Attractions in Colchester, Things to do in Colchester

The Beth Chatto Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows it has been transformed into an informal garden harmonising with the surrounding country. Complementing the gardens is a large retail nursery producing a wide range of plants, the majority of which can be seen growing in the gardens.

Carter’s Vineyards are set in the picturesque Essex Countryside. Carter’s is an enchanting place comprising of 40 acres of vines, wildflower meadows, lakes and woodlands in Boxted a short distance off the A134. They produce an extensive range of fine English wines, several of which are award winners.

More Details:
Carter's Vineyards, Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester CO4 5TS
Tel: 01206 271136
Entrance fee: See website for details
Opening hours: Various, see website for details
Email: enquiries@cartersvineyards.co.uk
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Castle Park

A town centre oasis of horticultural spendour including a modern children's play area, crazy golf & putting green, children's boating lake, cricket ground, traditional cafe, riverside walks, Hollytrees Museum and the cafe itself. Dogs welcome in the Lower Castle Park, but not permitted in the Upper Castle Park.

More Details:

Castle Park, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1DN

Tel: 01206 282962
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Open dawn to dusk everyday of the year
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Colchester Castle Museum

A visit to Colchester Castle Museum takes you through 2000 years of some of the most important events in British history. Once capital of Roman Britain, Colchester has experienced devastation by Boudica (Boadicea), invasion by the Normans and siege during the English Civil War.

More Details:
Castle Park, High Street, Colchester
Tel: 01206 282939
Entrance fee: See website for details
Opening hours: Various, see website for details
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Colchester Leisure World

Leisure World has year-round fun with a wide range of sports and leisure facilities. One of the main attractions is the leisure pool with its exciting flume rides, bubbling spa pools, lazy river ride, water cannons and poolside juice bar.

More Details:
Cowdray Avenue, Colchester CO1 1YH
Tel: 01206 282000
Entrance fee: Call for details
Opening hours: Various, see website for details
Email: enquiries@colchesterleisureworld.co.uk
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Colchester Zoo

Discover one of Europe's finest zoos. Over 260 species and 545 sub-species in award-winning enclosures. Get closer to the animals and feed elephants and giraffes or see free-flying birds of prey. Don't miss the African Zone, the Tiger Taiga Enclosure and Playa Patagonia, the sea lion pool with 24m viewing tunnel under water, plus new Komodo Dragon enclosure.

More details:
Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL
Tel: 01206 331292
Email: enquiries@colchester-zoo.co.uk
Entrance fee: See website for details. Save 5% when you book online.
Opening hours: Various, see website for details
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Dedham Arts & Craft Centre

Beautiful converted church in the heart of glorious Constable Countryside. Three floors of local and global arts and crafts featuring The Cotswold Company showrooms and the renowned vegetarian restaurant and tea room.

More Details:
High Street, Dedham, CO7 6AD
Tel: 01206 322666
Entrance fee: Free
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East Anglian Railway Museum

A collection spanning 150 years of railway history can be found here as well as a detailed explanation of how signals work and how steam engines operate.

Gnome Magic

Set in 5 acres, divided into town, Gnome Magic is an unusual treat. Enjoy the delightful garden which blends into an amazing wood where the growing number of 500 gnomes and their friends live. Tea room and shop open during season.

More Details:
Old Ipswich Road, Dedham, Colchester
Tel:01206 231390
Entrance fee: Call for details
Opening hours: Call for details
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Go Bananas

12,000 square food indoor adventure play company housing East Anglia's biggest play frame, the 3 storey Jungle Adventure specially for 5-12 year olds. Large children's village for under 5s. Indoor climbing wall, spaceball ride, full service cafeteria.

Layer Marney Tower

Built in the first half of Henry VIII’s reign, Layer Marney Tower is in many ways the apotheosis of the Tudor Gatehouse. The building is principally the creation of Henry 1st Lord Marney, who died in 1523, and his son John, who continued the building work but died just two years later, leaving no male heirs to continue the family line or the construction. What was completed was the main range measuring some three hundred feet long, the principal gatehouse that is about eighty feet tall, a fine array of outbuildings, and a new church.

Children can play among a menagerie of rescued animals and birds which roam freely in 25 acres of countryside overlooking the Stour Valley. Tea rooms serve homemade food.

Natural History Museum

Housed in the unique setting of the former All Saints Church in 1957, the Museum focuses on the rich natural heritage of north-east Essex. Travel from the open through the salt marshes and beaches to the more familiar urban environments of the park. Discover what rocks lie beneath your feet with a look at local geology. You can even find out what lurks in your garden!

Attractions and Days out in Colchester

Beth Chatto Gardens

Carter's Vineyards