Colchester Vacations: What To Do When You Stay in Colchester

Colchester is the largest of all the settlements in the County of Essex in England. It lays claim to being the oldest settlement in the whole of Britain and is definitely the oldest recorded Roman settlement in the country. Because of its history, there are lots of attractions in Colchester, which one can enjoy whilst visiting the town. In this article, we look at just a few which may be worth considering visiting when you stay in Colchester.

1.  Balkerne Gate – This is the most complete Roman gateway you will find in Britain and is believed to have been built at around 55AD. Years ago, the gate was part of the main route into the town but it's gradually been turned into a triumphal arch. Then, later, it became part of the town's new walls before it was blocked up some four hundred years later in 465AD in order to help strengthen the defences of the town. It was rediscovered about a hundred years ago which is why it's been so well preserved.

2.  Charter Market – This is believed to be the oldest recorded market in the UK and has been a regular feature of the town for over 800 years. The market was granted a Royal Charter in 1189 by King John and is where it gets its name from. You can still find a market at Charter Market twice a week, on Fridays and Saturdays and there is a wider than normal variety of goods as no two stalls can sell the same items. 

3.  Colchester Castle – This Norman castle is built on the foundations of what was the Roman Temple to Claudius. But, the temple was destroyed in 60AD as part of Queen Boudica's campaign to force the Romans to leave Britain. The actual stone that was used by the Normans to make the current castle which means the fabric of the building dates back to the Romans. 

This castle now has one of the oldest and largest of all castle keeps to be built in Europe and within the castles walls there is much to do and see. There are a number of exhibitions in the castle, which span more than 2,000 years of British history and there are displays that one can interact with as well. While you look around the castle you might want to find out about the Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins who used it as a jail at the times that the trials were taking place.

4.  Colchester Zoo – One of Europe's finest zoos and is only a short drive from the town itself. Set in some 60 acres of beautiful countryside the zoo is home to over two hundred different species for you to view. Along with elephants in Elephant Kingdom, and Chimp World is home to the zoo's chimpanzees. Also you'll find the other bits of the zoo just as enjoyable and enchanting. As with any zoo, you'll almost certainly find yourself spending lots of time here.

Check out this list of Colchester accommodation for your next visit.