful landscapes.
  • Beth Chatto Garden: Explore the stunning Beth Chatto Garden, a conservatory garden that celebrates family-friendly outdoor spaces. With its diverse plant collections and tranquil settings, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking inspiration from its artistic landscaping.
  • Layer Marney Tower: Visit Layer Marney Tower, an enchanting historic tower that embodies culture and heritage. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and delve into the fascinating history of this remarkable landmark.

Best time to go to Colchester

The best time to visit Colchester is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Colchester

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Colchester during the low season (December to February) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Our pick of the best Colchester Hotel Deals

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester

London Road, Marks Tey Colchester England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$144
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very good! (1,004 reviews)
"Have stayed at many hotel from travel lodge to grand hotels and this was one of my favourite, beautiful places, great staff brilliant food and service"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester
St Nicholas Hotel

St Nicholas Hotel

High Street St Nicholas Hotel Colchester England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$146
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very good! (885 reviews)
"We stayed at the St Nicholas, for a gig at the Castle, which is part of the George over the road where reception, bar, restaurant etc are. Location couldn’t be better. Room was fairly standard, but very clean. A bit noisy as fronted onto the High St but didn’t interrupt our sleep. The George is an ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

St Nicholas Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG

Birchwood Road Colchester England
Fully refundable
NZ$149
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very good! (1,012 reviews)
"Dirty"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG
See all 2,583 properties in Colchester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Colchester attractions

A wrought iron gate with intricate designs, a brick building with ivy, and a paved area.

Colchester Castle Park

9.0/10 (164 reviews)
Stroll through centuries of history around the imposing Norman castle in this award-winning park. Explore formal Victorian gardens, cross Roman walls, and relax by the River Colne's tranquil waters.
See properties
An elephant walking on rocky terrain with dense green foliage in the background.

Colchester Zoo

9.2/10 (85 reviews)
Explore diverse species in immersive habitats at Colchester Zoo, where conservation meets adventure. Hand-feed giraffes or watch playful sea lions in this award-winning wildlife sanctuary.
See properties
A white house with a red roof by a calm lake, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Flatford Mill

9.4/10 (15 reviews)
This historic watermill inspired John Constable's iconic painting "The Hay Wain." Stroll the riverside paths where art history was made, then relax at the charming tea-room overlooking the Stour.
See properties
A field of purple crocus flowers in a forest.

Beth Chatto Garden

9.2/10 (9 reviews)
Created by renowned gardener Beth Chatto, these ecological gardens showcase plants thriving in challenging environments. The innovative Gravel Garden features drought-resistant species flourishing without irrigation.
See properties
A large, historic brick building with multiple towers and arched windows, surrounded by lush green trees and a well-maintained lawn.

Layer Marney Tower

9.2/10 (15 reviews)
England's tallest Tudor gatehouse invites you to climb 99 steps for sweeping Essex countryside views. Explore formal gardens, historic church, and farm animals before relaxing at the tearoom overlooking the estuary.
See properties
A historic brick building with a large tree in front, a modern glass structure labeled 'Mercury Theatre', and a statue on top of the glass structure.

Mercury Theatre

8.8/10 (9 reviews)
This vibrant cultural hub showcases diverse theatrical productions in a recently renovated space. Arrive early to enjoy the café bar before settling in for an evening of engaging performance art.
See properties
A historic building with ornate architecture, a tree-lined street, and a bus in the background.

Colchester Town Hall

8.6/10 (55 reviews)
This Victorian-era civic masterpiece showcases Colchester's heritage through ornate rooms and historical regalia. Book a guided tour to explore the Moot Hall and Mayor's Parlour.
See properties

Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool

Catch an event at Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool during your trip to Brightlingsea. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Colchester holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Colchester getaway. However, a range of factors like the season, length of stay and your choice of hotel will influence how much your holiday to Colchester costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Colchester?
January, February and November are great times to look for cheap Colchester holiday packages. Opting to travel in less busy periods means you'll typically find reduced prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Colchester?
For your Colchester holiday, a few days will be enough to tour the top spots. Be sure to check out Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum — it's one of the most popular attractions in this destination. If you're after more activities, think about basing yourself here and going on some trips from Colchester.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Colchester?
Colchester has everything you need for a fantastic break — mountain biking, views and history are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out attractions such as Mercury Theatre and Xtreme Gaming, or take the road less traveled, you'll have plenty to explore on your Colchester holiday.
How to find the best Colchester package deals?
Use Expedia's handy filters to help you find some terrific Colchester package deals. When you begin your search, just set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your escape for midweek, or browse for Colchester package deals in the off-peak season. Play around with your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to lock in your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Colchester holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Bundle your hotel, flight and car rental into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll usually score a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the flexibility to create a personalised Colchester holiday by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Colchester?
If you're planning a spontaneous Colchester adventure, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score incredible deals on your flights and hotels by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Colchester?
  1. Choose when to go: Check your diary and get your bags packed. Your preferred season and the type of activities available will also help you decide when to holiday in Colchester.
  2. Budget wisely: On top of the cost of your hotel, you'll need to consider other expenses. These include food, transportation and flights. Also, set aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that may arise during your trip to Colchester.
  3. Decide how long to go away for: Now that you're up to speed on Colchester, you can figure out the ideal length of your break. Create a draft itinerary and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Combine your hotel and flights: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to find a Colchester holiday package that brings all your bookings together.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.