HERITAGE, COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE

From coast to country, there is so much to explore across the city of Colchester. Discover places of beautiful contrasts, with bags of unique character.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY AND THE DEDHAM VALE

North-East of Colchester discover Constable Country straddling the border between Essex and Suffolk. Now designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) this landscape was inspiration to several great English painters. Hire a rowing boat for a trip down the Stour, or if you’re feeling lazy jump in the ‘Trusty’, an electric pleasure boat plying its trade during the summer months between Constable’s birthplace at Flatford Mill (now a National Trust site with tearoom) and picturesque Dedham. Please note, roads between these small villages can get very busy at peak times so if boating’s not your thing we recommend a peaceful amble by foot from Dedham to Flatford, or a hop on a bike from Manningtree Station, to best appreciate the quintessential rural English countryside that inspired Constable, Gainsborough and Sir Alfred Munnings – whose home and studio in Dedham is now a museum.

COPFORD, LAYER MARNEY AND TIPTREE

There’s lots to discover as you travel southwest out of Colchester on the old Maldon Road the B1022. The village of Copford is home to a true hidden gem, St Michael of All Angels Church, with its stunning medieval wall paintings depicting a host of angels and the zodiac rendered in a rare Byzantium style. Further down the road discover the tallest Tudor gatehouse in Britain, the magnificent Layer Marney Tower built in 1520 in a style later used at Hampton Court. Finally, conclude your journey still within the city boundaries at the famous teashop and museum at Wilkin & Sons, Tiptree, Britain’s, maybe the world’s, most famous jam makers!

MERSEA ISLAND

No visit to Mersea Island is complete without sampling the native (and world – renowned) Colchester oysters. With its soft golden sand and iconic pastel beach huts Mersea provides some of the region’s most attractive vistas. Everyone who visits Mersea has a favourite memory: watching the sunset, crabbing in the marina, watching the sailboats gliding down the estuary or just feeling the sea breeze or sand in your toes, it’s a place to wind down and relax. With the wildlife spotting and picnics at Cudmore Grove Country Park it’s a year-round destination.

WIVENHOE

Follow the riverside Town-to-Sea trail from Colchester to visit Wivenhoe. Lose yourself in the city’s historic lanes and discover independent galleries and shops plus the unique Nottage Museum. If the weather is on your side grab a pint and a portion of chips and enjoy the Quay of an evening! If you don’t fancy the walk, it’s a mere 15 minutes by bike (or just five minutes by train!) perfectly located to explore for a change of pace whilst visiting Colchester.

COLNE VALLEY

Head west out of Colchester into the scenic and beautiful Colne Valley. Meander along country lanes and picturesque villages, taking in traditional East Anglian timber framed architecture. Make sure you look out for the magnificent Chappel Viaduct, which dominates the local skyline for miles. As the sun pours through its majestic arches, casting dramatic shadows across the rural landscape, it forms a jaw-dropping photo opportunity.