Things to do in Colchester

Activities, attractions and tours

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.

Things to do

West Mersea Highlights City Exploration Game

Secrets of West Mersea: Self-Guided Island Puzzle Walk

€7
per adult
Secrets of West Mersea: Self-Guided Island Puzzle Walk
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What to do in Colchester

Stay near popular Colchester attractions

A wrought iron gate with intricate designs, a brick building with ivy, and a paved area.

Colchester Castle Park

9.0/10 (164 reviews)
Stroll through centuries of history around the imposing Norman castle in this award-winning park. Explore formal Victorian gardens, cross Roman walls, and relax by the River Colne's tranquil waters.
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Where to stay in Colchester

Find the best Colchester areas 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 ample dining options, and you might make a stop by firstsite, a top place to visit in the area.

A river with ducks, houses, and trees.

Sudbury

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

Ipswich

A pier extending into the water with a sunset in the background.

Clacton-on-Sea

A church with a tall steeple, large arched windows, and a graveyard in front.
Photo by Oxymoron (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Capel St. Mary

A grassy field with a hedge on the left and a clear sky.

Tolleshunt Knights

A coastal town with a marina, residential buildings, and a beach.

Manningtree

A stone building, a tree, and stone walls in a rural landscape.

Bradwell

A church with a stone tower and a graveyard.
Photo by Keith Evans (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Brantham

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.

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