Introducing

The George Hotel

Restored to its former glory, and featuring a stylish bar, lounge and restaurant,
The George Hotel has proudly sat on Colchester High Street for over 500 years.
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Introducing

Tea at The George

Stylish and elegant, the Tea room is adorned with paneling, mirrors, cherry blossom,
and lavish flowers, showcasing Colchester’s historic charm and history.
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Visit & Explore Colchester - Britain's First City

Colchester is acclaimed to be Britain's first city, and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester, Essex. With many incredible attractions, pubs, restaurants, shops, and events taking place throughout the year it is a favourite tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Today, Colchester is a thriving city centre, surrounded by inspiring rural landscapes, making it just right for a family holiday or a short break.

In the Spotlight

Today's featured businesses and attractions in Colchester

The George Hotel

Stay, Explore and Discover the Fully refurbished Essex based Iconic hotel with 500 years of history and character. Quirky Rooms, Bar, Restaurant, Afternoon Tea room and Event space for…

Colchester
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Love Thy Burger

Love Thy Burger is Colchester's go-to independent Burger joint. Our Chef's press each patty on site daily with our custom beef blend supplied by local butchers.

Colchester
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Things to Do in Colchester

Discover things to do for your day out in Colchester

Bread and Roses CIC

The Bread and Roses CIC is a female led community interest company with a long term aim to restore Thames Sailing Barge May to become a Community Bakery.

Colchester
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Hayletts Gallery

Hayletts Gallery is an online gallery with 3 pop up shows a year. They specialise in promoting and exhibiting the best professional East Anglian Artists both past & present in addition to…

Colchester
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The Old Siege House Bar and Brasserie

Historical building used in the 1648 Civil War. We are a Bar and Restaurant located in Colchester City. We provide lunch, dinner, afternoon teas and use the freshest local produce.

Colchester
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Poplar Nurseries

Being long established in the growing of plants and with roots running three generations deep, Poplar Nurseries has evolved to become one of the leading independent garden centres, renowned…

Colchester
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Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Set in a spectacular position overlooking the Colne Estuary the reserve offers a sense of real peace and quiet and a chance to escape from it all.

Colchester
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Layer Marney Tower

England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower stands within the Essex landscape, commanding views to the River Blackwater and beyond.

Colchester
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East Anglian Railway Museum

For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time to discover the unique history of the region’s railways. The site covers over 10 acres.

Colchester
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Barn Dance Fun

I run family friendly Ceilidh's/Barn dances for groups, special events and weddings etc. I am also happy to put on events as a fund raising activity for schools, clubs and groups.

Colchester
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Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Experience arts, culture and entertainment in Colchester at craft centres, galleries, theatres and a variety of entertainment venues

The Triangle Gallery

The Triangle Gallery is a space for local artists and students to showcase​ their Original artwork. ​We offer competitive commission rates and flexible timescales for our exhibitors. We…

Colchester
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Stane Street Players

Local Amateur Drama Group for Earls Colne and Halstead. Stane Street Players has been going strong since 1975 when a group of friends in Marks Tey decided to put on a village pantomime.

Colchester
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Hayletts Gallery

Hayletts Gallery is an online gallery with 3 pop up shows a year. They specialise in promoting and exhibiting the best professional East Anglian Artists both past & present in addition to…

Colchester
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Essex Book Festival

Essex Book Festival is one of the highlights of the county’s cultural calendar. Each year the festival hosts over 100+ author/creative events across Essex, from writing workshops to walks,…

Colchester
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Colchester Attractions

Tourist attractions and interesting places to visit in Colchester

Bread and Roses CIC

The Bread and Roses CIC is a female led community interest company with a long term aim to restore Thames Sailing Barge May to become a Community Bakery.

Colchester
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Colchester Zoological Society

Colchester Zoological Society is home to over 150 beautiful, unusual & rare species of the animal kingdom, set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes!

Colchester
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Layer Marney Tower

England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower stands within the Essex landscape, commanding views to the River Blackwater and beyond.

Colchester
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Paycocke's House and Garden, National Trust

Paycocke's is a house and garden in Coggeshall, Essex. A stunning Tudor merchant's house whose walls have more than a few stories to tell.

Colchester
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East Anglian Railway Museum

For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time to discover the unique history of the region’s railways. The site covers over 10 acres.

Colchester
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The Old Siege House Bar and Brasserie

Historical building used in the 1648 Civil War. We are a Bar and Restaurant located in Colchester City. We provide lunch, dinner, afternoon teas and use the freshest local produce.

Colchester
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Bourne Mill

Built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 17th century, Bourne Mill still has a working waterwheel. The surrounding pond, wetlands and woods are home to a variety of wildlife,…

Colchester
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Poplar Miniature Railway

Poplar Miniature Railway runs steam hauled miniature train rides through the landscaped gardens of Poplar Nurseries at Marks Tey near Colchester.

Colchester
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Restaurants in Colchester

Feeling hungry? Find restaurants and places to eat in Colchester

Dog & Pheasant

The Dog & Pheasant pub restaurant at Mile End in Colchester brings you fantastic value on craft beers, shots and cocktails plus a mouth-watering food selection in a family-welcome atmosphere.

Colchester
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Miller & Carter Colchester

Miller & Carter Colchester is the perfect place to stop and unwind after visiting Tollgate shopping centres or even Colchester Zoo. Our cosy interior makes us the finest place to treat…

Colchester
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The Centurion

Whether you are looking for delectable craft beer or cider, small batch gins, handmade spirit infusions, quirky cocktails or a can of retro soft drink, The Centurion has something for everyone.

