THINGS TO DO IN COLCHESTER: 9 Reasons to Add it to Your Travel List
Discovering the best things to do in Colchester has been an ongoing adventure for me, and I’m excited to share my favourite finds with you.
As someone who loves exploring Colchester, I’ve discovered that there’s always something new to uncover on each visit. Whether I’m browsing the unique shops in the ‘Indies’ district or immersing myself in the city’s history, Colchester never fails to captivate. This guide will share some of my favourite spots and hidden gems, inviting you to experience the magic of this fascinating city for yourself.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
9 Things to do in Colchester
- Visit Colchester’s Natural History Museum
- Experience the grandeur of St Botolph’s Priory
- Explore The Minories Folly
- Admire the Jumbo Water Tower
- Walk Colchester’s Roman Walls
- Step back in time with the 17th Century Cottages along the River Colne
- Enjoy a performance at the Victorian Bandstand in Castle Park
- Where shopping meets art: Explore Colchester’s ‘Indies’ Route’
- Discover Colchester Castle & its beautiful surroundings.
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Visit Colchester’s Natural History Museum
📍 LOCATION: Natural History Museum, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DN.
Dwindling congregation numbers at All Saints Church in Colchester High Street led to its closure in the 1950s. The building was subsequently repurposed as The Natural History Museum in 1958.
The museum primarily showcases the natural history of Britain and north-east Essex, in addition to the drowned world underneath the North Sea, plus more.
While the grand London Natural History Museum may spring to mind, Colchester’s offering is much smaller but it’s still a fascinating and free attraction worth a quick whizz around.
N.B. The museum has suffered a stone fall and is temporarily closed whilst inspection is carried out to ensure safety. Check the museum’s website before visiting [correct as of January 2025]
Experience the grandeur of St Botolph’s Priory
📍 LOCATION: St Botolph’s Priory, St Botolph’s St, Colchester CO2
There’s a certain magic to getting lost in a new place. On one of my early explorations of Colchester, a town brimming with Roman history, I chose a carpark and followed the flow of the crowd. Little did I know, this path would lead me on a surprising detour – right through the grounds of St Botolph’s Priory!
The first time I saw the priory, the sight stopped me in my tracks. The sheer scale of the ruins was awe-inspiring, yet people hurried past seemingly oblivious. Maybe on their first encounter, they too were struck by the priory’s grandeur, but on this visit, it had become part of the familiar landscape.
St Botolph’s Priory, despite early privileges, remained small due to nearby St John’s Abbey. Construction was slow, with the west front completed around 1150. After dissolution in 1536, the church was partially used until the Civil War siege in 1648, being heavily damaged by cannon fire. Today, the ruined priory church (Grade I listed) remains a significant example of Norman architecture, particularly the elaborate west front. Built with flint and reused Roman brick, the church featured massive piers, arches, and a richly decorated facade.
Returning to Colchester many years later with my husband Wayne, I was eager to share the priory’s magic. The sight still held the power to stop me in my tracks. Wayne, experiencing it for the first time, felt the same sense of awe. Together, we walked through each archway, determined not to miss a single detail. This unexpected encounter on my first visit sparked a lifelong fascination with St Botolph’s Priory.
Explore The Minories Folly
📍 LOCATION: The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE (enter the garden to the rear in Lewis Gardens)
The folly in the garden of the Minories was a little surprise. On our visit, intrigued by people enjoying tea on the lawn of The Minories (not that I knew it was called that at the time!), we strolled through the inviting ‘secret garden’ like gate. The folly had caught my eye from the outside, but the other side was a complete 180 – stark contrast and definitely not what I expected. WOW! Of course, I then had to proceed to walk through every archway, both ways…just because I could.
Turns out this quirky little building is a fantastic example of gothic architecture, built way back in the 18th century. Usually, these follies were just for show, but this one has seen it all – plays, parties, even weddings! It’s a piece of local history right there in the garden.
Admire the Jumbo Water Tower
📍 LOCATION: Jumbo Water Tower, Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT
Who knew a water tower could be so impressive? Colchester’s Jumbo Water Tower, a testament to Victorian engineering, stands as a prominent landmark on the city’s skyline.
Built in 1882, this red brick giant is a Grade II listed structure. Originally supplying the town’s water, it now stands as a reminder of the city’s innovative past.
Efforts are underway to restore Jumbo and give it a new lease on life. Guided tours are available, offering a glimpse into the tower’s history and architectural details.
I felt the water tower deserved some limelight in a dedicated blog – hop on over to JUMBO WATER TOWER: A COLOSSUS IN COLCHESTER to learn more about the Jumbo Water Tower’s fascinating history.
