When I first planned a trip to Colchester, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The name popped up in conversations about Roman ruins, Britain’s oldest recorded town, and perhaps a few mentions of Colchester Zoo. But as with many historic towns in England, Colchester is much more than a single attraction—it’s a place where layers of history meet modern life, where cobbled lanes lead to lively pubs, and where a castle stands proud in the middle of a bustling town centre.
Over time, I’ve come to believe that Colchester is one of those towns you should visit at least once if you’re exploring the UK beyond London. But planning a trip here, especially for the first time, can be tricky. There are practical details to consider—transport, accommodation, food—as well as those little insider hints that can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
This guide is my attempt to share exactly those things. Ten tips I wish I’d known before my first visit, expanded with plenty of detail, personal reflection, and practical advice. Think of it as a companion for your journey—part story, part handbook, and entirely based on what I’ve experienced walking the streets, eating the food, and learning the rhythms of Colchester.
Tip 1: Understand Colchester’s Unique History Before You Go
Colchester isn’t just “another historic English town.” It’s Britain’s oldest recorded town, with evidence of settlement dating back over 2,000 years. The Romans made it their first capital, naming it Camulodunum. They built walls, forums, and temples, parts of which still stand today.
When I walked along the Roman Wall for the first time, tracing the curve of ancient stone against a backdrop of modern shops, I realised how much deeper my visit felt because I’d taken the time to learn a little beforehand. Reading about Boudica’s revolt—when the Iceni queen burned Colchester to the ground in AD 61—made the ruins feel alive rather than just stones.
My advice: Before you go, read a short history of Colchester. Even a quick browse on the Colchester Castle Museum website gives you context that will make the ruins, museums, and even the street names feel more meaningful.
Booking platform tip: Tickets for Colchester Castle itself can be booked online at Colchester Museums’ official site, but they’re also listed on platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets. If you’re already booking other UK attractions, bundling through these sites can save money.
Tip 2: Plan Your Transport Carefully
Colchester is well-connected, but there are quirks worth noting. If you’re coming from London, trains from Liverpool Street take about 50 minutes. But here’s the catch: there are multiple Colchester stations—Colchester North is the main one, but there’s also Colchester Town and Hythe. Choosing the wrong station can add unnecessary hassle.
On my first trip, I mistakenly got off at Colchester Town with luggage, thinking it was central. It turned out to be closer to the lower end of the high street, and I had to drag my suitcase uphill to reach my hotel. Not fun.
Driving is possible, but parking in the centre can be tight. If you’re planning to explore the coast (Mersea Island, Brightlingsea), then renting a car might be worthwhile.
Booking platform tip: For trains, I always use Trainline—it shows live times, platform info, and sometimes cheaper advance tickets. For car rentals, Rentalcars.com has been reliable.
Tip 3: Choose Accommodation That Matches Your Style
Colchester’s accommodation options range from boutique luxury hotels to budget inns and charming B\&Bs. Picking the right one can shape your entire trip.
For example, if you want to immerse yourself in history, staying at GreyFriars Hotel on the High Street feels indulgent—marble bathrooms, chandeliers, and impeccable service. If you prefer countryside calm, Wivenhoe House Hotel, just outside town, is set in parkland and offers sweeping views. For budget travelers, Premier Inn and Travelodge provide reliable, clean stays near transport hubs.
I once booked a last-minute stay at GreyFriars through Booking.com, and it felt like stepping into another world—right down to the velvet armchairs and candlelit dinners. It made the whole trip feel special.
Booking platform tip:
- Booking.com is my go-to for Colchester—it usually offers free cancellation.
- Expedia.co.uk sometimes bundles hotel + train tickets for discounts.
- For boutique luxury, Mr & Mrs Smith lists GreyFriars and Maison Talbooth.
Tip 4: Don’t Underestimate the Weather
British weather is unpredictable, and Colchester is no exception. On one trip in late October, I stepped out into glorious sunshine in the morning, only to be caught in a downpour by lunch. The cobbled high street was suddenly slick, my umbrella turned inside out, and I found myself ducking into a café for shelter.
My advice: Pack layers. A light waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes (cobbles can be slippery), and an umbrella are essential. If you’re visiting in summer, evenings can still get chilly, especially if you’re heading toward the coast.
I’ve learned that the weather isn’t something to fight in Colchester—it’s something to embrace. Some of my favourite memories involve sitting in a pub by the fire while rain lashed outside, or watching the castle gardens sparkle under unexpected snow.
