6 minute read
COLCHESTER
COLCHESTER CASTLE
SALT OF THE EARTH
Why we love… COLCHESTER
Why there hasn’t been a place more deserving of city status as Visit Essex take us back in time and show us the modern day attractions
Declared Britain's very fi rst city by order of the Emperor Claudius and a former capital of Roman Britain, Colchester’s rich history dates back over 2,000 years. Awarded modern city status as part of the late Queen's
Platinum Jubilee, Colchester is now also one of Britain’s newest cities, a lively, modern destination o ering family friendly visitor attractions, cutting edge culture and fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
The compact, historic city centre is perfect for exploring on foot. Join one of the regular guided tours leaving from the Visitor Information Centre on the ground fl oor of Hollytrees Museum, or pick up a map or self-guided heritage trail and explore at your own pace.
First stop is Colchester Castle, a massive Norman keep built on the foundations of a Roman temple destroyed by Queen Boudica. Inside is a modern museum housing internationally important collections and exciting interactive displays telling Colchester’s story from pre-history to the
PEAKE'S HOUSE
COLCHESTER ZOO
Civil War Siege. Join a tour to visit the Roman Vaults and take in the views from the top of the building. A new exhibition, Gladiators: A Day At the Roman Games, opens in July 2023 and will take visitors back in time for a thrilling immersive experience.
Other historic highlights include the Roman City Walls, the oldest and longest in Britain; the Roman Circus Visitor Centre where you can learn more about the only Roman chariot racing track discovered in the UK; the evocative ruins of medieval St Botolph’s Priory; and the Dutch Quarter. The latter is a picturesque network of narrow streets, found just o the bustling High Street, but quite di erent in character. Still a residential area, it’s packed full of hidden historic gems – peek through a window at the ruins of the Roman Theatre, or spot the plaque on the house where the authors of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star once lived. The Dutch Quarter is somewhat came to prominence as a leading light in the generation of Young British Artists (YBAs). BIG WOMEN will showcase work by leading female artists including Sarah herself. The exhibition promises a wealth of diverse artworks to enjoy – and a few surprises too.
Culture seekers will find lots of other opportunities to indulge their habit on a visit to Colchester, particularly if you are staying overnight in one of the city’s centrally located boutique hotels and venturing out for an evening of entertainment. From high end productions at the newly refurbished Mercury Theatre, an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, comedy and more at Colchester Arts Centre, to art cinema at the Curzon, there is a lot to choose from. Meanwhile the wider cultural events calendar makes the most of the City’s unique spaces – from open air theatre and big-name concerts in Castle Park, to intimate classical recitals in ancient churches.
confusingly named after Flemish refugees who settled in that part of Colchester in the 16th century after fleeing persecution on the continent. Skilled weavers, they invigorated the local cloth industry. Many of their weavers’ cottages still stand including Peake’s House, which is actually three cottages in one. Now managed by the Landmark Trust, it is ideally located for those wanting a self-catering break right in the very centre of the city.
Of course, Colchester’s not all about the past, although you will find it crops up even in the most modern settings. For example Firstsite, a glorious golden landmark building by international architect Raphael Vinoly housing a contemporary art gallery, cinema, shop and café, which has at its heart a Roman mosaic, re-laid in the spot it was found. Opening at Firstsite this February is a new exhibition curated by Sarah Lucas, one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, who
PHOTO: RODGER TAMBLYN FIRSTSITE & MINORIES FOLLY
THE COLCHESTER VASE FROM THE COLLECTION OF COLCHESTER MUSEUMS
DEDHAM VALE
In 2023 the city is celebrating its new status with a fantastic programme of special events across the year, including a free weekend long re-enactment by the English Civil War Society on the 19-20 August commemorating the Siege of Colchester in 1648. Expect battles, executions (!), living history encampments and more.
In between all that you will need to find time to eat, drink and maybe indulge in a little retail therapy. Colchester’s city centre itself is full of fantastic places to eat and drink, whether it’s a pit stop for some fabulous street food at the regular Charter and Farmer’s Markets or a long lunch in luxurious surroundings. For the latter try GreyFriars Hotel (also great for posh afternoon tea). If you’re lucky there might be world famous Colchester Native Oysters on the menu, fresh from their beds.
For those intent on taking something
OYSTERS AT GREYFRIARS HOTEL home from their trip, Colchester o ers high end retail at Fenwick and other big name stores combined with a host of independent shops and boutiques; don’t miss Red Lion Yard, Trinity Street, Eld Lane and Sir Issac’s Walk and finally Crouch Street (where Colchester institution Gunton's traditional delicatessen, grocer and co ee roaster is a destination in its own right).
Colchester prides itself as a destination for all ages, and the city centre and surrounding areas has a plethora of top attractions to keep everyone in the family entertained, whether you are 9 or 90, love history, splashing about in the pool, or creepy critters and majestic animals. In addition to Colchester Castle Museum, top picks in the city centre that are free to visit include Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum. Then a short walk through the award-winning and scenic Victorian Castle Park and you can be aiming for a hole in one at crazy golf or zooming down the flumes at Leisure World splashing the day away. To the north of the city centre families can take on the cycling track at the state-of-the art Colchester Sports Park, or out west be wandering around 60 acres of parkland and lakes at Colchester Zoo, one of Europe’s finest. With daily animal displays and feeding opportunities, get ready to enjoy a fun-packed day marvelling at rare species including magnificent African elephants.
Finally, beyond the immediate city centre the wider Colchester area boasts some of England’s most iconic landscapes; from the Dedham Vale immortalised by Constable, to the salt marshes and mud flats of Mersea Island, where those Colchester Native Oysters have been cultivated since Roman times.
Brimming with history, poised at the gateway to East Anglia with picturesque villages on its doorstep, and only minutes away from the coast, Colchester is the perfect destination for a well-deserved short break, day trip or family holiday.
Discover more information at
visitcolchester.com and visitessex.com
ST BOTOLPH'S PRIORY
