Location: Colchester
Top Things to do in Colchester
7 Hidden Gems Things to do in Colchester That You Shouldn't Miss
Colchester /ˈkoʊltʃɛstər/ ( listen) is an historic market town and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester in the county of Essex.
Restaurants in Colchester
1. The Munnings Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
Each year a changing selection of 150 paintings and drawings from the museum’s significant collection of works by Sir Alfred Munnings is hung chronologically throughout eight rooms. From less familiar early apprentice poster designs to the explosive horseracing scenes for which Munnings is most well-known, the displays chart the artist’s life and six-decade career. Cafe, shop, plenty of free parking.
Reviewed By Jeff1903 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom
A delightful house just outside a pretty village, this was the home and studio of the artist Munnings. It is filled with his work and objects associated with his life. He painted in a range of styles, being most famous for his depictions of horses. However even if these do not appeal, the house itself is still worth a look. There is a tearoom in the lovely garden and the staff are all very pleasant. A couple of rooms stage special exhibitions and when we visited there was a collection of Munnings First World War paintings on loan from Canada, which was a real bonus. Members of the Art Fund gain half price admission.
2. Headgate Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
A converted 19th Century Chapel, The Headgate Theatre has a full and varied programme of professional and amateur events including drama, musical theatre, live music, dance and many other varieties of performance. The building boasts a fantastic 87 seat theatre, a rehearsal and dance studio, a rehearsal room with a capacity for 60 people, a meeting room for up to 24 people and a lounge/bar area.
Reviewed By Sonja990 - Hertford, United Kingdom
what a fantastic little theatre- manned by volunteers,who are very welcoming. Small audience made for an intimate atmosphere to hear Joanna perform, with the backing of a trio of talented, yet unassuming musicians. Atmosphere dropped a bit when "Guest performer" came on - but otherwise a great evening - and only £15.
3. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,176 reviews
Gardens, Nursery and take-way tearoom are open 5 days a week; social distancing measures are in place and advance booking is essential for garden visitors. Entrance to Nursery and Tearoom; no need to book. 7.5 acres of inspirational Gardens. Entrance fee varies depending on season. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, using the principles of ecological planting, it has been transformed into 7 acres of informal garden comprising of the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden all harmonising with the surrounding countryside. The gardens are an inspiration to anyone who visits them - the art of planting at its best. There is also an extensive Nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs.
Reviewed By CllrJohn - Banbury, United Kingdom
Beth Chatto's garden is famous for its desert garden but it is so much more than simply drought loving plants. There is plenty of water, shade from trees, woodlands and beautifully tended flower beds. The garden centre is excellent as well, healthy plants, well labelled and with plenty of information, cafe was good, plenty of seating and the staff in all areas friendly and prepared to chat. Well worth visiting again at a different season.
4. Green Island Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Recommended in Great British Gardens 2019 and Essex Days out as well as visit Essex. Featured in Country Life Feb 2019. 20 acres of professionally designed gardens within woodland destroyed by the 1987 Hurricane. Now laid out with terrace, japanese garden, seaside garden, water gardens, gravel garden and extensive woodland gardens. It's a plantsman's paradise with a host of unusual plants in all seasons often borderline hardiness thriving in the unique island microclimate. Special highlights include, snowdrops, Bluebells and Azaleas in May and spectacular Autumn colour.
Reviewed By KellyJ1538
Visited Green Island Gardens today whilst staying with a friend locally. A beautiful place to just wander and admire the lovely plants, flowers and trees. It was very quiet and tranquil. The owner was very friendly. A lovely little tea room with what looked like good cake (we refrained) The hot chocolate was delicious and I would definitely recommend a visit to anyone looking for a quiet wander through a beautiful garden. There’s lots of space for small children to run around too. Plus a treehouse to explore and a fairy house.
5. Cudmore Grove Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By D6794QIlizr - Braintree, United Kingdom
Fabulous walks and a great place to picnic. Beach and country In one place. In parts, you would think you are abroad
6. Lady Grace Boat Trips
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Lady Grace Boat Trips operates all year round. All Trips must be booked and paid for in advance to secure your trip. Trip options available are as follows: 20 minute trip round Packing Shed Island 1 hour Creeks Excursion 2 hour Wildlife Trip 2-hour Picnic Trip 3 hour return trip to Bradwell or Tollesbury for lunch 4.5-hour return trip to Bradwell to walk to the Chapel Evening return trip to Bradwell or Tollesbury for dinner in one of the local pubs and return trip over sunset
7. Dedham Art & Craft Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By bjandrews - Ashford, United Kingdom
A visit to this interesting and enjoyable Centre is a must when in Dedham. Plenty to see and buy. There are several rooms filled with all sorts of goodies.
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