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.
View Details

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.
View Details

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

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
View details
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
View details

Things to Do in Colchester

Discover things to do for your day out in Colchester

Tymperleys

A restaurant tea-room specialising in brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, all cooked from scratch on-site. A beautiful historic event venue with a wonderful walled garden. Fully licensed for…

Colchester
View details
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
View details
Grange Barn

One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings, it has a cathedral-like interior and is linked to a local Cistercian abbey.

Colchester
View details
Colchester Chamber Choir

Bringing high quality singing of fresh and inspired choral music to Colchester and East Anglia, Colchester Chamber Choir comprises around thirty-two auditioned, mixed voices and performs…

Colchester
View details
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
View details
Essex Outdoors Mersea

With over 60 acres of beautiful grounds and commanding far-reaching views across the estuary, Essex Outdoors Mersea offers many thrilling outdoor adventures.

Colchester
View details
Colchester Arts Centre

Colchester Arts Centre promotes a wide range of contemporary performing arts. It's the little church with the big attitude deep in the heart of Essex.

Colchester
View details
Ultimate Ninja UK

Test your Ninja skills on a full-sized obstacle course based in the heart of Colchester! Suitable for youngsters aged seven and above, or adults looking for a new fitness challenge, this is…

Colchester
View details

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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

Odeon Colchester

At Odeon Colchester, we have 8 screens of film magic showing stunning RealD 3D. Treat yourself to our Premier seats, cafe culture at Costa and icy indulgences at Ben & Jerry's.

Colchester
View details
Firstsite

See the world differently - experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind. An international gallery and creative community space,…

Colchester
View details
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
View details
Headgate Theatre

A well-equipped “little gem of a theatre” in the city centre, welcoming visiting amateur & professional companies onto our stage since 2002 & a variety of users into our studio &…

Colchester
View details

Colchester Attractions

Tourist attractions and interesting places to visit in Colchester

Castle Park

Colchester's distinctive heritage is nowhere more apparent than in Castle Park. Providing a green oasis in the town centre, you can sit, walk, enjoy music, play games, or picnic amongst…

Colchester
View details
Ultimate Ninja UK

Test your Ninja skills on a full-sized obstacle course based in the heart of Colchester! Suitable for youngsters aged seven and above, or adults looking for a new fitness challenge, this is…

Colchester
View details
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
View details
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
View details
Beth Chatto Gardens

World renowned gardens and extensive plant nursery created by award-winning plantswoman Beth Chatto OBE, near Colchester in Essex.

Colchester
View details
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
View details
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
View details
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
View details

Restaurants in Colchester

Feeling hungry? Find restaurants and places to eat in Colchester

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
View details
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
View details
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
View details
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
View details
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
View details
Zizzi Colchester

This is the perfect location for catching up with friends and family in Colchester or for a meal before or after visiting Colchester Zoo.

Colchester
View details
Ask Italian Colchester

The ASK Italian restaurant in Colchester is a bright, light space in a converted house with a vaulted ceiling. To the rear of the restaurant is a dedicated garden for dining outdoors.

Colchester
View details
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
View details

Colchester Bars & Pubs

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

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
View details
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
View details
The Kings Arms

A great place to meet friends before moving into town. Chilling in the vast Beer garden in the Summer or grabbing a bite to eat The Kings Arms has it all.

Colchester
View details
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
View details
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
View details
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
View details
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
View details
The Five Bells Public House

Situated at the heart of the pretty village of Colne Engaine on the Essex & Suffolk border, The Five Bells is proud to be a Great British Pub... come Rain or Shine, Boom or Bust, Good or Bad…

Colchester
View details

Hotels in Colchester

Find a hotel for your holiday or short stay in Colchester

Premier Inn Colchester Cowdray Avenue

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

Colchester
View details
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
View details
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
View details
Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa

Whether you’re looking for a hotel break, a relaxing spa day or a round of golf on one of our two championship courses, we have something for everyone at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa.

Colchester
View details
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
View details
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
View details
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
View details
Premier Inn Colchester A12

Whether you're watching wildlife or enjoying the wild life, Premier Inn Hotel Colchester (A12) has got plenty to keep you entertained.

Colchester
View details

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…

24

Jun 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).

26

Jun 2026

Music through the Decades
07:45 PM - 09:35 PM
Join Colne Endeavour Band for a high-energy summer concert! Enjoy a first half packed with fabulous 1940s favourites, followed by a journey through the decades with dazzling show tunes,…

27

Jun 2026

Dino Discovery Day
09:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Take a step back in time at Dino Discovery Day... Prehistoric fun for all at Colchester Zoo.