4-Day Adventure in Historic Colchester, UK

Discover the historic charm of Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain.

22 April 2023

A visit to Colchester, United Kingdom offers a great opportunity to explore the rich history of this ancient city. As the oldest recorded town in Britain, Colchester is home to several historic sites, such as the imposing Norman castle and the impressive Roman walls. Moreover, visitors can also enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene, charming cafes and restaurants, and stunning countryside.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Your History Fix

  • Check in to the luxurious GreyFriars Hotel, modern furnishings and a hearty full English breakfast awaits you.
  • Britain’s oldest recorded town has plenty of historic sights to see; head to the Colchester Castle Museum to discover Roman artefacts and the largest Norman castle in Europe.
  • Explore the charming Dutch Quarter, admire the oldest surviving timber-framed house in Colchester and enjoy a spot of lunch at The Old Bakery Tearooms.
  • Discover the Victorian architecture of Jumbo Water Tower, conquer the spiral staircase to the top for stunning views over Colchester and beyond.
  • End the day at The Minories Galleries, a contemporary space showcasing local artists and an ever-changing exhibition programme.
Day 2

Breathe in the Fresh Air

  • Start the day with a refreshing walk around Castle Park, admire the gardens and fountains and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.
  • Head to Mersea Island for a day by the seaside. Discover the scenic coastlines and stop by The Company Shed for some delicious seafood lunch.
  • On the way back, take a detour to Layer Marney Tower, England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse with gardens that are not to be missed.
  • In the evening, check out the latest films at the Firstsite Gallery cinema. The modern auditorium offers the ultimate film viewing experience with a must-try bar and restaurant.
Day 3

Retail Therapy and Culinary Delights

  • Visit the award-winning Lakeside Shopping Centre, the ultimate destination for a shopping spree.
  • Recharge at the Middletons Steakhouse and Grill, offering top-quality steaks in a relaxed and stylish setting.
  • Pioneer Sourdough Pizza offers a unique flare to Colchester town, and make sure to leave some space for their Nutella dessert pizza.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth at the Small Talk Tea Room with a traditional afternoon tea complete with a selection of delicious teas.
Day 4

Embark on a Countryside Escape

  • Embark on a peaceful countryside walk through Dedham Vale, known for its charming villages and picturesque landscapes.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Sun Inn, a traditional English pub that offers a cosy atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Visit the famous Holliwellbury Park, home to Sir Alfred Munnings, a renowned horse painter, and the largest collection of his artwork in the world.
  • Don’t miss a trip to Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum, a 250-acre estate featuring stunning gardens and woodland walks.
  • End your stay with a pint of ale at the Red Lion Pub, thought to be one of the most haunted pubs in the UK, located in the heart of Colchester.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Colchester by plane is to fly into London Stansted Airport and then take the train to Colchester North station. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to your final destination in Colchester.

Car

Driving to Colchester is straightforward as it is located just off the A12 motorway. The journey from London takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Train

Travelling by train to Colchester is convenient as there are frequent train services from London Liverpool Street Station to Colchester North Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and tickets can be purchased at the station or online.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to Colchester. However, you may consider taking a boat to Harwich, which is a seaside town located approximately 30 minutes away from Colchester by train or car.

Bus

The most cost-effective way to get to Colchester by bus is to take the National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with tickets available for purchase at the station or online.

Destination

Colchester

Welcome to a charming town located in the midst of pastures and sheep, where the only thing more abundant than history is the amount of tea consumed daily by its inhabitants. Prepare to be amused and enlightened in Colchester!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Colchester: A historic and vibrant day trip

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