Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town, with a colourful history dating back over two thousand years.  As the former capital of Roman Britain and burned to the ground by Queen Boudicca, Colchester has many important and unique Roman sites and ruins, you can walk under the very triumphal arch that Emperor Claudius on the back of an elephant no less went through as he entered the town .. and touch the stones, amazing!  With such a lot of history this means that there is plenty to discover from other eras of English History including the Normans, Tudors and Victorians who all contributed to Colchester's story, as well as the English Civil War which made significant marks on the town.

 

Alongside Colchester Castle Museum, you can discover its  history and heritage at numerous attractions. From the ruins of the country's oldest church and Claudius's temple (now a Norman Castle) to the winding streets of the Dutch Quarter where Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written, there are stories to be found and discoveries to be made around every corner.

Visit the only known Roman Circus in Britain, or learn about the social history of the town in Hollytrees Museum, if you're interested in history then you'll need more than just a day-trip to fit in everything Colchester has to offer so we recommend 2-3 days stay here and finally not forgetting your Tiptree Jam trip!