Tip 5: Make the Castle Your Starting Point
Colchester Castle is more than just a photo opportunity. Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, it’s the largest Norman keep in Europe. Inside, the museum takes you through centuries of history, from Roman artefacts to Civil War stories.
When I toured the castle, I joined a guided basement tour that took me under the keep into the Roman vaults. Standing in those dim, ancient rooms, I felt the weight of two millennia pressing down.
My advice: Spend at least two hours here. Don’t just skim the displays—ask staff questions; they’re incredibly knowledgeable. The castle park outside is also perfect for a picnic if the weather’s kind.
Booking platform tip: Tickets cost around £12. Pre-book online via the Colchester Museums website. If you’re booking multiple attractions across the UK, check GetYourGuide or Tiqets for package deals.
Tip 6: Explore Beyond the Town Centre
Many first-time visitors stick to the High Street and the castle, but Colchester’s charm lies in its surrounding areas.
- Mersea Island: Famous for oysters and sunsets. I once sat at The Company Shed, slurping oysters fresh from the estuary, watching the tide retreat. Pure magic.
- Dedham and Constable Country: Just a short drive, offering rolling landscapes immortalised in Constable’s paintings.
- Brightlingsea: A quieter seaside town with colourful beach huts and estuary views.
Each excursion adds a different layer to Colchester. Without them, you’ll miss much of what makes the town special.
Booking platform tip: For guided day trips, Viator and GetYourGuide sometimes list local tours to Mersea or Dedham Vale.
Tip 7: Eat Like a Local
Food is one of Colchester’s greatest pleasures. The town is surrounded by farmland and coastline, meaning local produce is top-notch.
Don’t miss:
- Colchester Oysters: Best at The Company Shed on Mersea Island. Rustic, BYOB, unforgettable.
- GreyFriars Restaurant: Fine dining in a luxury setting.
- Banquet 1408: A Chinese restaurant outside town that locals swear by.
- Castle Park Café: Simple, affordable, and a great spot for people-watching.
One evening, I tucked into fish and chips from a local shop and ate them in Castle Park as the sun went down. It wasn’t glamorous, but it felt perfectly Colchester: simple, honest, satisfying.
Booking platform tip: For restaurant reservations, I recommend OpenTable.co.uk and TripAdvisor (handy for reviews).
Tip 8: Balance Museums with Outdoor Time
Colchester is rich in museums: the Natural History Museum, Hollytrees Museum, and the Castle Museum. Each is worth visiting, especially if you love history and culture. But balance is key.
After a long museum session, I love wandering Castle Park, feeding ducks by the lake, or strolling through Dutch Quarter with its timber-framed houses. On a sunny afternoon, sitting by the River Colne with a coffee is just as rewarding as any exhibit.
My advice: Mix indoor and outdoor experiences. Your feet and your mind will thank you.
Tip 9: Budget and Book Smart
Colchester can be affordable if you plan wisely. Museums like Hollytrees are free, parks cost nothing, and even the castle is relatively inexpensive compared to big-city attractions. The real costs come with accommodation and food.
Money-saving strategies I’ve used:
- Book accommodation early, especially in summer.
- Use loyalty schemes on Hotels.com or Booking.com.
- Check for train group-saver fares if traveling with others.
- Eat one “big meal” at a nice restaurant, and balance with casual cafés or takeaways.
On one trip, I booked my GreyFriars stay via Mr & Mrs Smith, which included breakfast and a complimentary glass of prosecco. It felt indulgent but still smart.
Tip 10: Slow Down and Absorb the Atmosphere
Perhaps the most important tip of all: don’t rush. Colchester isn’t London; its charm lies in its slower pace. Allow time to sit in a café, to wander the market stalls, to chat with locals.
One of my best memories isn’t tied to any attraction. It’s sitting outside a pub in Wivenhoe, pint in hand, watching the sunset turn the River Colne pink. The couple next to me struck up a conversation about their favourite spots in town, and before I knew it, I had a list of recommendations not found in any guidebook.
Travel isn’t just about sights—it’s about moments. Colchester rewards those who give it time.
Why Colchester Is Worth Your Journey
Before I first came to Colchester, I thought of it as a day trip destination. Now, I see it as a place layered with history, rich in food, surrounded by landscapes, and brimming with hidden corners.
These ten tips—learn the history, plan transport, choose your accommodation wisely, respect the weather, start with the castle, explore beyond, eat local, balance your itinerary, budget smartly, and slow down—are what turned my trips from ordinary to unforgettable.
And that’s what I hope for you, too: not just a visit, but an experience that lingers long after you leave.
