The best experiences in Colchester (Essex): Roman walls, a giant Norman donjon and eerie dungeons
Colchester is the oldest documented Roman city in England with a history of over 2,000 years.
There are traces of Romans, Saxons, Normans and Victorians at every turn, and much of this is partly surrounded by the most complete Roman wall in the country. In Colchester you will find the most haunted corner of Essex, and a whole collection of museums, manicured gardens, as well as unexpected architectural mixtures - from the majestic to the truly strange. Near the city are the best fresh fish restaurants, famous English wineries and the world-famous Tiptree jam factory.
Colchester is convenient to explore on foot: the city is relatively flat, there are pedestrian areas, and the bus station is located right in the center. To avoid crowds, we advise you to come on a weekday - Saturdays are noticeably busier here. And remember: with a local guide, a walk through Colchester will reveal more stories and hidden details than you’ll find in a regular guide.
The best place to start is a walking tour of the city.
Joining the tour under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide is a quick and fascinating way to understand how Colchester's history evolved: conquest, destruction, restoration and the people who created this city. Tours depart from the Visitor Information Centre – this is a great start before exploring the sights on your own.
1. Guided walk through Colchester
Official walking tours start from the Visitor Information Centre every Saturday at 11:00. In July and August, additional tours are added on Sundays at 14:00 and on holiday Mondays also at 14:00. This is a profitable option - 90 minutes of live history with a qualified guide who will not only show the main points, but also tell local legends and curious facts. Seats are limited: the ticket costs £4.70 for adults and £3.30 for children aged 5 to 15. If you prefer to explore the city at your own pace, you can download a self-guide for a smartphone - it will help you navigate and not miss the important.
2. Colchester Castle – the heart of history
On the site of the castle in Roman times there was a fortification: the modern castle is the remains of a Norman building, the beginning of construction of which dates back to 1076. Colchester's Norman donjon is the largest in Europe, even surpassing the White Tower, and has been remarkably intact. Donjon is built on top of the foundations of the Roman temple of Claudius – this multilayered history can be seen literally in stone. The roof of the donjon and the dungeon are accessible to the public; it is the dungeons that are considered Essex’s most ill-fated spot – the perfect place for those who love urban folklore.
Since 1860, the castle has been home to a museum containing Roman mosaics, the famous Colchester Vase and the Fenwick Hoard, a Roman treasure found during excavations on High Street in a former department store. The exposition tells in detail about the Boudiccan revolt, when Voudicea raised the people against the Romans and the city was then almost completely destroyed. For lovers of active entertainment in the walls of the castle there is a modern entertainment - a room escape game Escape from The Castle with an adventure called Serpent's Curse.
3. Colchester Castle Park (Castle Park)
The park surrounding the castle covers about 27 acres and is crossed by a preserved section of the Roman wall. This is a great place to walk: there is a concert venue (bandstand), formal terraces, boat surface, a cozy cafe and a mini-field for insane golf. In the warm season, the park becomes a center of family recreation and street activities – a perfect contrast to the harsh history of the castle.
Advice for travellers
Start with an introductory video or map, then go on one of the organized excursions - guides make the story alive and prompt hidden corners.
Plan walks on weekdays to walk more calmly and comfortably.
Combine visiting museums with leisurely breaks in cafes - in Colchester it's part of the fun.
This is just the beginning of a list of the 16 best things to do in Colchester - there are still museums, vineyards, Tiptree jam factory and real gastronomic discoveries ahead.
Text and photo:https://www.personalguide.ru/
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