Visit Colchester

08/08/2025

It's another history-filled weekend in Colchester!⚔😊

Whether you're joining us for a guided walk through 2000 years of history, exploring the NEW 'Mythical Creatures' exhibition at Colchester Castle or venturing around our wonderful city with a self-guided tour.

Here's a bit more information for you:

📍Colchester Castle - one of the city's top attractions, Colchester Castle is open every day and offers exclusive discounts are available for online bookings and Colchester residents!🐉
📍Self-Guided Walking Tours - there are plenty of self-guided walking routes available on our website or to purchase in store, covering everything from Tree Trails to the Siege of Colchester!🌳
📍Guided Walking Tour - tours run every Saturday at 11am and depart from the Visitor Information Centre at Hollytrees Museum. You can book your spot online, by phone or by visiting us to pay in person, either ahead of time or on the day 📞

And, if you fancy winning a pair of tickets for the upcoming Bank Holiday walking tour, you can enter our competition today: https://www.visitcolchester.com/competitions/

06/08/2025

Nothing beats an evening spent in , enjoying the sunset by the waterfront💛🌊

Take a stroll along the river using the waymarkers as your guide, enjoy a game of 'count the bobbing fishing boats' or sample some local eats 🍴

Located a short drive, bus or train ride from the City Centre, Wivenhoe - a quaint town known for its fishing history and boat building - is home to a varied population of students, artists and friendly residents seeking a slower life. Learn more about what's on at thisgreat spot today: https://www.visitcolchester.com/explore/coast-and-countryside/wivenhoe/ 🔗

📸Photo Credits: fotographywith_emmanuel

Visit Essex VisitEngland Love GREAT Britain

04/08/2025

🚨JUMBO + HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TOUR TICKET BALLOTS🚨

We're absolutely thrilled to announce that from 1st August 2025 to 30th August 2025, you'll be able to put your name in for a chance to win a FREE tour of Water Tower or Holy Trinity Church (or both!) as part of this year's HUGE celebration.

Due to their upcoming renovation efforts, this could be your last chance to experience these fantastic locations before work begins so don't miss out!

IMPORTANT INFO:
Jumbo Water Tower
📆DATE: Saturday 20th September 2025
⏰TIME SLOTS: 10.00, 11.00, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00

Holy Trinity Church:
📆DATE: Saturday 20th September 2025
⏰TIME SLOTS: 13.00, 13.30, 14.00, 14.30, 15.00, 15.30, 16.00 & 16.30

HOW TO ENTER:

🤳Call us: 01206 282920 (Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm)
💻Email us: [email protected]
👋Visit us: Visitor Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum (Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm)

Upon contacting us, we'll ask for your name, phone number, email, preferred timeslot and preferred number of tickets (max. 2 per household) for your entry. Entering the ballot does NOT guarantee a ticket. Unless you are contacted DIRECTLY by us (phone or email) to confirm your space, please do not attempt to attend these events - you will not be allowed to join without a confirmed ticket.

For your safety, please DO NOT provide personal details in the comments. We will not ask for any of your personal details or payment information on our social media pages, so please do not provide these to anyone who may be asking for these or impersonating us.

P.S. we're expecting our phone lines to be very busy for the first few days due to the popularity of this event, so we may not be able to answer immediately. We will answer your call as soon as possible.

Keep an eye on our socials for more information on these historical buildings in the coming weeks. You can also find out more about and and their histories on our website: visitcolchester.com 🔗

Visit Essex VisitEngland Visit East of England Colchester Museums Colchester City Council Heritage Open Days

01/08/2025

This , we're showcasing some of the great beer gardens in . We know the weather isn't too great right now, but we've got the whole summer ahead of us!🌞

From Victorian Architectural Marvels to 16th Century gardens, here are some must-visits:

📍The Marquis, Colchester - not only is this 16th Century, Grade 2 Listed building beyond charming, it also has a covered (and heated!) beer garden that offers ample coverage from those unexpected Summer rainstorms!🌧🍻
📍The Swan, - The Swan boasts possibly one of the BEST beer gardens in the country. With sweeping views of the and great food, who could ask for anything more?
📍Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester - while *technically* more of a terrace than a garden, this street-side seating area is part of the recently-opened St Nicholas Square development. These benches are especially popular with dog-lovers and sun-soakers hoping to make the most of the Summer evenings!🙈💛

