Things to do in Colchester

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A street market with a coffee stand and a Lloyds Bank building.
A historic building with a large tower and arched windows.
A lush garden with tall coniferous trees, a birch tree, and a well-maintained lawn.
A grand hall with ornate columns, a high arched ceiling, and a large painting on the wall.
A large brick building with arched windows and a tower.
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What to do in Colchester

Stay near popular Colchester attractions

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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.
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Where to stay in Colchester

Find the best Colchester areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Colchester
Learn more about Colchester
A red bus with the text "ROUTEMASTER" and license plate "RML 2296".

Dutch Quarter

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

Popular day trips from Colchester

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, grassy dunes, and a calm sea with boats.

Maldon

A river with ducks, houses, and trees.

Sudbury

A marina with boats docked, surrounded by modern buildings and a sunset in the background.

Ipswich

Panorama view of Southend Pier at sunset

Clacton-on-Sea

A church with a tall tower, surrounded by houses and a field.
Photo by Peter French (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Stoke by Nayland

A church with a tall tower and a paved path leading to it.
Photo by Robin Webster (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Earls Colne

A church with a tall spire and a stone building.
Photo by Robert Edwards (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Polstead

An aerial view of a town with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, surrounded by green fields and open spaces.

Halstead

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.