Things to Do in Colchester
Colchester is a market town with a long past, a centre you can cross in minutes and open country close by. Read on for a few ways to use a spare day or evening.
A centre made for walking
The middle of Colchester is compact, and its main street is lined with shops, cafes and older buildings. A few minutes of walking takes you from one end of the centre to the other, so it suits wandering with no set destination. Weekdays are calmer than Saturdays, when the pavements fill and queues form at the busier counters.
Because distances are short, an afternoon here rarely needs a car or a taxi. That keeps the plan relaxed and lets you change your mind halfway through.
The middle of Colchester is compact, and its main street is lined with shops, cafes and older buildings.
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The Dutch Quarter
North of the main street lies the Dutch Quarter, a district of narrow lanes and small old houses. It is quiet, quick to explore and a pleasant contrast with the shopping streets. Wear shoes you do not mind on uneven paving, and remember that people live in these houses, so keep your voices low.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Colchester itself.
Real events in Colchester, from onthedoor.uk.
Parkland and open space
A large park sits close to the centre, with lawns, mature trees and wide paths. Beyond it, the Colne valley offers longer walks for anyone who wants to leave the buildings behind for a couple of hours. Choose these places for dry weather, when you want room to talk and a bench to rest on.
A large park sits close to the centre, with lawns, mature trees and wide paths.
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Down to the river at Hythe
Hythe is the old quayside district on the Colne, a short way out from the centre. It has a working waterfront feel, with moorings, brick buildings and a few quiet places to sit. It is not a polished tourist spot, which is rather its appeal for people who like a plain, real place. Go in daylight, since quiet lanes feel different after dark.
Hythe is the old quayside district on the Colne, a short way out from the centre.
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Museums and galleries on a wet day
Like most historic towns, Colchester keeps its museums and small galleries in the centre, so a downpour can be spent indoors without travelling far. Check opening arrangements before you set out, as smaller places can change their days with little notice. If you are visiting with a companion, agree a meeting point first in case you drift apart in a larger building.
Like most historic towns, Colchester keeps its museums and small galleries in the centre, so a downpour can be spent indoors without travelling far.
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By train, and a note on age
The main line runs through Colchester station, with direct services to London in one direction and towards Ipswich and the Suffolk border in the other. Colchester Town station is closer to the older part of the centre. Everyone on TheDirectory must be over eighteen, and these guides are written with adult readers in mind.
The main line runs through Colchester station, with direct services to London in one direction and towards Ipswich and the Suffolk border in the other.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. The centre, the Dutch Quarter and a walk by the river fit comfortably into one day with time left for a meal.
Colchester station is the main one and sits on the line to London. Colchester Town is the other station, closer to the older part of the centre.
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