Local attractions in and around Colchester
Sightseeing
During your visit you will see species from around the world and learn more about them at daily encounters, giving you the chance to see the animals being fed, watch a training session or perhaps just quiz the keepers!
As you navigate your way around Colchester Zoo you’ll visit many different habitats; from the humid home of our Komodo Dragons to the zoo’s very own Africa plain, Kingdom of the Wild, home to white rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu.
You can also take part in some fantastic activities with the opportunity to hand feed the elephants and giraffe at daily public feeding sessions! Colchester Zoo also has many undercover areas so you can stay warm and dry on even the wettest of days!
With so much to see and do including a full calendar of events you may find you want to return throughout the year, Colchester Zoo’s Passes allow you to do just that with
unlimited visits for 12 or 24 months.
132 locals recommend
Colchester Zoo
Maldon RoadDuring your visit you will see species from around the world and learn more about them at daily encounters, giving you the chance to see the animals being fed, watch a training session or perhaps just quiz the keepers!
As you navigate your way around Colchester Zoo you’ll visit many different habitats; from the humid home of our Komodo Dragons to the zoo’s very own Africa plain, Kingdom of the Wild, home to white rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu.
You can also take part in some fantastic activities with the opportunity to hand feed the elephants and giraffe at daily public feeding sessions! Colchester Zoo also has many undercover areas so you can stay warm and dry on even the wettest of days!
With so much to see and do including a full calendar of events you may find you want to return throughout the year, Colchester Zoo’s Passes allow you to do just that with
unlimited visits for 12 or 24 months.
A visit to Colchester Castle is better than ever before with interactive displays and star exhibits, like the Colchester Vase and Fenwick Treasure.
Visit the museum to have a go at building a Norman archway, excavating a Roman doctor’s grave or steering a chariot. Be wowed as a large scale ‘son et lumière’ projection transforms the east wall with light and sound.
Expert-led tours down into the Roman vaults and up onto the panoramic Castle roof can also be booked.
80 locals recommend
The Castle Museum
Castle ParkA visit to Colchester Castle is better than ever before with interactive displays and star exhibits, like the Colchester Vase and Fenwick Treasure.
Visit the museum to have a go at building a Norman archway, excavating a Roman doctor’s grave or steering a chariot. Be wowed as a large scale ‘son et lumière’ projection transforms the east wall with light and sound.
Expert-led tours down into the Roman vaults and up onto the panoramic Castle roof can also be booked.
Colchester Castle Park
High StreetFirstsite is the East of England's contemporary visual arts organisation. From its spectacular golden building designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, FirstSite presents a varied and challenging programme of exhibitions, commissions, residencies and screenings, in a broad range of media and art forms, by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
At FirstSite, visitors will experience the most exciting developments in contemporary art, and explore the rich artistic legacy cultivated by the East of England's unique landscape and character.
FirstSite also offers a wide-ranging programme of creative events and activities for the whole family - from drop-in sessions for parents and toddlers, to intensive art and craft courses for adults, and special screenings, live theatre, opera and ballet screened from across the world, talks and debates in its state-of-the-art auditorium. A flourishing programme of work with diverse groups including schoolchildren, older people, young parents and looked after children aims to bring people together through free shared creative activities - inside the building and at grassroots level in the local community.
35 locals recommend
Firstsite
Firstsite is the East of England's contemporary visual arts organisation. From its spectacular golden building designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, FirstSite presents a varied and challenging programme of exhibitions, commissions, residencies and screenings, in a broad range of media and art forms, by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
At FirstSite, visitors will experience the most exciting developments in contemporary art, and explore the rich artistic legacy cultivated by the East of England's unique landscape and character.
FirstSite also offers a wide-ranging programme of creative events and activities for the whole family - from drop-in sessions for parents and toddlers, to intensive art and craft courses for adults, and special screenings, live theatre, opera and ballet screened from across the world, talks and debates in its state-of-the-art auditorium. A flourishing programme of work with diverse groups including schoolchildren, older people, young parents and looked after children aims to bring people together through free shared creative activities - inside the building and at grassroots level in the local community.
Covering 6 acres, these beautiful gardens have become world famous. Original problem areas have been transformed by the use of plants suited to the conditions into gravel, water and woodland gardens.
Coaches must be booked in advance.
Tearoom open all year round and seats 100.
Large plant nursery.
Tearoom and gardens suitable for people with disabilities.
30 locals recommend
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Clacton RoadCovering 6 acres, these beautiful gardens have become world famous. Original problem areas have been transformed by the use of plants suited to the conditions into gravel, water and woodland gardens.
Coaches must be booked in advance.
Tearoom open all year round and seats 100.
Large plant nursery.
Tearoom and gardens suitable for people with disabilities.
