Things to do in Colchester

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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Top places to visit

1. Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is sure to delight families. Watch the Patagonian sea lions play above your head as you wander through an underwater tunnel. Take a ride on the Madagascar Road train through the lemur enclosure and don’t miss out on the daily animal feeding sessions and impressive falconry displays.
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Colchester Zoo which includes animals and zoo animals

2. Colchester Castle Park

Find yourself a spot on the grass, spread out your picnic rug and enjoy the views across Colchester Castle Park down towards the River Colne. In the background stands the impressive form of Colchester Castle, which is what the park was named after. An ancient Roman wall divides this Victorian-style park in to Lower and Upper areas. Come to the park to relax or play, enjoy walking around colorful gardens or be entertained by one of the many special events held here.
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Colchester Castle Park showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

3. Layer Marney Tower

Climb to the top of the Layer Marney Tower and look out across the Essex countryside and the River Blackwater. Learn about the building’s 500-year-old history and view historical artifacts. On a sunny day, enjoy a stroll around the gardens or take the Wildlife Walk to see cattle and birds. End your afternoon with a cup of tea in the quaint room overlooking the Blackwater Estuary.
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Layer Marney Tower showing a garden, heritage elements and heritage architecture

4. Beth Chatto Garden

See how years of dedication has turned the Beth Chatto Gardens into a place of wonderment. Take in the contrasting displays of the dry Gravel Garden and the lush Water Garden. Don’t miss the explosion of color in the Woodland Garden during the spring or autumn and prepare to be amazed by the Scree Garden. Shop in the nursery or relax with a hot drink in the tearoom.
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Beth Chatto Garden showing wildflowers, a park and flowers

5. 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

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 showing interior views and theater scenes

7. firstsite

Visit Firstsite in Colchester’s cultural center to admire some of the newest, most cutting-edge artwork in the U.K. Take in the striking design of the modern building and learn about the artworks by taking a tour. Attend a class or a workshop or sit in the large auditorium to view one of the regular screenings. If you are looking for a night out with a difference, eat at Firstsite’s popular restaurant.
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Colchester showing modern architecture

What to do in Colchester

Popular places to visit

Colchester Zoo which includes animals and zoo animals

Colchester Zoo

Feed elephants and giraffes, watch a falconry display and meet the fearsome Komodo dragons at one of the U.K.’s best zoos.

Colchester Zoo
Colchester Castle Park showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

Colchester Castle Park

Ride a pedalo on the boating lake, enjoy a game of mini golf or simply spend an afternoon relaxing in Colchester’s most popular public park.

Colchester Castle Park
Flatford Mill

Flatford Mill

Find out about the history of Colchester when you spend time at Flatford Mill. Check out the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Flatford Mill
Layer Marney Tower showing a garden, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Layer Marney Tower

Spend an afternoon at the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England to find a knot garden, a farm, a Wildlife Walk and five centuries’ worth of history.

Layer Marney Tower
Beth Chatto Garden showing wildflowers, a park and flowers

Beth Chatto Garden

Learn which plants can thrive in a range of habitats in these stunning gardens designed by master gardener Beth Chatto.

Beth Chatto Garden
Colchester showing heritage architecture

Colchester Town Hall

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.

Colchester Town Hall
Colchester showing interior views and theater scenes

Mercury Theatre

Enjoy a play, a musical performance or some hilarious comedy at Colchester’s premier performing arts venue, which also has a children’s program.

Mercury Theatre
Colchester Castle Museum

Colchester Castle Museum

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

Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester showing modern architecture

firstsite

As one of the U.K.’s premier modern art galleries, this is a great place to see temporary exhibitions, attend art classes and listen to expert talks.

firstsite

Areas of Colchester

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Dutch Quarter

Dutch Quarter is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out firstsite, a top attraction in the neighborhood.

Dutch Quarter
Photo by Andrew Taylor

Maldon

Sudbury

Sudbury

Ipswich Waterfront which includes a bay or harbor and a sunset

Ipswich

Photo by Aron Radford

Braintree

Photo "Tiptree" by Andrew Hill (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Andrew Hill (CC BY-SA)

Tiptree

Photo "Layer de la Haye" by Robert Edwards (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Robert Edwards (CC BY-SA)

Layer de la Haye

Frequently asked questions

Is Colchester worth visiting?
Offering a mix of history and mountain biking, there are many things to do in Colchester. When you're here, check out Mercury Theatre, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Colchester?
Xtreme Gaming and East Anglian Railway Museum are two awesome places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Colchester while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Colchester?
Mercury Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Colchester and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Colchester?
Three days in Colchester is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Mercury Theatre, Xtreme Gaming and Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Bishop's Stortford.
What are some activities to do in Colchester with kids?
Planning what to do in Colchester with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.
What to do in Colchester for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Colchester, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Suffolk Distillery or Colchester Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Colchester?
In Colchester, High Woods Country Park is a must-see spot for anyone planning to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the local neighborhoods and parks, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Colchester.