Things to do in Colchester

Activities, attractions and tours
Colchester featuring markets and signage as well as a large group of people
Layer Marney Tower which includes heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Beth Chatto Garden showing a park and forests
Colchester which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and an administrative building
Colchester

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Top places to visit

1. Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is sure to delight families. Watch the Patagonian sea lions play above your head as you wander through an underwater tunnel. Take a ride on the Madagascar Road train through the lemur enclosure and don’t miss out on the daily animal feeding sessions and impressive falconry displays.
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Colchester Zoo which includes animals and zoo animals

2. Colchester Castle Park

Find yourself a spot on the grass, spread out your picnic rug and enjoy the views across Colchester Castle Park down towards the River Colne. In the background stands the impressive form of Colchester Castle, which is what the park was named after. An ancient Roman wall divides this Victorian-style park in to Lower and Upper areas. Come to the park to relax or play, enjoy walking around colorful gardens or be entertained by one of the many special events held here.
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Colchester Castle Park showing heritage architecture and château or palace

3. Layer Marney Tower

Climb to the top of the Layer Marney Tower and look out across the Essex countryside and the River Blackwater. Learn about the building’s 500-year-old history and view historical artifacts. On a sunny day, enjoy a stroll around the gardens or take the Wildlife Walk to see cattle and birds. End your afternoon with a cup of tea in the quaint room overlooking the Blackwater Estuary.
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Layer Marney Tower showing a park, heritage elements and a castle

4. Colchester Town Hall

Take a look at Colchester Town Hall’s ornate exterior and then enter the impressive building to see beautifully decorated rooms. There’s the council chambers with ceiling paintings and stained-glass windows, as well as the first library in Colchester. The Moot Hall is home to a large organ still used today.
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Colchester featuring heritage architecture

5. Mercury Theatre

Book in for a night of music, comedy, theater or dance at Mercury Theatre. Come to this cultural center to see a national or international touring show or take in one of the performances by the excellent “Made in Colchester” theater group. The events program runs throughout the year. You’ll find more local talent on display in the Digby Gallery within the same building.
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Colchester featuring interior views and theatre scenes

6. Beth Chatto Garden

See how years of dedication has turned the Beth Chatto Gardens into a place of wonderment. Take in the contrasting displays of the dry Gravel Garden and the lush Water Garden. Don’t miss the explosion of color in the Woodland Garden during the spring or autumn and prepare to be amazed by the Scree Garden. Shop in the nursery or relax with a hot drink in the tearoom.
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Beth Chatto Garden showing a park, wild flowers and flowers
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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What to do in Colchester


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