Colchester Holidays Guide

Why Visit Colchester in England?

Colchester is England's oldest recorded Roman town; and numerous artefacts still remain. There are many beautiful historic buildings in Colchester (including timber-clad and timber framed buildings), a historic castle, family-friendly attractions as well as plenty of shops, eateries and hustle and bustle.
 

Looking for a Holiday Rental in Colchester?

Search holiday homes in Colchester

 

Discover Some of the Best of Colchester on Holiday

Colchester castle is a fascinating Norman castle with a permanent exhibition of Roman items on display. It's highly recommended for families with children because many of the displays are interactive and children are encouraged to try on costumes, helmets, chain mail, and to participate in various sections.  The castle stands within castle park, where you can enjoy walking through the beautiful gardens
 
Some of Colchester’s narrow streets are reminiscent of the Shambles in York and offer interesting individual independent shops to browse in.
 

Family Attractions in Colchester

When visiting Colchester, one of the most interesting places to visit is the Natural History Museum with its North East Essex focused collections.

Also bound to be a hit with the kids is Colchester zoo which is set on the outskirts of town.  This is a large zoo, with well designed wide walkways, plenty of interesting information, falconry displays, and several play grounds for children to relax in between viewing, as well as numerous interesting animal enclosures.

Places to Visit on a Self-Catering Break in Colchester

If you are enjoying a break in Colchester, there are plenty of great places to visit near Colchester including:

•    The coast and beaches are just a short drive away.  Clacton with its superb sandy beach is just half an hour’s drive away and Frinton on Sea is just 20 miles away.

•     Dedham Vale and Constable Country, along with the pretty villages of north Essex are within reach for day trips by car.

•    Another popular spot to visit is Layer Marney Tower with its superb views.

We hope we’ve inspired you with our ideas on some of the best places to discover when enjoying a self-catering break in fascinating historic Colchester.