What to do in Colchester

Activities, attractions and tours

Colchester showing signage and markets as well as a large group of people
Layer Marney Tower showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle
Beth Chatto Garden showing a park and forest scenes
Colchester featuring heritage elements, an administrative building and heritage architecture
Colchester
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What to do in Colchester

Popular places to visit

Colchester Zoo showing 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 heritage architecture and château or palace

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 East Bergholt when you take a trip to Flatford Mill. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Flatford Mill
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 which includes interior views and theatre 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
Layer Marney Tower showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

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 featuring a garden, flowers and wild 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 Castle Museum

Colchester Castle Museum

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.

Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a castle

Colchester Arts Centre

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

Colchester Arts Centre

Explore areas of Colchester

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Dutch Quarter

Dutch Quarter is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by firstsite, a top place to visit in the area.

Dutch Quarter

Day trip destinations from Colchester

Photo "Capel St. Mary" by Oxymoron (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Oxymoron (CC BY-SA)

Capel St. Mary

Photo "Little Bentley" by Robert Edwards (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Robert Edwards (CC BY-SA)

Little Bentley

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods 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.