Location: Colchester
Top Things to do in Colchester
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Colchester, England
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 New Inn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
2. St Michael & All Angels Church
3. Sentinel Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Sandmartin2 - Colchester, United Kingdom
On a quick visit to Wivenhoe with a friend we visited the Sentinel Gallery. It was such a pleasant surprise. The welcome was very friendly. The objects on display were superb. There was a cross section of items from sculpture, ceramics, art, just so many. Will certainly be going back.
4. Rocks & Rubies
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
A treasure trove of beautiful crystals, jewellery and gifts next to Colchester Castle.
Reviewed By MadameJoJoJoJo - Brighton, United Kingdom
If you want to support local business, this is the perfect shop to go to. The huge range of crystals and geodes, and other quirky gifts, is second to none. You are bound to find a great present here, at a really good price. The store also does live Facebook sales where you can grab a bargain. Rob, the owner, is so knowledgeable and helpful. You also book individuals appointments with him online so that you can have a safe personal shopping experience in these COVID times.
5. Hollytrees Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Follow the story around this beautiful Georgian building taking in domestic life and childhood in Colchester over the past 300 years. Meet many different characters from the past and experience Colchester's fascinating history. Discover what family life was life for the rich and the poor. Then be transported back to the days before washing machines to try out a dolly peg and dress up as a servant.
Reviewed By 49stevet - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
Very nice small museum. The long case clocks were very interesting as were the dolls houses and toys. Very interesting also to see things hidden away by children back in Victorian times! The guided tours each Saturday start from the museum.
6. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Visitors can enjoy walks on Essex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve; with stunning panoramic views across the reservoir and surrounding villages as well as superb views of the water’s edge from three bird hides. The nature reserve has a 900m accessible circular footpath and there are wheelchairs available for use. The Visitor Centre offers a tearoom which is open seven days a week providing a variety of hot and cold food, most of which is locally sourced; easy access toilets & baby changing facilities; and a well-stocked shop which has binoculars, telescopes, bird food, feeders and a range of gifts. Essex Wildlife Trust runs a programme of events throughout the year for all ages as well as children’s outdoor birthday parties and a weekly toddler group available during term time; booking is required for all of our events. On the nature reserve there is a new Brambly Hedge sculpture trail, where you can find seven characters from the classic stories written by Jill Barklem; there is also a wild play area with a zip wire, v bridge, swings and spiderweb net. Essex Wildlife Trust is a charity and relies on donations to carry out its work for the wildlife and people of Essex. There is suggested entry donation of £2 for Adults £1 for children and £5 Family; car parking is free. The huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water’s Abberton Reservoir plays host to some 40,000 wetland birds each year all attracted to the shallow muddy margins and large areas of rough grassland, which provide the ultimate habitat for a plethora of wildlife and waterfowl. The Visitor Centre is 6 miles SW of Colchester on the B1026 (a minor road linking Colchester and Maldon) just South of Layer de la Haye - follow the brown and white "Abberton Reservoir visitor centre" signs.
Reviewed By 3elsieb - Greater London, United Kingdom
Lovely early spring day at Abberton Reservoir run by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Birdwatching and walks around the reserve and circular walk along the causeways that cross the reservoir. There are excellent opportunities to see many different types of birds and options to hire binoculars or join a tour with a ranger to the differnt hides on the reserve (check in advance what is on). I joined a few members of a local birdwatching group in the morning and then walked around another part of the reserve (approx 3 miles but needed wellies) saw over 50 different species including some I had not seen before. It is possible to get very close to the birds if you are a photographer. This time there were Whooper Swans, Jack Snipe, Peregrine falcon, Marsh Harrier, smew and Goldeneye and Great crested grebes displaying too. Another highlight was a Barn owl on the reserve flying between nest box and hedges There is a very good tearoom (with views across the reservoir) and shop and I was given excellent advice about where to walk by Peter who was on the reception. The car parking is free and there is very good play area and toilet facilities. I gave a donation of £5 and stayed for the day but will be joining The Essex Wildlife Trust as there are so many sites here in Essex. I think the suggested donation amount is £2 per adult. There are good quality the hides, facilities and the general environment of both the visitors centre and the reserve was very well managed. Thank you.
7. Colchester War Memorial
8. Castle Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,265 reviews
Colchester's distinctive heritage is nowhere more apparent than in Castle Park. A site of national importance, this Victorian Park contains evidence of 2000 years of history and is a landscape moulded by the people of Colchester over many eras.Castle Park not only encompasses much of Colchester's rich heritage within its boundaries but is much loved and used as a part of present day life. It boasts over 1 million visitors a year. Providing a green oasis in the town centre, you can sit, walk, enjoy music, play games, or picnic amongst wonderful flowers and trees. Its horticulture is award-winning and the park has long been a superb venue for the town's big events.The park itself is designated Grade II on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.
Reviewed By Akkers1 - London, United Kingdom
This is one of my favourite parks in the UK as it’s a really lovely place. You can just wander round looking at the plants and flowers or just sit and enjoy a spot of people watching. You just would not think that you were in the centre of Colchester town – it’s a real oasis. The park keepers here do an excellent job of maintaining the place and I did not spot one bit of litter on the ground. I haven’t been in the actual castle museum in the park for a while but have heard that it’s still good. There is also a boating lake here, a playground, a bandstand which is still in use by traditional bands plus people playing much more modern music, a fish pond, a roman wall and on a sunny day who can resist having an ice-cream from the café or one of the kiosks (yum). It would actually be the perfect place to have a picnic in the summer months.
9. 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
10. The Fox Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By carole542015 - Essex, United Kingdom
We have been to this pub many times past and present we stopped for lunch a busy little pub I had seafood platter absolutely lovely my husband had steak perfection staff were lovely and all precautions were met with the covid19 (face mask sanitisers and social distance was met well done fox inn
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