Learn more about the great restaurants and bars on offer on our website: https://www.visitcolchester.com/food-and-drink/ 🥂

Tag your favourite hidden beer gardens and spots in the comments below 👇🏼

📸Photo Credit: The Marquis, The Swan, Colchester City Council

The Marquis Colchester The Swan, Chappel Colchester Brewery Three Wise Monkeys Colchester

30/07/2025

🚨WIN the ultimate Colchester getaway – concerts, culture & history await!🚨

This summer, Colchester has it all – and we’re giving you the chance to WIN the ultimate prize package to experience it for yourself. One lucky winner will receive:

🎶Live music under the stars for two at the Castle Park Summer Series
🦄Entry to Colchester Castle and its brand-new Mythical Creatures exhibition
🚂PLUS, return train travel with Greater Anglia

Visit our website to enter now for your chance to win this unforgettable Colchester experience! T&Cs apply: https://www.visitcolchester.com/competitions/

⏰Competition closes on 4th August 2025.

Greater Anglia Colchester Museums Visit Essex

29/07/2025

Mount your bikes and get those wheels spinning, because it's cycling season in Colchester!

In addition to some excellent cycling routes in-and-around the City Centre (Wivenhoe, Rowhedge and Manningtree are calling!) and the 14mile long Colchester Orbital Trail, we've got some great resources available for cyclists in Colchester:

🚲 Colchester Secure Bike Park - located in the heart of the city centre, this storage park is open from 7am-10pm daily and has 23 spaces. The secure hub offers pay-as-you-go bookings, plus weekly and monthly memberships for regular visitors.
🛠 Colchester Bike Kitchen - problems with your bike? No problem. Staffed by volunteers, the Bike Kitchen is an inclusive, safe and friendly DIY bicycle workshop, stocked with tools and spare parts, plus bike enthusiasts to help with any questions or problems you may have. Opening hours vary, so check before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Other great spots for cyclists including Colchester Sports Park, with its 1-mile long floodlit cycle track. Learn more about Colchester's provisions for summertime cyclists on our website today: https://www.visitcolchester.com/things-to-do/walking-and-cycling/cycling/

📸Photo Credits: London Marathon Events, Visit Colchester, Colchester City Council, The 2 Wheeled Wolf

Visit Essex

28/07/2025

JUST ANNOUNCED: RUSSELL KANE @ THE PRIORY

Set in the historic grounds of St Botolph's Priory, a BRAND NEW open-air comedy show is coming to Colchester!

Headlined by multi-award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author, and scriptwriter Russell Kane, this open-air comedy gig will crash into Colchester on 30 August 2025!🤣

Russell will perform a 45 minute set, accompanied by a hoard of excellent performers including Eva Bindeman, Richard Spalding and Limahl Germain - and it's bound to be a great evening!

Tickets go on sale at the Colchester Arts Centre on Wednesday 30th July at 10am, all tickets £25⏰

Learn more about this great event on our website: https://www.visitcolchester.com/event/open-air-comedy-%40-the-priory!-featuring-russell-kane-%2b-guests/239877101/ 🔗

Russell Kane is coming to Colchester 📢
We're hosting an Open-Air Comedy night in partnership with Colchester Events at St Botolph's Priory on Saturday 30 August. Russell is joined by Eva Bindeman (MC) + Richard Spalding + Limahl Germain.

