Into This City Is
THIS CITY IS....
THIS CITY IS COLCHESTER!
Colchester is officially a City! We're very proud of Colchester and can't wait to welcome you here for a visit. There's so much to see and do in Colchester. Take a look below to find out more!
Steeped in rich history from the celebrated Romans, to winding medieval streets, Colchester hosts magnificent and eclectic architecture on every road you turn down, making the fabric of this city truly unique. But it doesn’t stop there. Within these unique streets and mix matched buildings you can find your story, your stage, and your playground.
Colchester is home to some of the best arts and culture venues in the county, and country! With Museum of the Year, contemporary art gallery, Firstsite on the doorstep of the Norman keep and former Roman Fortress, Colchester Castle, you can immerse yourself in the story of the city. Colchester is home to award winning theatre, Mercury Theatre and even its own Fringe festival (happening this October!).
Find great bars, and restaurants along the impressive high street and dotted around the small streets, home of great independents. Whether it’s a burger and chips, or authentic ramen followed by a comedy night, or cocktails everything to create your story is waiting for you in Colchester.
Make your Colchester experience one to remember with an overnight stay in one of the city centre hotels. Along the high street alone, choose from boutique hotels, old Tudor settings, and newly refurbished gems. Whatever your weekend plans there is the perfect place for you to stay in Colchester.
This city is full of adventure and experience. Let it be your stage this year.
Want to explore Colchester? Find everything you need on this page or explore the InColchester website.
See and Do
There is so much to see and do in Colchester. From large scale events in Castle Park, to small intimate comedy nights at an independent pub. We have put together a list of some of our top picks coming up in the next few months for you to explore.
Alternatively why not take a look at our events page which lists all upcoming events in Colchester City centre so you can tailor your search to what you are interested in. CLICK HERE FOR THE EVENTS PAGE.
Events in Colchester
Things to look forward to 2023!
The Colchester Business Awards
Colchester Farmers Market - The first Saturday of every month
The Colchester Garden Festival - 17th July - 13th August
Colchester Soapbox Rally - 17th August
Christmas in Colchester - COMING SOON!
Arts and Culture
Colchester is home to lots of different arts and culture venues. Immerse yourself in a contemporary art exhibition, learn about Colchester's rich history and enjoy an open mic night all in one day. There are lots of places to choose from so to make it easy we've listed them below for you!
Hollytrees Museum
Natural History Museum
Find your next adventure in Colchester. Explore venues...
Eat and Drink
There are lots of great restaurants, cafes, and bars spread throughout the city centre. Whether you're looking for your well known favourite, or up for exploring some place new there's plenty to discover in Colchester.
Why not take a look at our Pubs and Restaurant Guide or our Cafe Guide to get you started.
Plus we have a whole directory full of great places to eat and drink... Search for your perfect bite to eat here.
Late night fun
Looking for a cocktail bar for after your theatre trip or somewhere fun to dance away the weekend? There are venues throughout the city to help you blow off steam and dance through the weekend. Take a look at the snapshot list below that we've put together to help you start your night out.
Family Friendly
Play areas, free family activities and events, panto shows, workshops and so much more are available in the city centre for families.
Castle park has a great free play area for children which is open during the parks opening times, there's also Colchester Castle and Holly Trees Museum in the park grounds which are great fun educational experiences for families. On selected dates of the year you can also sleep over at the castle (keep an eye on the events page to see when you can do this!)
Mercury Theatres Christmas panto is always a hit with families, with larger than life characters, funny jokes and Colchesters Favourite Dame. They also do a special summer show, workshops, and clubs for everyone to enjoy. If you'd also like to join in the fun at the Mercury they also host 'Mercury Lates' which are great fun and include acts like cabaret, dance, drag and comedy.
Want to find out more about Colchester and things you can do?
CHECK OUT OUR THINGS TO DO IN COLCHESTER GUIDE.
On a night out?
Venues that are trained with Ask For Angela
Venues with Best Bar None Accreditation
Areas with defibrillators and Bleed Kits.
Castle Park Wardens
NCP Osborne street
Lion Walk
Culver Square