Colchester is one of East Anglia’s finest historic destinations packed with over 2,000 years of history. As Britain’s First Roman City, and now newest modern City following the Queen’s Jubilee, there’s plenty for groups to discover in the centre and

surrounding areas.

There is no better time to visit than during our

Year of Celebration, all to commemorate our

new city status. Discover exhibitions, gallery

shows, re-enactment events and performances

plus much more in a jam-packed year of

celebrations.

We recommend starting your visit in the city

centre and take time to discover period architecture

and historic sites around every corner. Pop into the Visitor Information Centre (located in the free Hollytrees Museum in stunning Castle Park) for maps and guidance and then let your group explore under their own steam or book a guided walking tour, a terrific way to uncover hidden gems. All our guided tours are run by fully qualified city guides, meaning your tour is guaranteed to be well paced, entertaining and fully of historical facts.

For the history lovers build in time to visit the Roman Walls, the earliest, best preserved and the longest Roman city walls in Britain. Ensure you also stop off and take some time to visit St Botolph’s Priory and of course Colchester Castle.

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Colchester Castle is built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, which was later destroyed by Queen Boudica, now a modern museum packed full of ancient treasures from Colchester’s past. With regular and changing exhibitions and displays its one not to miss.

If modern art is your thing include a visit to Firstsite, Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021. Even here Colchester’s history pops up in the form

of a Roman mosaic re-laid where it was found, in

the floor of this 21st Century architectural marvel,

and like many of our city centre attractions its

free to visit.

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Alongside these, you will find a bustling and

lively city centre with plenty of big named retailers,

small independent boutiques and a huge variety of

places to eat and drink. Combine with a trip out to

nearby popular group destinations like Constable

Country, famous jam makers Wilkins and Sons at

Tiptree, Beth Chatto Gardens or Layer Marney Tower a trip to Colchester in 2023 is cause for celebration.

 

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