There is something quite magical about stepping off the train in Colchester on a bright Saturday morning in August, the air carrying both the warmth of summer and the faint tang of history. As one of the oldest recorded towns in Britain, Colchester has this uncanny ability to make you feel as if you are straddling two worlds at once: the ancient and the modern.
I had long planned a weekend away with my children, eager to show them that history could feel alive, that fun could be found beyond the usual play parks, and that travel—even within the UK—could become a series of small adventures. When I sat down to plan, I deliberately chose Colchester because it ticked so many boxes: history, family-friendly attractions, green open spaces, and enough variety to keep both adults and children engaged.
Booking the trip was straightforward. I used Trainline to find affordable train tickets from London Liverpool Street to Colchester. In just under an hour, we were stepping onto the platform, backpacks on, snacks at the ready, and excitement bubbling over. For accommodation, I booked through Booking.com, which I often rely on when travelling with the kids—mainly because the filters help me find family rooms with extra beds, flexible cancellations, and sometimes even free breakfast. With the practicalities sorted, I could focus entirely on creating experiences with my children.
Why Colchester is Perfect for a Family Weekend
From the moment we arrived, I could see why Colchester makes such a brilliant family destination. It has the charm of a historic market town combined with the energy of a modern community. The cobbled streets, Roman walls, and timber-framed houses create an atmosphere that is instantly immersive. For children, history here doesn’t feel like something in a dusty textbook; it feels like stepping into a storybook.
But what really stood out to me—and what I want to share in this guide—is how varied the activities are for families. You can spend a morning surrounded by lions and giraffes at Colchester Zoo, an afternoon picnicking in Castle Park, and an evening enjoying family-friendly dining in town. You can cycle through leafy trails, explore Roman ruins, and end the day with ice creams by the riverside.
It’s a town that allows parents like me to balance fun with learning, relaxation with exploration, and structure with spontaneity. Over the course of two days, we managed to pack in a wide range of experiences, each one adding a unique thread to the tapestry of our weekend.
1. Exploring Colchester Zoo – A Day of Animal Magic
I’ll begin with what is perhaps the most obvious highlight: Colchester Zoo. If you are visiting with children, it’s non-negotiable.
I’ve been to a fair number of zoos across the UK, but Colchester Zoo has this wonderful layout that encourages exploration. It doesn’t feel overly commercialised; instead, it feels like a park that just happens to be filled with extraordinary animals. From the moment we passed through the gates, the kids were wide-eyed, tugging at my hands, desperate to run toward the enclosures.
We started with the elephants, a family favourite. Watching my daughter’s face as a huge elephant calmly reached out its trunk was priceless. We lingered for ages, talking about how elephants live in the wild and why conservation matters. I love that Colchester Zoo integrates education with entertainment so seamlessly; it gave me so many opportunities to talk with the children about wildlife and the environment without it ever feeling like a lecture.
Later, we wandered toward the Lost Madagascar Express train ride. It’s a small thing, but for kids, it’s exhilarating: a gentle ride that takes you through a lemur enclosure. My youngest squealed with delight when a ring-tailed lemur leapt across the branches just a few feet away.
By lunchtime, we were tired but happy, so we found a shaded spot to unpack our picnic. I had grabbed supplies from Tesco near the station earlier that morning, but I also noticed several food stalls inside the zoo offering burgers, sandwiches, and ice creams.
What really impressed me about Colchester Zoo was how easy it was to spend a whole day there without anyone getting bored. Between the large cats, the underwater tunnel with sea lions, the tropical house, and the interactive play areas, my kids were entertained from start to finish.
2. Castle Park – Picnics, Playgrounds, and Roman Walls
The following morning, we made our way to Castle Park, a gem that sits right at the heart of Colchester. If you visit with children, you absolutely cannot skip it. The moment we entered, I felt a wave of calm. The park is beautifully landscaped, with expansive green lawns, flowerbeds bursting with colour, and the imposing presence of Colchester Castle standing proudly in the centre.
For the children, the highlight was of course the playground. Modern, well-maintained, and buzzing with energy, it kept them busy for hours. They climbed, swung, and laughed while I sat on a bench with a coffee, soaking up the sunshine and the sounds of summer.
What makes Castle Park particularly special is how much history is layered into it. We walked along parts of the Roman wall, touched the weathered stones, and talked about how Roman soldiers once stood guard where we were standing. For my eldest, who has just begun learning Roman history at school, this was mind-blowing. History suddenly felt real, tangible, and fun.
After a simple picnic lunch, we ventured into Colchester Castle Museum itself. I had pre-booked tickets online through GetYourGuide, which I often use for museum and attraction bookings. Inside, the interactive displays kept the kids engaged: they dressed up as knights, tried a virtual excavation, and even explored a recreated Roman home.
It struck me how family-friendly the whole museum was. Staff were welcoming, and the exhibits were designed to be both informative and playful. When we finally emerged, the kids were buzzing with stories, and I felt genuinely glad we had taken the time to go inside.
