20 November Visit and Explore Colchester – Britain’s First City November 20, 2019 By Essex Tourist Guide Urban 0 Colchester is acclaimed to be Britain's oldest recorded town, and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester, Essex. With a number of incredible attractions, it is a favourite tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Today, Colchester is a thriving centre, surrounded by inspiring rural landscapes, making it just right for a family holiday or a short break. Castles, Museums & Galleries Of the must-visit areas, one cannot exclude the award-winning Colchester Castle Museum with excellent hands-on activities and displays, such as the Colchester Mercury statuette and the Colchester Vase, that highlight the rich history of Europe's largest Norman Keep. There are also regular family events, as well as children's events, where children dress up and step inside a recreated thatched roundhouse, among many others. You can also take a tour up to the panoramic roof or down to the Roman vaults and feel like time stopped to many centuries ago. The Castle also enthrals with the Castle Park, an 11-hectare area listed in the Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Importance (Grade II) in the English Register. With a wealth of things to do, from fun picnics to numerous outdoor games, Colchester Castle Museum certainly ticks all the boxes. Adjacent to the Castle are two more superb attractions, the Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum, both exciting places to be. The first is a beautiful Georgian building showcasing the life in Colchester over a span of 300 years, featuring hands-on exhibits, whose highlights include the doll's house, clocks and watches from the 17th century, and many more. There are also exciting exhibitions throughout the year, so it is highly unlikely you will ever get bored! The Natural History Museum is your fascinating chance to know more about nature and find out more about climate change, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats, as well as open salt marshes, and the so many creatures you never thought to exist just beneath your feet. If you feel drawn into natural history, this museum will amaze you. We bet you didn't know that Colchester was once an area where mammoths used to roam! Of course, hands-on activities are not scarce here either. Those who are into contemporary art will find an inviting place at Firstsite, a gallery located in Colchester's Cultural Quarter. Housed in a top-quality building whose architecture has received dithyrambic comments from the press, it comprises a marvellous backdrop for stunning art. A spectacular venue where you can explore the areas' rich artistic legacy (as well as see international artwork displays) and admire unique landscape! Family Fun For some family fun, don't forget to visit Colchester Zoo, with more than 60 acres full of magnificent animals (more than 270 species overall). Rightfully rated as one of the top 20 zoos in the world (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Attractions Awards)! It is also among the top 10 best zoos in the UK, with fabulous lakes and parkland, not to mention the action-packed activities, displays, and rides. You have the chance to feed the giraffes and animals yourself, allow your kids to release their wild side in the Jungle Tumble area, and take a ride on the Lost Madagascar Express road train! Other Attractions You shouldn't leave without visiting the East Anglian Railway Museum, Beth Chatto Gardens, Abberton Reservoir, High Woods Country Park, and the many paths to walk or cycle (for a list of all the trails around Colchester, visit www.walkcolchester.org.uk). Colchester Park & Ride Bus Service Colchester now offers visitors and commuters a more relaxed and quick transport with stops in the historic town centre and other key locations of Colchester. The Park & Ride service allows concessionary pass holders to travel free after 9am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday. If you have an older person's bus pass you do not need to use the ticket machines. The Colchester Park & Ride service is located north of junction 28 (A12) and has meticulously designed facilities and seating. The buses run every 15 minutes Monday to Friday from 5.30am to 9pm and Saturday from 7am to 7pm. There is currently no service on Sundays and Bank Holidays unless otherwise stated. Shopping, Dining & Nightlife Formerly known as Williams and Griffin, Fenwick is a central department store where shoppers can discover a range of luxury fashion, beauty products and much, much more! It's truely a "West End shopping experience like no other in the region". Hungry and looking for a filling and delicious meal? The local speciality is Mersea oysters and is a popular dish served at many seafront restaurants worldwide. Of the most appealing dining facilities, establishments such as Tymperleys tea room and the Maharani Indian Restaurant definitely distinct! Now, if your blood boils and you want some night-time fun, Colchester won't leave you disappointed. Nightclubs like Atik and Roberts, and bars, such as the Basement Gin Bar at Three Wise Monkeys or After Office Hours will keep you on your toes! Take a look at our events calendar and Check out what’s on in Colchester Related Articles Visit and Explore Chelmsford – City and County Town of Essex The City of Chelmsford is the county town of Essex, placed in the East of England, in the London commuter belt - also known as London Metropolitan area. If you happen to be visiting or staying in the area, a variety of things will definitely excite and intrigue you, such as the impressing 18-arch railway viaduct that dates back in the Victorian times, spanning the River Can, and the glorious Chelmsford Cathedral, formerly known as St. Mary's Church, that became a Cathedral in early 1900s upon the creation of the Diocese of Chelmsford. It is situated behind the awe-inspiring historic Georgian building of the Shire Hall that still dominates the town centre. Visit and Explore Saffron Walden - a picturesque Medieval Town Saffron Walden is a picturesque medieval town in the Uttlesford district of Essex, England. Designated a Conservation Area in 1968, this quaint market town is home to some of the most impressive buildings (more than 400) famous for their distinct architecture or particular historical interest. Visit and Explore Harwich - Rich in Maritime History Strategically located on the estuaries of the Orwell and Stour rivers, Harwich, Essex is a town with a rich maritime history and significance, and a heart-stopping landscape. Once a naval base and heavily fortified, it now is one of England's most populous ferry ports and comprises a soothing place for tourists and locals alike, where they can rest and have fun. Visit and Explore Southend – Home to the World’s Longest Pleasure Pier Southend on Sea is a seaside resort town in Essex and home to Southend Pier, the world's longest leisure pier, stretching 1.34 miles from shore. Although it has been beset by several fires that damaged parts of it, the pier stands proudly still and is also home to the pop-up cafe featured in Channel 4's "Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast" starring Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty. At the shore end of the famous pier you will find the Pier Museum, where you can check out its eventful history. Visit and Explore Constable Country - Dedham Vale Constable Country, which is officially known as Dedham Vale, is a region that demonstrates the very best of Essex countryside where you can explore picturesque villages, walk across rolling hills and enjoy landscapes that include everything from luscious meadows through to ancient woodlands. Visit and Explore Maldon on the Blackwater Estuary Maldon is a town in Essex nicely located on the Blackwater estuary, as well as the seat of the Maldon district, and twinned with the Dutch town of Cuijk. It is a town known as the modern-day centre for Thames sailing barges, the 19th century commercial sailing boat that is very common on the River Thames, whose barges have been perfectly adapted to the narrow rivers and shallow waters of the Thames Estuary. Showing 0 Comment Add New CommentReply CommentName*Email*CommentsHtmlPreviewb i u quoteSave Comment