Tickets on sale Wednesday 10am
🎟 https://colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173662101

27/07/2025

You don't have to be an arborist to enjoy the leafy wonders of !💚🌳

In alone, you'll see an array of wonderful trees, from sycamores atop our historic Colchester Castle Museum to Mediterranean Olive Trees along the Victorian Walls - the handy Friends Of Castle Park Tree Trail guide is available to purchase at the Visitor Information Centre📖🚶‍♂️

Beyond the city centre, you can walk the peaceful paths of our Green Flag Award green spaces, like High Woods Country Park, or take a winding wander down the riverside Trail ⛵💚

And why stop there? Further afield, you'll be able to traverse the picturesque stretches of Constable Country, which is both a designated Area of Natural Beauty and an inspiration for artists, past and present. Alternatively, 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes and habitat await you at Cudmore Grove on Island, overlooking the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries 🌲🏃

Whether you're looking for a FREE day out or just a change of scenery, exploring Colchester's tree trails is the perfect way to spend a sunny Summer's day in Essex 🌞💚

Visit Essex VisitEngland

26/07/2025

🚨FIRST LOOK: BRAND NEW MYTHICAL CREATURES EXHIBIT AT COLCHESTER CASTLE🚨

We were lucky enough to be some of the first people to explore the new exhibit at Colchester Castle, and we're not lying when we say it was MAGICAL!✨

For the next 7 months (26 July 2025 to 22 February 2026), you'll be able to embark on a story quest through folklore and legend, meeting dragons, unicorns, griffins and mermaids - all brought to life through curious, enchanted objects 🦄

This enchanting exhibition invites families to discover local tales and mythical creatures through storytelling and exploration. Suitable for ages 5+ and included with the price of admission 🎟

You can learn more about this wonderful new exhibit on our website today: https://www.visitcolchester.com/event/mythical-creatures/237579101/ 🔗

VisitEngland Visit Essex Colchester Museums

25/07/2025

We're absolutely thrilled to have welcomed His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki to , a wonderful village just a short drive (or bus ride!) from 🍓

Wilkin & Sons have been producing jam in the village of Tiptree since 1885 and the brand is now known (and thoroughly enjoyed!) all over the world. Today, you can find their products served up in world-class restaurants and at afternoon teas up and down the country🍴

You can learn more about Colchesters fantastic local products today on our website: https://www.visitcolchester.com/food-and-drink/local-produce/

P.S. if you also share a passion for Paddington Bear or jams, we have a selection of goodies available to purchase at the Visitor Information Centre giftshop!😍

25/07/2025

In the market for shopping while in Colchester? Our High Street boasts a mix of big-names and independent eateries and shops - offering up something for book lovers and fashionistas alike!😍

22/07/2025

As well as being a hub for history and culture, Colchester is the perfect launchpad for fantastic attractions in the wider vicinity - making it the perfect base for a long weekend of Exploring Essex!🚶🧳

A short 20-30minute drive or train ride can take you to...

📍Harwich - known as the Gateway to Europe!

Steeped in maritime heritage, this town was home to both the captain of and the ship, The Mayflower, which famously carried families to the New World in 1620. Harwich also houses one of the world’s oldest cinemas, the Electric Palace Cinema, which boasts a celebrity patron! ⚓📽

Don’t miss a visit to the historic gem 'The Redoubt', an imposing hill fort from the early 19th century, that was originally constructed to defend the port against a possible Napoleonic invasion.

The active ferry service will take you across the water to the Suffolk town Felixstowe and riverside village, Shotley! Or alternatively hop on a boat to enjoy a seal watching experience with Seal Watching Harwich🐬🛥

📍The riverside village of Wrabness

With its quiet beach 🏖 and scenic nature reserves 🐦, Wrabness is easily accessible by car or train and perfect for Summer walks 🚶‍♀️. Make sure not to miss 'Julie’s House' — a remarkable architectural design created by renowned British artist and cultural icon, Grayson Perry 🎨

Working your way back towards Colchester:

📍Mistley and Manningtree are surely worth a stop!

Both small but perfectly formed, these two locations have unique and independently owned shops, bars, restaurants and pubs 🍻🍕

The impressive 'Mistley Towers' English Heritage site offers up Georgian grandeur, while the quayside serves as a reflection of a strong ship building history and industrial past.

Of course, there's plenty to do in Colchester itself. Whether you're in the market for picturesque countryside, quaint coastlines or bucket-loads of history, we've got plenty to offer - a trip that deserves a long weekend of its own!😉

Start planning your overnight stays using our comprehensive website, jam-packed with insider tips and knowledge: visitcolchester.com

📸Photo Credits: (Electric Palace Cinema Harwich), (Julie's House), VisitColchester (Mistley Towers)