Colchester
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Pizza Express Colchester

You’ll find Pizza Express Colchester tucked away behind the Town Hall, just off the High Street, in Britain's oldest recorded town.

Colchester
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Poplar Nurseries

Being long established in the growing of plants and with roots running three generations deep, Poplar Nurseries has evolved to become one of the leading independent garden centres, renowned…

Colchester
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Mersea Barns

Mersea Barns offers a charming café restaurant serving local dishes, a well-stocked shop with regional treats, and luxury glamping. Located on Essex's coast, it’s the perfect spot for…

Colchester
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The Castle Inn

The Castle Inn in Colchester, located immediately before the main gates to Castle Park on the High Street, is one of Colchester's leading bars.

Colchester
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The Essex Golf & Country Club

Whether you’re a keen gym goer, golfer, lane swimmer, or simply someone who loves the buzz of a group exercise class, our exceptional facilities and premium services at The Essex will help…

Colchester
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Colchester Bars & Pubs

Quench your thirst at one of the many Colchester bars or pubs

Restaurant 43

In the heart of Great Bentley sits Restaurant 43 designed and built by restaurateur Mark, his wife Dawn & their two daughters Scarlett & Ruby. Open for lunch and dinner offering various…

Colchester
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Camulodunum

Head down to the Camulodunum in Colchester for great food & drink every day. We have a great range of deals available for you to enjoy too along with live sport.

Colchester
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Rovers Tye

At The Rovers Tye, Colchester, we have something for everyone! It's a great place to meet with friends, family and fellow sports fans to enjoy a great range of food and drink.

Colchester
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The Marlborough

A beautifully traditional, English inn located at the very centre of the famous village of Dedham. A 15th-century public house with five en-suite bedrooms, a walled garden, and a…

Colchester
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Swan Inn

You’ll find The Swan Inn not far from Stanway, in between Beacon End and Copford. With your mates, with your other half, or even with the kids, The Swan inn is perfect – relaxed,…

Colchester
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The George Hotel

Stay, Explore and Discover the Fully refurbished Essex based Iconic hotel with 500 years of history and character. Quirky Rooms, Bar, Restaurant, Afternoon Tea room and Event space for…

Colchester
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Harvester Stanway

Your local family friendly Harvester Stanway pub restaurant in Colchester is a great spot to relax and unwind over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or enjoy a couple of drinks in our cosy,…

Colchester
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Pavilion Lounge and Restaurant

A unique restaurant, lounge, bar and dining terrace where luxury, elegance and sophistication meet a raw and inspired organic space, in a breath of fresh air.

Colchester
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Hotels in Colchester

Find a hotel for your holiday or short stay in Colchester

Prested Hall

Prested Hall is a charming Hotel and exclusive wedding venue in Essex. A beautiful 15th century part-moated manor house, Prested is probably one of the county’s best kept secrets.

Colchester
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The Marlborough

A beautifully traditional, English inn located at the very centre of the famous village of Dedham. A 15th-century public house with five en-suite bedrooms, a walled garden, and a…

Colchester
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The Rose and Crown Hotel

Built in the 14th century, The Rose and Crown Hotel is one of Colchester’s most iconic buildings. Our 39 bedrooms are split between the original building and a purpose-built modern wing.

Colchester
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The George Hotel

Stay, Explore and Discover the Fully refurbished Essex based Iconic hotel with 500 years of history and character. Quirky Rooms, Bar, Restaurant, Afternoon Tea room and Event space for…

Colchester
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Wivenhoe House Hotel

Surrounded by stunning parkland, yet only minutes from Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, Wivenhoe House is a beautiful four-star luxury hotel, combining the romance and history of…

Colchester
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Premier Inn Colchester Cowdray Avenue

There's plenty to see and do at Premier Inn Hotel Colchester Cowdray Avenue.

Colchester
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Premier Inn Colchester Town Centre

Britain's oldest recorded town is home to new generation bedrooms, each featuring an impressive 40" flat screen TV, bright, modern bathroom with a large shower head, and a brand new,…

Colchester
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Colchester Boutique Hotel

Colchester Boutique Hotel is a fully serviced Hotel with Bar, Restaurant, Terrace Garden & meeting rooms, all on-site. We host private functions and wedding receptions.

Colchester
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What's on in Colchester

Find what's on in Colchester in our events calendar

2

Jan 2026

All Year Sculpture Trail at Markshall
10:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Explore our stunning Sculpture Trail winding through the Arboretum! Can you find them all? Hunt down hidden sculptures nestled among the trees and tick them off as you go — a fun adventure…

2

Oct 2026

Spooky Halloween Train Rides
Poplar is getting ready for a spellbinding Halloween. As the gardens transform with pumpkins, cobwebs and friendly ghosts, our miniature railway becomes the star of the season — offering…

14

Oct 2026

Marks Tey Car Boot Sale
06:00 AM - 02:00 PM
The Marks Tey Car Boot Sale operates every Wednesday from March through to December (weather permitting).

14

Oct 2026

Home, I’m Darling
Every couple needs a little fantasy to keep their marriage sparkling, don’t they? Judy and Johnny escape the pressures of modern life by embracing the roles of a perfect 1950s housewife and husband.