Things to do in Colchester

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Colchester showing signage and markets as well as a large group of people
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
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Colchester must see attractions

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 showing land 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 featuring a park 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 featuring heritage elements, a park and heritage architecture

4. 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 featuring theater scenes and a city

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. 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 flowers, a garden and wildflowers

7. Colchester Arts Centre

Enjoy a night of laughter in the Colchester Arts Centre, a venue where some of England’s best comedians have performed. Check out the calendar for the different music shows taking place and you’ll almost certainly find something to suit your tastes. Attend a community event like a Frock Swap, a Knitathon or a high tea and get to know some of the locals. While there, learn a little of the history of the building and admire its architecture, which dates back more than 800 years.
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Colchester featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and a cemetery

What to do in Colchester

Discover the most popular places to visit in Colchester

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 a castle 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
Willy Lott's Cottage outside in flatford mill in constable country old and famous location building from a painting on a summer afternoon with no people very beautiful

Flatford Mill

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

Flatford Mill
Layer Marney Tower featuring heritage elements, a park 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
Colchester which includes theater scenes and interior views

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 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
Beth Chatto Garden which includes a park, wildflowers 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 featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and a cemetery

Colchester Arts Centre

Come and see an event at Colchester’s most diverse entertainment venue, housed in a 13th-century church.

Colchester Arts Centre
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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Colchester

firstsite showing railway items and signage

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

Popular day trips from Colchester

panoramic landscape image of mudflat in essex england

Maldon

The River Stour winds past houses on the edge of Sudbury, Suffolk on a sunny autumn day

Sudbury

Ipswich Waterfront showing a bay or harbor and a sunset

Ipswich

Landscape view of the sea shore in Clacton on Sea with wild flower, blue water and sunny sky in the summertime, in Essex, England

Clacton-on-Sea

St Marys Church Stoke by Nayland
Photo by Peter French (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Stoke by Nayland

St Andrew's parish church, Earls Colne, Essex, seen from the southeast
Photo by Robin Webster (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Earls Colne

St. Mary; the parish church of Polstead This church has been gradually enlarged since it was first built by the Normans. It is believed that some of the bricks used in its construction are the oldest British bricks in existence. Their size proves them not to be Roman.
Photo by Robert Edwards (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Polstead

High Street Halstead Town Centre Essex UK drone,aerial high angle

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.