Walk Colchester’s Roman Walls
Colchester boasts the longest and best-preserved Roman town wall in Britain! Built over 2,000 years ago, these impressive fortifications offer a chance to walk through history.
Lace up your walking shoes and embark on a journey around the walls, a roughly 2-mile loop that takes you past Colchester’s rich heritage. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the way, finding a sunny spot to soak in the views or a sheltered corner for a cozy lunch. Enjoy exploring the walls, discover hidden nooks and crannies, and admire the architectural details of the remaining gates.
My favourite section is the Balkerne Gate, the largest surviving Roman gateway in Britain. There’s something undeniably special about walking through this historic archway, a tangible connection to Colchester’s Roman past.
Ready to explore? Head over to my dedicated blog for a link to Visit Colchester’s downloadable map, to guide you on your walk and uncover more fascinating details about Colchester’s Roman Walls! ➡️ WALK COLCHESTER’S ROMAN WALL: 2,000 Years Strong
Step back in time with the 17th century cottages along the River Colne
📍 LOCATION: Riverside Cottages, 4 Riverside Walk, Colchester, CO1 1RD
Nestled along the River Colne in Colchester, are some stunning 17th-century half-timbered cottages in North Station Road, at the bottom of North Hill.
If you’re visiting Colchester, be sure to take a stroll along the River Colne and admire these historic beauties. They truly pop against the scenery, especially when the sun is shining. Don’t worry about missing them; just remember to look down as you cross the rivers bridge.
Enjoy a Performance at the Victorian Bandstand in Castle Park
📍 LOCATION: Bandstand, Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UN
The Grade II listed Victorian Bandstand, built in 1894, sits proudly in Colchester Castle Park. Back then, it would host concerts by the military bands from Colchester Garrison. This tradition continues today with the free summer concert series, allowing visitors to experience a piece of history while enjoying live music under the summer sky.
Another testament to Victorian engineering, the Colchester Castle Park’s Victorian Bandstand, crafted from cast iron, timber, and stone by renowned iron-founders Walter Macfarlane and Co, boasts an octagonal base and decorative columns supporting a pagoda-style roof. Like many structures during the Second World War, the iron balustrades were likely removed to provide scrap metal for the war effort. However, these were replaced in 2002-2003 with reference to the original design.
So, why not time your visit to Colchester with one of the Victorian Bandstand’s FREE concerts? If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag a spot on one of the many benches that surround it. Otherwise, take a camping chair or picnic blanket, and enjoy a performance under the summer sky. Performances are subject to change, so be sure to check Colchester Castle Park’s website before heading off.
Where Shopping Meets Art: Exploring Colchester’s ‘Indies’ Route
Colchester boasts a thriving independent business scene, clustered along charming medieval streets like Crouch Street, Short Wyre Street, Queen Street, St John’s Street, Sir Isaac’s Walk, and Eld Lane. But beyond the unique shops and cafes, these lanes offer a delightful surprise for art enthusiasts.
Look up! Don’t miss the vibrant artwork commissioned to celebrate The ‘Indies’ Route. In Short Wyre Street, Nicola Burrell’s installation features handcrafted lanterns spelling the street name, glowing magically at night.
These aren’t just decorations; they’re a testament to Colchester’s commitment to local talent. Artists like Burrell and Ben Coode-Adams created pieces to not only guide visitors but also showcase the city’s creative spirit.
So, on your next visit, give Colchester’s independent businesses some love. Browse the unique shops, savour a delicious meal at a local cafe, and keep an eye out for the charming art installations that add another layer of magic to your exploration.
Discover Colchester Castle & Its Beautiful Surroundings
📍 LOCATION: Colchester Castle, Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
No guide to Colchester is complete without a visit to Colchester Castle. This impressive Norman keep, built on the site of a Roman temple, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s history.
Explore the castle grounds, including the beautiful Castle Park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Inside the castle, you can discover fascinating exhibitions and collections. During our visit, the ‘Thunderbirds and Co: Joy of Puppetry’ exhibit was on display. Check the castle’s website for current events.
Whether you admire its exterior or delve into its history, Colchester Castle is a must-see for any visitor to the city.
Find your Colchester Adventure
This blog has only scratched the surface of the many things to do in Colchester. From exploring the Roman walls to discovering special places like the Minories Folly, there’s always something new to uncover. So, put on your walking shoes and immerse yourself in the history of this charming city.
What are your favourite spots in Colchester? Share your recommendations in the comments below!