Colchester: A Fun & Affordable 4-Day Adventure!

Discover Colchester's historic charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Colchester on a limited budget can still be an enjoyable experience. Visiting the Castle Museum or walking along the Roman Wall are free activities that offer a glimpse into the city's history. Staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses will also help keep costs down.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Colchester

Check into the budget-friendly North Hill Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city
Grab a coffee and pastry from The Tea Shed, a quaint cafe with a charming atmosphere
Visit Colchester Castle, an impressive 900-year-old historic site with fascinating exhibits and stunning views
Wander around the delightful Castle Park, a beautiful green space with a tranquil lake and plenty of benches to relax on
Enjoy a pint and some classic pub grub at The Odd One Out, a cozy pub with a great selection of beer and friendly staff

Day 2

History and Culture

Head to the Firstsite Gallery, an innovative and contemporary art space with thought-provoking exhibitions
Visit Hollytrees Museum, a Georgian townhouse that provides a fascinating glimpse into Colchester's past
Take a stroll around the charming Dutch Quarter, an area of the city that's bursting with character and history
Step back in time at Tymperleys Clock Museum & Tearooms, where you can admire antique clocks and enjoy a delicious high tea
Finish the day with a meal at The Old Siege House Bar and Brasserie, a charming restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere and great food

Day 3

Nature and Countryside

Explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Colchester with a guided walk from Colchester Natural History Society
Visit the tranquil Beth Chatto Gardens, a stunning set of gardens filled with rare and unusual plants
Take a tour of Layer Marney Tower, a magnificent Tudor gatehouse with breathtaking views of the countryside
Indulge in some delicious cakes and refreshments at Tiptree Tea Room, a quaint cafe in the heart of the Essex countryside
Head back to the city centre and enjoy dinner at The Olive Branch, a Lebanese restaurant with a great atmosphere and fantastic food

Day 4

Shopping and Culture

Explore the quirky shops and independent boutiques in the St. Botolph's area of the city
Visit the Mercury Theatre, a fantastic venue for drama, comedy, and music performances
Learn about the history of brewing in the area with a visit to Wibblers Brewery, where you can sample some delicious craft beers
Catch a movie at Colchester's independent cinema, The Queen's Theatre
Finish the day with dinner at Il Padrino, a traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of Colchester's cultural quarter.

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