Fingringhoe Wick was Essex Wildlife Trust's first nature reserve (1961), some years later it was where the Trust opened their first visitor centre. Fifty years on visitors are still coming to see this magical place. Set in a spectacular position overlooking the Colne Estuary the reserve offers a sense of real peace and quiet and a chance to escape from it all.
The nature reserve is now a SSSI (Site Special Scientific Interest), a wildlife haven of over 200 acres hosting up to 200 species of birds, 27 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 24 species of butterfly, 350 species of flowering plants, as well as Adders, Badgers and many other animals.
Fingringhoe Wick is one of the finest nature reserves in the county with something for everyone at all times of year from families, organised wildlife groups, expert birdwatches to enthusiastic beginners, school parties and walkers.
8 locals recommend
Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick
Fingringhoe Wick was Essex Wildlife Trust's first nature reserve (1961), some years later it was where the Trust opened their first visitor centre. Fifty years on visitors are still coming to see this magical place. Set in a spectacular position overlooking the Colne Estuary the reserve offers a sense of real peace and quiet and a chance to escape from it all.
The nature reserve is now a SSSI (Site Special Scientific Interest), a wildlife haven of over 200 acres hosting up to 200 species of birds, 27 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 24 species of butterfly, 350 species of flowering plants, as well as Adders, Badgers and many other animals.
Fingringhoe Wick is one of the finest nature reserves in the county with something for everyone at all times of year from families, organised wildlife groups, expert birdwatches to enthusiastic beginners, school parties and walkers.
Founded about 1100, St Botolph's was one of the first Augustinian priories in England.
An impressive example of early Norman architecture, built in flint and reused Roman brick, the church displays massive circular pillars, round arches and an elaborate west front.
It was badly damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War siege of 1648. Even in its ruined state the priory church is an impressive example of early Norman architecture, and the elaborate west front is one of the best surviving examples from this period.
Postcode: CO2 7EE
6 locals recommend
St. Botolph's Priory
Saint Botolph's Church WalkFounded about 1100, St Botolph's was one of the first Augustinian priories in England.
An impressive example of early Norman architecture, built in flint and reused Roman brick, the church displays massive circular pillars, round arches and an elaborate west front.
It was badly damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War siege of 1648. Even in its ruined state the priory church is an impressive example of early Norman architecture, and the elaborate west front is one of the best surviving examples from this period.
Postcode: CO2 7EE
A stunning Tudor merchant's house whose walls have more than a few stories to tell.
Stunning woodcarving and elaborate panelling made this wealthy merchant's house a medieval desirable residence built to impress.
Built around 1500 for Thomas Paycocke, the house is a grand example of the wealth generated in East Anglia by the cloth trade in the 16th century.
Discover what happened to Thomas' house through hundreds of years of history as you piece together its timber framed secrets and the fascinating story of its riches to rags decline and Edwardian 20-year restoration.
Volunteers have worked similar green-fingered miracles restoring the cottage garden, a hidden arts & crafts gem with surprising industrial roots.
Address: 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1NS
8 locals recommend
National Trust - Paycocke's House and Garden
25 West StA stunning Tudor merchant's house whose walls have more than a few stories to tell.
Stunning woodcarving and elaborate panelling made this wealthy merchant's house a medieval desirable residence built to impress.
Built around 1500 for Thomas Paycocke, the house is a grand example of the wealth generated in East Anglia by the cloth trade in the 16th century.
Discover what happened to Thomas' house through hundreds of years of history as you piece together its timber framed secrets and the fascinating story of its riches to rags decline and Edwardian 20-year restoration.
Volunteers have worked similar green-fingered miracles restoring the cottage garden, a hidden arts & crafts gem with surprising industrial roots.
Address: 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1NS
Entertainment
The Mercury Theatre Colchester is the most active producing theatre in East Anglia, and is a vital centre of excellence in the east’s growing creative economy.
Rooted in its local community the theatre touches over 130,000 people in Colchester and the surrounding area each year through the vibrant and broad programme it stages across two auditoria, and through community education partnerships.
The Mercury is only a 5-minute walk from Colchester Town Centre with great local bus links and is within walking distance of both Colchester North and Colchester Town station.
Postal Address: Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT CAR
The nearest car park to the theatre is St Mary’s Car Park (CO3 3AA).
21 locals recommend
Mercury Theatre
The Mercury Theatre Colchester is the most active producing theatre in East Anglia, and is a vital centre of excellence in the east’s growing creative economy.
Rooted in its local community the theatre touches over 130,000 people in Colchester and the surrounding area each year through the vibrant and broad programme it stages across two auditoria, and through community education partnerships.
The Mercury is only a 5-minute walk from Colchester Town Centre with great local bus links and is within walking distance of both Colchester North and Colchester Town station.
Postal Address: Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT CAR
The nearest car park to the theatre is St Mary’s Car Park (CO3 3AA).