Colchester is the biggest town in Essex. The town actually claims to be the oldest one in Britain and is certainly the oldest recorded Roman town in England. Due to its long history, there are plenty of Colchester attractions, which one can enjoy whilst visiting the town. Here, 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 over time was then transformed into a triumphal arch instead. Then after this, it became part of the town’s new walls then in 465 AD it got blocked up to help improve the town’s defence system. The actual gate itself was only uncovered some 100 years ago and this is why it has remained in such good condition that you see today.
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 this is where its name originates 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. However, the Roman temple was smashed to pieces in 60 AD as part of Queen Boudica’s campaign to force the Romans to leave Britain. The Normans re-used the stone to make the current castle is in fact much of the materials used to build the Roman temple.
The castle boasts one of the oldest and largest of all castle keeps in the whole of 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. Whilst touring the castle you might want to find out about the Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins who used the castle as a jail at the time of the main witch trials.
4. Colchester Zoo – This is one of the finest zoos to be found in Europe today located a short drive from Colchester. Located in around sixty acres of English countryside the zoo has more than 200 species of animal for you to view. Naturally, the elephants can be found in Elephant Kingdom, there are the chimpanzees in Chimp World to enjoy. 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.
Choose your Colchester hotel or guest house from this list.
Colchester Attractions: Things To See And Do In Colchester
Colchester is the biggest town in Essex. The town actually claims to be the oldest one in Britain and is certainly the oldest recorded Roman town in England. Due to its long history, there are plenty of Colchester attractions, which one can enjoy whilst visiting the town. Here, 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 over time was then transformed into a triumphal arch instead. Then after this, it became part of the town’s new walls then in 465 AD it got blocked up to help improve the town’s defence system. The actual gate itself was only uncovered some 100 years ago and this is why it has remained in such good condition that you see today.
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 this is where its name originates 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. However, the Roman temple was smashed to pieces in 60 AD as part of Queen Boudica’s campaign to force the Romans to leave Britain. The Normans re-used the stone to make the current castle is in fact much of the materials used to build the Roman temple.
The castle boasts one of the oldest and largest of all castle keeps in the whole of 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. Whilst touring the castle you might want to find out about the Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins who used the castle as a jail at the time of the main witch trials.
4. Colchester Zoo – This is one of the finest zoos to be found in Europe today located a short drive from Colchester. Located in around sixty acres of English countryside the zoo has more than 200 species of animal for you to view. Naturally, the elephants can be found in Elephant Kingdom, there are the chimpanzees in Chimp World to enjoy. 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.
Choose your Colchester hotel or guest house from this list.