3. Cycling Adventures Around High Woods Country Park
One of the best parts of our weekend was an afternoon spent cycling through High Woods Country Park. If you’re travelling to Colchester with children, I strongly recommend bringing bikes—or renting them once you arrive.
High Woods is vast: a beautiful mix of woodland, meadows, and lakes. The trails are well-marked, and there are options for all levels, from gentle family rides to slightly more adventurous paths.
We hired bikes locally, which was straightforward thanks to recommendations I found on TripAdvisor. Setting off along the main trail, we pedalled past wildflower meadows buzzing with bees, through shaded woodland paths where the sunlight dappled the ground, and alongside a serene lake where we stopped for snacks.
For me, this was one of the most memorable parts of the weekend. There was something freeing about cycling in the fresh air, the children pedalling ahead of me, their laughter carrying on the breeze. It was one of those simple pleasures that feel almost timeless.
4. Family Dining in Colchester – From Pubs to Pizza
Food is always a huge part of any family trip, and Colchester didn’t disappoint. After a day of exploring, we discovered several family-friendly dining options that I would happily recommend.
One evening, we ate at a cosy local pub with a welcoming garden, where the kids could run around while I enjoyed a pint of local ale. On another occasion, we tucked into pizzas at a lively Italian restaurant in the town centre. Both meals were unpretentious, filling, and affordable—exactly what you need when travelling with children.
I had used OpenTable to make a reservation in advance for the Saturday evening, which gave me peace of mind knowing we wouldn’t be wandering around with tired kids looking for a table. I’ve learned the hard way that planning meals ahead is key when travelling with family.
For breakfasts and snacks, Colchester also had plenty of cafés offering everything from pastries to smoothies. The town felt welcoming, not overwhelming, with just the right balance of choice and accessibility.
5. Roman Ruins and the Layer Marney Tower
To balance the fun of playgrounds and zoos, I wanted to introduce the children to some of Colchester’s deeper historical treasures. We spent part of Sunday exploring the Roman ruins scattered across the town. Standing before the remains of the Roman Theatre and walking along stretches of the old Roman wall gave us all a sense of just how ancient Colchester really is.
Later, we drove a short distance to Layer Marney Tower, an impressive Tudor gatehouse with stunning views of the countryside. The children loved climbing the spiral staircase, peeking through arrow slits, and pretending to be lookouts. For me, it was another moment of connection: history brought alive through play and imagination.
I had booked tickets via Expedia’s activity section, which often lists smaller attractions like this. It was worth every penny, and the surrounding gardens made for a peaceful afternoon wander.
6. Practical Tips for Families Planning a Weekend in Colchester
Over the course of the weekend, I gathered a number of practical tips that I want to pass on to other families:
- Book transport early – Trains to Colchester can be affordable, but prices rise closer to the date. Use Trainline to compare times and save money.
- Choose central accommodation – Staying within walking distance of Castle Park or the town centre makes life easier with kids. Booking.com has plenty of family-friendly options.
- Pack a picnic – Between Castle Park and High Woods, there are so many perfect picnic spots. Bringing your own food saves money and keeps kids happy.
- Reserve restaurants in advance – Especially on weekends. OpenTable is brilliant for this.
- Mix fun with learning – Balance the zoo and playgrounds with museums and ruins. Kids appreciate variety.
- Bring bikes or rent them – Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Colchester’s countryside.
- Use online platforms for tickets – GetYourGuide and Expedia often offer skip-the-line tickets, which are a lifesaver with children.
- Don’t overpack the schedule – Allow time for spontaneous play and wandering.
- Look out for local events – Colchester often hosts festivals and markets, which add unexpected magic to your trip.
- Embrace the small moments – Whether it’s an ice cream in Castle Park or a laugh on the playground, those are the memories kids will treasure most.
7. Evening Strolls and Ice Creams by the River
One of my favourite memories from our trip was something so simple: an evening walk along the river, cones of melting ice cream in hand, watching the sun dip behind the town. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t grand, but it felt perfect.
Travelling with children has taught me to appreciate these quiet pauses. Colchester, with its manageable size and family-friendly atmosphere, lends itself beautifully to these moments of unhurried connection.
As our weekend in Colchester came to an end, I felt deeply content. We had managed to do so much—zoos, castles, ruins, parks, cycling, good meals—yet it never felt rushed. Colchester had given us space to explore, learn, play, and simply be together.
For families looking for a weekend destination in the UK, I cannot recommend Colchester enough. It’s accessible, affordable, and endlessly enriching. Whether you book your accommodation through Booking.com, secure your train tickets with Trainline, or grab attraction passes via GetYourGuide, the logistics are easy. What really matters, though, is the laughter of children echoing through ancient streets, the shared awe of seeing lions up close, and the joy of a simple ice cream on a summer evening.
That, to me, is what makes Colchester such a treasure for family weekends.
