Colchester Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Colchester

Colchester which includes markets and signage as well as a large group of people

Layer Marney Tower which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle

Beth Chatto Garden showing forest scenes and a park

Colchester showing heritage elements, interior views and heritage architecture

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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 zoo animals and 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 which includes château or palace and heritage architecture

3. 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

4. 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 which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and château or palace

5. 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 which includes wild flowers, flowers and a garden

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 theatre scenes

What to do in Colchester

Popular places to visit

Colchester Zoo

4.5/5(34 reviews)

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

Colchester Castle Park

4.5/5(64 reviews)

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.

Flatford Mill

4/5(1 review)

Find out about the history of Colchester when you take a trip to Flatford Mill. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Colchester Town Hall

4/5(10 reviews)

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.

Layer Marney Tower

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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.

Beth Chatto Garden

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

Colchester Castle Museum

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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