The Ultimate 5-Day Colchester Adventure Guide

Discover the ancient history and modern charm of Colchester, UK.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Colchester, United Kingdom, you can experience the rich history of the town by visiting the Colchester Castle, one of the largest Norman castles built in the country. Explore the Dutch Quarter, a charming area with 17th-century houses and antique shops, and sample some delicious traditional British cuisine in one of the many cafes or restaurants in the town. You can also take a scenic walk along the River Colne, which runs through the town and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

A Taste of History

Check into the stylish Greyfriars Hotel
Visit the iconic Colchester Castle, a museum with Roman artifacts and medieval history
Stroll through the picturesque Castle Park and picnic on the lawns
Savor a traditional British meal at The Red Lion, a cozy pub dating back to the 15th century

Day 2

Artistic Delights

Spend the morning at the Firstsite Gallery, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and installations
Enjoy lunch at the Minories, a charming restaurant and art center with a beautiful garden
Explore the historic Mercury Theatre and catch a live performance
End the day with cocktails and tapas at Abbeygate Street's stylish Loft Bar

Day 3

Seaside Escape

Take a train from Colchester to the quaint town of Frinton-on-Sea
Walk along the golden sandy beach and admire the colorful beach huts
Satisfy your appetite with freshly caught seafood at the Old Lifeboat House Restaurant
Stop by the Frinton Summer Theatre, a charming small venue for plays and musicals
Head back to Colchester and sip on some craft beer at The Three Wise Monkeys

Day 4

Botanical Beauty

Begin the day with a scrumptious breakfast at the Crepeaffaire at Lion Walk
Wander through the enchanting Beth Chatto Gardens, showcasing brilliant floral displays and water features
Take a picnic to the idyllic Castle Park or enjoy lunch at the vintage-themed Lion Walk Shopping Centre
Embark on a serene walk or bike ride through the sweet-smelling High Woods Country Park
Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade treats at Tiptree Patisserie, famous for its jams and preserves

Day 5

Market Day

Start off with a hearty breakfast at the Colchester Market Cafe
Brimstone Tattoo and Piercing will give you the chance to leave your mark on your visit at Colchester
Head to Colchester's bustling Outdoor Market, where you can sample locally made and farm fresh produce
Shop in the fashionable Red Lion Yard for trendy fashion boutiques and vintage shops
Catch a live gig at The Soundhouse, a buzz-worthy music venue loved by the locals.

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.