Things to do in Colchester
Colchester in one of Essex’s most vibrant towns and is widely regarded as Britain’s ‘first city’, being giving the status a ‘Roman Colonia’ as far back as AD49. The Romans saw Colchester as a top-notch settlement in their time, and so do we today.
Things to do in Colchester are made all the easier by the fact that the town is only a 30-minute drive from our park at Orchards, meaning it’s the perfect place for a day out off park when you head on a Haven holiday with us. There are so many places to visit in Colchester, so we’ve summed up our favourites in the article that will help you plan your itinerary.
1. Colchester Zoo
An all-time favourite of Essex and the nation, Colchester Zoo has been welcoming visitors and animals big and small since it swung open its doors in 1963. A childhood staple of this writer, the zoo looks after over 180 different species, ranging from aardvarks and turtles to monkeys and tigers. All the continents on earth are represented in this corner of Essex, with world-class conservation efforts underway from its team of professionals.
There are a range of encounters to get involved with and feeding times with the animals too, and both can be found on the zoo’s website, where you can fully plan your day out with the kids.
2. Jump Street Colchester
Things to do in Colchester for the family don’t come much better than this. This arena of fun is filled up with over 90 trampolines for everyone to have a bounce on. Whether you’re bringing the little ones or the older kids, they’ll love this an energetic session on these state-of-the-art trampolines. There are classes for adults and tots together too, so both of you can learn some tricks under the guidance of an expert.
Jump Street also holds incredible dodgeball tournaments for groups to enter, and there are basketball hoops and party rooms for a proper event. Check Jump Street’s website for availability before you set off to avoid disappointment, and with prices more than reasonable, it lives up to its name as one of the best days out in Colchester.
3. Colchester Castle and Museum
Colchester Castle is a stunning piece of history in the heart of the town. This 11th-century masterpiece was built of the Roman ruins of the Temple of Claudius, and more can be seen on this at the Roman Theatre excavation site across the road. The castle has lived an eventful life, living under siege for three months in 1216 and housing prisoners at the turn of the 20th-century.
It was purchased by the local council in 1922 and since 1860 has housed a marvellous museum that adds to the draw of the place. A visit here really does put things to do in Colchester into perspective, so head for the park ride and get a bus into town to see this incredible historic site. Open every day of the week, tickets are available through the museum’s website and there are handy discounts for the kids too, so don’t miss out.
4. Castle Park
Castle Park brings a leafy peace to the heart of Colchester. Named after the historic Colchester Castle, the park is an oasis of calm in what’s otherwise a pretty bustling market town. The park is great for a walk around throughout the year, but summer is when it truly comes to life.
When the weather is good, head to Putt in the Park crazy golf course, or bring the kids to the fun-filled playground coupled with a café to sit and relax at. It’s also worth checking out the bandstand, which comes in handy when the park welcomes festivals throughout the warmer period.
5. Colchester Arts Centre
The Arts Centre must be one of the coolest places to visit in Colchester. This former church hosts a range of events during the morning, noon and night throughout the year. There’s always something going on, from farmer’s markets in the morning to gigs in the evening.
Specific events are listed on the centre’s website, so you can plan ahead and make the most of your visit. Even if you don’t fancy one of the many shows hosted by the centre, it’s still worth seeing to check out a church that’s been expertly remodelled.
6. Colchester United FC
If you’re heading to Orchards from the London area, the chances are you’ve passed Colchester’s football stadium on the outskirts of town. A compact but modern arena, it has played home to the town’s football club since it was opened in August 2008.
The 10,000-seat capacity is rarely filled up on a match day, so it makes a Colchester home match ideal to turn up at on the day and see some high-quality lower league football with the family. Check out Colchester’s website to see the upcoming list of fixtures and plan a footie-filled day out in Colchester next time you stay at Orchards.
7. Firstsite Museum
An award-winning museum simply had to make our list of things to do in Colchester. The recipient of the coveted 2021 Art Fund Museum of the Year Award, which is looked at on a global scale.
The contemporary exhibits are housed in a swanky building to match and is grouped with 17 other museums of its kind that you’re sure to want to check out after a visit here. The best thing about this museum is that it’s free to enter, with the operation being funded through donations and memberships. You can take a look at what’s on via the museum’s website and plan your day out in Colchester in advance.
8. Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney
This stunning Tudor palace stands tall over the Essex countryside just west of Colchester itself. It’s a great stop off point on the way back from a day out in Colchester, with the structure overseeing over 500 years of history from its walls. Built to the liking of Henry VIII, the grounds are open to the general public from May until September.
A taste of lavish Tudor life is displayed by the spotless gardens and rooms within the mansion. There are loads of kid-friendly events like feeding the lambs throughout the year, so check out the attraction’s website and tie your visit in with the other places to visit in Colchester.
9. East Anglian Railway Museum, Wakes Colne
The East Anglian Railway Museum is a must visit for train enthusiasts big and small. Housed within the stunning station building of the functioning Chappel & Wakes Colne railway station, the museum is dedicated to the history of railways in England’s eastern counties. You’ll be welcomed by an old locomotive outside the museum’s entrance, brilliantly setting the scene for what’s to come.
There are steam and diesel train rides to try on specific days, and a whole calendar of events to get involved with. Have a look on the museum’s website to find out more. You can visit the museum on weekends and Wednesdays throughout the year.
How to get to Colchester from us
Colchester is only 14 miles away from us at Orchards, so it’s great for a day out off park. Here’s how to get to Colchester by car:
Head into St Osyth and turn left passing the village’s park
Travel north on the B1027 past Alresford and Thorrington
You’ll pass the University of Essex campus, where you can park and bus it into town
Alternatively, continue straight past Lidl and Waitrose to Colchester Town Centre
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
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Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.