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Colchester
Colchester

Things to do in Colchester (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated August, 2025) | Trip.com

About Colchester

Colchester Local Experiences Map

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Things to do in Colchester

What to do

Looking for things to do in Colchester? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
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Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo

4.0
5.0/53 Reviews
Opening hours: 09:30-18:00 (admission ends at 17:00)
Shae Islam:“Such a nice zoo and very cheap entrance fees! Saw plenty and they even let you handle the slimy creatures on offer :o”
Colchester Castle Park

Colchester Castle Park

3.5
5.0/54 Reviews
Opening hours: 07:30-18:00
636***62:“Colchester is the third largest town in Essex and the oldest capital of the United Kingdom. The Castle Park was built by the Normans during the Roman rule. The inner walls of the castle are made of yellow mud and red bricks. It is very primitive but shows the power and prosperity at that time. The park outside the castle is lush with grass and trees, and squirrels are jumping right in front of you. It is primitive, simple, peaceful and comfortable.”
Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle

3.2
4.0/51 Reviews
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00
M_Q_C_L:“A Norman castle build on the foundation of Roman Temple of Claudius(was constructed between 49 and 60 AD). Entry ticket as £13.50 per person was a bit expensive if you not interested in the museum displays. To see the Roman foundation and the top of the coastal, you have to join the tour with extra £4.75. Saying that, the tour was well worth the money!”
The British Museum

The British Museum

10
4.8/53,232 Reviews
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Museums
Opening hours: 10:00-20:30 (admission ends at 20:15)
136***23:“We joined the British Museum's expert Chinese tour guide, Mr. Zhang, for a detailed, engaging, and engaging explanation. The three-hour tour felt like it flew by, and only when we stopped did we notice our legs were truly tired. Thank you to Mr. Zhang for your guidance and leadership. It was a fantastic museum experience, and the children thoroughly enjoyed it! We'll definitely book a more in-depth tour next time!”
Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

10
4.8/51,277 Reviews
Opening hours: 09:30-15:30 (admission ends at 14:30)
milan_girl:“It's best to print out your tickets in advance and have them at the church entrance for staff to check. If you can book a specific time, do so to avoid waiting in line. We booked a Monday morning free-time ticket and waited in line for about 35 minutes before entering. After checking in, ask a staff member to lead you to the browser, then pick up a Chinese map nearby. Inside, you'll be surrounded by a sea of ​​monuments and plaques. Newton's statue stands out, while Darwin and Hawking's are easily missed on the ground. It's best to do some research before visiting Westminster Abbey; there's so much information to be found.”
Colchester United Football Club

Colchester United Football Club

3.1
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Opening hours: 09:00-17:00
Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

9.9
4.6/52,043 Reviews
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Historic buildings
Night view
Opening hours: 09:30-19:30 (admission ends at 17:30)
milan_girl:“Buckingham Palace is definitely worth a visit. I booked my tickets through Ctrip and arrived at Gate A half an hour early to exchange them. Then, I went to Gate C and waited for the staff to hold up a sign indicating my entry time. Photography is not allowed inside, and backpacks must be carried by hand, so it's best not to bring them. After passing security and entering, I received an audio guide, available in Chinese, that provided a comprehensive explanation. The tour lasted about an hour, and at the end, I walked around the lawn and exited through the back door.”
Mercury Theatre

Mercury Theatre

3.0
5.0/53 Reviews
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Performances
Opening hours: 10:00-23:00
High Woods Country Park

High Woods Country Park

3.0
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Opening hours: 07:30-22:00
London Eye

London Eye

9.7
4.7/52,882 Reviews
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Night view
Opening hours: 10:00-20:30
117***52:“As a landmark, I must come and visit. I bought an afternoon ticket a day in advance. That time period was the cheapest. I ended up arriving 2 hours early and went in. I walked around for a long time. When I got off, I took photos to take to Big Ben. There were more than 20 people in a carriage and almost all of them went to check in.”

Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Colchester, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
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Wivenhoe House Hotel

Wivenhoe House Hotel

4.5/5116 Reviews
Delta Hotels Colchester

Delta Hotels Colchester

4.2/5112 Reviews
St Nicholas Hotel

St Nicholas Hotel

4.0/5137 Reviews
Brook Red Lion Hotel

Brook Red Lion Hotel

3.3/567 Reviews
Holiday Inn Colchester

Holiday Inn Colchester

4.4/5118 Reviews
GreyFriars

GreyFriars

4.5/5100 Reviews
Birds Farm

Birds Farm

4.4/57 Reviews
Drapers Hotel

Drapers Hotel

4.0/555 Reviews

What to eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Colchester dishes and foodie spots.
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Toby Carvery

Toby Carvery

3.9/527 Reviews
Open 8:00-22:00
TheForkUser:“As with any Buffett type restaurant there are good and bad things. But that said you know what you’re signing up for when you go there. So queuing for your dinner is a given. The staff were lovely, food hot and plentiful and had a money off coupon too plus earned Yums - all in all a good night.”
Carluccios - Fenwick Colchester

Carluccios - Fenwick Colchester

4.6/547 Reviews
Open 9:00-17:30
TheForkUser:“The food was good but the choice was poor. The menu has been reduced and it's not an improvement. And this "Italian" no longer serves pana cotta as a desert option.”
The Crown

The Crown

4.3/519 Reviews
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Open Late
Open 11:00-23:00
TheForkUser:“I have been here with parents, children, the kids chums, my mates and a lady or five. This was for my 60th with the eldest, her Man and a lady chum of mine. The waiting staff were effective and courteous the foid was good and got to have a Dad chat this is the first time since my last parent passed a way so a comfortable and warm place. The walk in Dedham was very chilly a lunch to remember.”
Maxine's Restaurant at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa

Maxine's Restaurant at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa

3.6/519 Reviews
Open 9:00-18:45
TheForkUser:“Excellent food, great service and friendly staff - it was a Tuesday lunchtime so not the busiest time. This is a great restaurant with a good menu choice”
Banquet Chinese

Banquet Chinese

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Open Late
Avg. SEK536/person
Currently closed
Talbooth Restaurant

Talbooth Restaurant

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Open Late
Avg. SEK660/person
Open 12:00-14:30
The Old Siege House

The Old Siege House

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Open Late
Avg. SEK282/person
Open 12:00-14:30
The Marlborough Head

The Marlborough Head

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Open Late
Avg. SEK177/person
Open 08:00-23:00
The Waterfront Bistro

The Waterfront Bistro

This user hasn't left any comments yet
Open 10:00-15:00
Sorano's

Sorano's

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King Kebab

King Kebab

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Open at 17:00 today
The Barn Brasserie

The Barn Brasserie

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Open 12:00-14:30

Colchester Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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Explore the mysteries of nature and gain a deeper understanding of Earth's history at the "Goldsmiths Natural History Museum"
文青型旅行者

Explore the mysteries of nature and gain a deeper understanding of Earth's history at the "Goldsmiths Natural History Museum"

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BusbyTo
Colchester town

Colchester town

Bubiii
Bubiii
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