What to do and see in Colchester, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Colchester Arts Centre - the little church with the big attitude deep in the heart of Essex. Well that's how we describe it anyway. It sort of works, it at least gives a flavour of what we're about. Because just how do you describe a venue that can put children's entertainer Palfi the Clown on, on the same day as Cradle of Filth? Where a Farmer's Market in the morning becomes a comedy club in the evening, where folk enthusiasts can sit happily knitting (and they do!) in the exact same spot a ferocious mosh pit of teenage dancing takes place the following night? And where the beautiful historic architecture of St Mary's Church dating back over a thousand years, plays host to some of the newest comics, most modern choreographers, some of the coolest DJ's and some of the freshest talent in Britain. Over the years we've promoted Coldplay, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Harry Hill, Catherine Tate, Jo Brand, The Libertines, Ash, The Killers, The Strokes, Phill Jupitus, Mick Jones, Bill Bailey, Jack Dee, Count Arthur Strong - all before anyone had ever heard of them of course - plus the likes of jazz legend Ronnie Scott and even the late lamented and much loved Brian Johnston the cricket commentator. Our passion to present new work, bring great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original and yes, the surreal.

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.

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.

We are a paint your own ceramics studio, and gift shop. We also serve freshly ground coffee, teas, and cakes/snacks.

A treasure trove of beautiful crystals, jewellery and gifts next to Colchester Castle.

Escape Colchester is a new, fun, challenging activity in Colchester. We will lock you up in a mysterious escape room, and give you exactly 60 minutes to get out. In order to beat the live escape game you and your team must solve many puzzles, riddles, brain teasers and identify clues.

The orginal pirate radio station, Radio Caroline is still broadcasting today, 24/7, on 648AM (East and South East of England), DAB, on mobiles and around the world online at radiocaroline.co.uk Most programming from land-based studios and one weekend a month Radio Caroline North broadcasts live from the studios on board our radio ship Ross Revenge, which is moored on the River Blackwater in Essex. Trips and tours by DJs all year round inc during live broadcasts. Meet the crew and visit studios, vinyl library, mess room, galley, engine room, transmitters and generator room, decks, wheelhouse, chart room, newsroom and more.