Colchester

CITY 

Introduction: 

Brief History: 

The Roman invasion of Britain in AD43 put Colchester on the map when they named it their first capital. It remained the same until Boudica attacked, and destroyed. The capital then moved to London. in 65-80AD the town walls were built and the town rebuilt. The Romans left the town some fine structures including the largest Roman theatre in Britain,

Colchester Castle, the new cities main landmark, was built by the Normans and sits on the vaults of the Roman temple.

The towns industry started with wool in the late 14th century. The middle ages saw Flemish and Dutch immigrants arrive to work in the cloth industries.. The town then survived the Civil War and the plague in the 1600s. Late 18th and early 19th centuries the army set up a garrison of 6000 and Colchester is still an important army city

The Victorian era saw fine architecture and the manufacture of diesel engines. The second world war saw the town relatively unscathed Late 20th Century saw the establishment of the University of Essex and considerable house building expansion. City status was granted in 2022 as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Things to Do: 

Colchester Castle:- The Castle Museum can be found at Castle Park, CT1 1TJ. Once there you can do your own tour but, preferably, if you have time take a guided tour. This tour shows 2000 years of history, including the Roman vaults, the foundations of the Temple of Claudius and up the stairs to the roof to see fantastic views over the city. There is a cafe and shop and is open until 5pm every day. For further information visit the website.

Colchester Zoo:- If you love animals this is the place for you. Species from all around the world are in the zoo’s collections. The zoo is located in the south end of town and if driving the sat nav is CO3 0SL. There is a free car park. If travelling by bus take the 75 from the Bus Station. By train, exit the station adjacent platform 4 and take bus 63 or 84 to bus station and then bus 75. The zoo also has food and drink outlets throughout. Due to the nature of this attraction the closing times vary from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. For further info visit the website.

Radio Caroline:- Radio Caroline, MV Ross Revenge, is located in Blackwater Estuary. It has working studios and can be visited. For full information check the website..

Dutch Quarter:- This can be found at W. Stockwell Street and adjacent streets, just off the High Street, CO1 1FQ. The houses were originally occupied by Jewish and other immigrants and in the 16th Century Flemish refugees arrived and set up their weaving trades. It is now a pleasant area to saunter through with a mixture of architectural styles.

Natural History Museum:- This interesting museum is located in High Street, CO1 1DN. This FREE entry museum has a range of interesting exhibits covering the history of the city. There is a shop and parking is at nearby car parks. From the railway station it is a reasonable walk to the museum. It is open Tuesday to Sunday until 5pm. Check out the website for more information.

St. Botolph’s Priory:- Founded in 1100 this is one of the earliest Augustine Priory’s in existence. It is located in Priory Street CO2 7EE. The Norman architectural gem was badly damaged in the Civil War. There are no facilities at the Priory and parking can be found in nearby car parks. Entry is Free.

Night Life:

You can enjoy a late night out in one of Colchester’s ten or so night clubs, which are scattered through the City centre. Among them are Silk Road, Roberts Bar, Rubix and ATIK. There are also a few gay bars and clubs which can be found online.

Being a garrison town it is inevitable that the city is full of pubs. Probably best for yourselves to find one that suits your taste.. Also worth looking at nearby country pubs, if you have transport.

If you prefer a bit of culture check out what’s on at either the Mercury or Headgate Theatres.

Cinemas are represented by Odeon, Curzon and Firstsite Films. Programmes and locations can be found on site.

Keep an eye out for the Northern Gateway, due to open in 2023. It will include another cinema, bowling alley, sports facilities etc..

Eating Out:

Restaurants can be found throughout the city centre. These include old favourites Bill’s, Prezzo,, Ask etc. There are also some fine independent restaurants covering European and world wide ethnic cuisine.

Shopping:-

The city punches above its weight regarding shopping. As well as a couple of shopping centre’s, Culver Square and Lion Walk, there is a fine department store, Fenwick. Also to be found are all the national chain stores.

Accommodation:

A good range of hotels can be found. From budget chains, upscale independent hotels and B & Bs, including pubs. Check out online to find your needs.

Transport: 

Buses:

The bus station is located between Stanwell Street and Osborne Street and is the city home of National Coaches.

Bus routes are operated by Arriva and First Bus. Check there websites for timetables. Routes are run throughout the city and neighbouring towns such as Ipswich, Harwich, Chelmsford, Sudbury.

There is also a Park and Ride scheme operating from the north end of the city at Mile End, adjacent to the A12.
Road:

The main road serving Colchester is the A12. North East from the city it reaches Ipswich and East Anglia. South West the road takes you to Central London. At Brentwood the A12 meets the M25 which joins the city to the South, West. Midlands, North and Wales.

The A120 runs from Harwich to Stanstead Airport via Colchester. At Stansted the M11 can be accessed to take you to the East Midlands, North East England and Scotland.  

Railway:

The railway station is located in N. Station Road. Colchester. CO1 1XD.

The city lies on the main line London Liverpool Street - Shenfield - Chelmsford,- Colchester - Ipswich - Norwich Route. There are also branch routes to Clacton, Harwich, Felixstowe, Great Yarmouth and Sudbury.

Access to and from the rest of England is via Liverpool Street and then taking the Underground to appropriate terminals for the rest of UK.

Air:

Stanstead Airport can be reached via the A120. Southend Airport can be reached via A12 to Chelmsford and then taking the A130 and A127

Heathrow can be reached by road via A12 and M25. By rail take the train to Liverpool Street Station and then the Elizabethan Underground Line to the airport.

Gatwick can be reached by road via A12, M25 and M23. By rail take train to Liverpool Street Station and then Underground to either London Bridge or Victoria onto the Brighton Line.

Taxis:

A dozen or so Companies run Taxi and Airport runs from within the city boundary and local area. List can be found on internet.