Colchester

Travel Guide

Colchester showing signage and markets as well as a large group of people
Layer Marney Tower showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and heritage elements
Beth Chatto Garden which includes a garden and forests
Colchester which includes interior views, heritage elements and an administrative buidling
Layer Marney Tower featuring heritage architecture

Visit one of Britain’s oldest towns to discover historical treasures, such as Roman remains and Norman churches, alongside cutting-edge art galleries and family entertainment. 

Colchester locals will proudly tell you that their city is Britain’s oldest recorded Roman town. Its history actually goes back much farther than that, but it was the Romans who shaped “Camulodunum,” as they called it. Today, you can still see the remains of a Roman wall in the city center.

More than two millennia of habitation have left the city other impressive historic sites as well. The imposing Colchester Castle and churches such as St. Botolph’s Priory are examples of more recent architecture. Modern attractions abound too, so visit galleries and indulge in some shopping in the lively town center after your tour of the heritage sites.

Part of Colchester’s appeal is that most of the major attractions are located within walking distance from the city center. Start at the VisitColchester Information Centre and pick up all the maps and information you need. Head to Colchester Castle Park and you’ll find the Castle Museum and Hollytrees Museum within its grounds. On and around High Street you can choose between the Colchester Natural History Museum, contemporary art galleries such as Firstsite and The Minories, and architectural feats such as the Colchester Town Hall.

On a sunny day, enjoy a walk around the Beth Chatto Gardens or a visit to the Colchester Zoo where you can feed elephants and giraffes. Also explore the nearby countryside, which the famous English painter John Constable captured so well.

Start your evening in one of the many fine restaurants in the city center and end the night attending a performance at the Mercury Theatre or mingling with locals in one of the many pubs.

Nearby attractions in the Essex countryside include the splendid Tudor structure known as the Layer Marney Tower.

Colchester is just over 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of London. The nearest international airport is at Stansted, which is located 34 miles (55 kilometers) west of Colchester. You’ll need to wear warm clothes for a winter visit to Colchester, but it is one of the driest places in the U.K. With so much to see and do, you’ll enjoy your stay in Colchester whatever the weather.

Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG
Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG
4 out of 5
Abbotts Lane, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, England
$77 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$93 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Colchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Overnight stay.
"Perfect overnight stay. Comfortable, lovely breakfast, friendly staff. Thank you."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG
St Nicholas Hotel
St Nicholas Hotel
3 out of 5
High Street St Nicholas Hotel, Colchester, England
$142 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$171 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Colchester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (701 reviews)
Hot weather stay
"A lovely hotel in the centre of Colchester. We were there for the hottest days of the year. It has no air con and It’s next door to a busy pub so having the window open makes it quite noisy at night. There is no fridge in the room either which should be standard if there no air con. Would not stay ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

St Nicholas Hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester
4 out of 5
London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, England
$71 nightly
The price is $85 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$85 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Colchester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (977 reviews)
Good value for money
"Room was fantastic, great shower, and a good night sleep"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott 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.
Colchester Studio Suites
Colchester Studio Suites
3 out of 5
23 St Peter's St, Colchester, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Colchester. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Popular attractions firstsite and Dutch Quarter are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"The facilities were really good and everything was clean and tidy. The manger was super helpful"

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025

Colchester Studio Suites
Birds Farm
Birds Farm
3 out of 5
School Lane, Colchester, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Colchester. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Beth Chatto Garden and Wyvernwood ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"We loved it here, had a a good couple of nights with friends. Beautiful apartment, amazing mattresses and pillows, very quiet environment. The pool wasn’t open and some work was happening but you can tell it’s going to look amazing once they put it all together and summer prep work is expected at ..."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

Birds Farm
Pet friendly 2 bed caravan in coopers beach
Pet friendly 2 bed caravan in coopers beach
Mersea Island
Stay at this mobile home in Colchester. Enjoy a fitness center and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mersea Island Vineyard and Cudmore Grove Country Park ...
"Lovely carvan, enjoyed our stay. Thank you for being such a lovely host :)"

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2025

Pet friendly 2 bed caravan in coopers beach
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Colchester

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 8%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It’s a very nice small town with pleasant people.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lovely area with rich history.

4/5 - Good

Denise&Kerry

Underrated historical town founded by Roman emperor Claudius in 43 CE.

Cities near Colchester