Britain’s oldest recorded city, Colchester boasts Roman ruins, a Norman Castle and cultural attractions aplenty. A wonderful destination for a weekend away from London, Colchester offers a board range of accommodation options suited to an array of budgets. Our pick of the best places to stay in Colchester includes a super-smart city hotel in the heart of town, well-placed for shopping, drinking, dining and exploring on foot, as well as a gorgeous country house nestled amidst beautiful gardens — an ideal rural retreat.
Much of Colchester’s appeal lies in the bustling market town’s array of heritage sites, museums and art galleries. Designated a Roman capital before it was sacked by Boudicca, Colchester is crammed with Roman ruins, many of which are best discovered through a walking tour. Take in the Roman Wall, for example, was well as Britain’s only known Roman circus, before admiring key Norman edifices, including St Botolph’s Priory. Highlights also include Castle Park — site of Colchester Castle, an imposing Norman keep built on the foundations of a Roman temple. The Castle’s museum houses impressive ancient artefacts, whilst the nearby Hollytrees Museum features three centuries of clothing, crafts and clocks, housed in an elegant Georgian townhouse. The Park itself is lovely for a stroll, as are the Beth Chatto Gardens and the pretty Dutch Quarter, where historic half-timbered houses evidence the many settlers who fled Holland to base themselves in the area. Don't miss seeing brilliant pieces by artists from around the world at the fantastic Firstsite, a contemporary arts centre close to the Park. Drive to the Munnings Art Museum in Dedham for exquisite equestrian paintings, or, if it’s quirky geological exhibits that you’re after, pop into the Natural History Museum.
Outdoor adventurers will find walking and cycling trails snaking through the picturesque countryside around Colchester, renowned for having inspired John Constable’s landscape paintings. Families should head to the famed Colchester Zoo to marvel at all sorts of animals, whilst foodies will find Mersea Island an intriguing spot to discover, with terrific fresh seafood to tuck into.
Catch a play at the Mercury Theatre, delve into myriad boutiques, and sample Colchester’s lively bars and eateries in the evenings. With history aplenty, the thriving market town of Colchester is an excellent destination for culture aficionados, history buffs and weekend visitors eager to swap the big city for relaxing rural walks and cycle rides. Time your trip for the region’s big events — including world-class gigs and exhibitions — and book a room at one of the best places to stay in Colchester to unwind in absolute bliss.
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Colchester (Essex)
A smart country house with beautifully designed rooms mixing traditional features such as beamed ceilings and classical wallpaper with floor to ceiling windows, luxury bathrooms and a superb restaurant. The service is unsurprisingly on point too.
Colchester (ESSEX)
An opulent hotel in the heart of Colchester located in an elegant Georgian building. Rooms are spacious and traditionally dressed. Plump for a suite for some serious luxury including a glistening free-standing copper bath. The restaurant has been Michelin recommended. A superb stay.
