Colchester

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Colchester's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Colchester's History
morning
:

Visit the Colchester Castle Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Be sure to check out the Roman ruins nearby.

afternoon
:

Wander through the beautiful Castle Park and enjoy a picnic lunch. Don't miss the chance to see the famous Colchester Sheep Street.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant offering traditional English fare. Stroll through the city center to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

day 2
Arts and Culture Day
morning
:

Start your day at the Firstsite art gallery, where you can explore contemporary artworks. Attend a morning workshop to get creative.

afternoon
:

Head to the Minories Galleries for more local art exhibitions. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café with outdoor seating.

evening
:

Catch a live performance at the Colchester Arts Centre. Have a late-night coffee at a cozy bistro afterward.

day 3
Nature and Outskirts Adventure
morning
:

Take a trip to the beautiful Colne Valley to enjoy a morning walk. Observe the local wildlife and enjoy the fresh air.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a quaint countryside pub. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic trails around the area.

evening
:

Return to Colchester for dinner at a local restaurant. Unwind with a walk along the River Colne.

day 4
Shopping and Relaxation
morning
:

Spend your morning shopping at the Lion Walk Shopping Centre. Discover unique shops and local boutiques.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at a trendy café in the shopping district. Visit the Culver Square for more retail therapy.

evening
:

Enjoy a spa session or a relaxing massage at a wellness center. Cap off the day with a light dinner nearby.

day 5
Theatre and Nightlife
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Mercury Theatre and learn about upcoming performances. Take a guided tour if available.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery and explore the local shops. Visit a few pop-up markets if they're in town.

evening
:

Attend a live theatre show at the Mercury Theatre. After the performance, enjoy drinks at a popular bar in Colchester.

day 6
A Day in Ancient History
morning
:

Visit the Roman Circus to delve into Colchester’s ancient history. Follow it up with a tour of the remaining Roman walls.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a traditional pub that has local ales. Visit the Balkerne Gate for some historical insights.

evening
:

Dine at a restaurant that serves ancient Roman-inspired dishes. Consider joining a guided night walk to learn about local legends.

day 7
Cycling and Parks
morning
:

Rent a bike to explore the scenic parks in Colchester. Start your adventure at the scenic High Woods Country Park.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch at the park. Cycle through the trails and enjoy the picturesque landscapes.

evening
:

Return your bike and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant. Relax with a movie night at a local cinema afterward.

day 8
Day Trip to Nearby Castles
morning
:

Take a short drive to explore nearby castles like Layer Marney Tower. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and gardens.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a castle café and explore the grounds further. Learn about the history behind each castle you visit.

evening
:

Return to Colchester and have dinner at a scenic spot. Enjoy a relaxing evening walk in the parks.

day 9
Literary and Learning Day
morning
:

Visit the Colchester Library and attend a book reading or workshop. Immerse yourself in local literature.

afternoon
:

Find a cozy café for lunch while you read. Explore nearby bookstores for unique finds.

evening
:

Join a local book club meeting or literary discussion. Enjoy a dinner that’s themed around the books you've explored.

day 10
Foodies Delight
morning
:

Join a local food tour to discover Colchester's culinary delights. Taste local dishes and learn the stories behind them.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at one of the food stalls you discovered during your tour. Explore local farmers' markets for fresh produce.

evening
:

Dine at a fine dining restaurant known for its unique dishes. Conclude the day with a dessert tasting at a local bakery.

Discover Colchester

Read more in our Colchester 2024 Travel Guide.

Colchester Travel Guide