The local area

As Britain’s oldest recorded settlement, Colchester has a rich and varied heritage stored in its fascinating tale of Roman, Saxon, and Norman history. Today, you can delve into the historical roots of the city by visiting its local museums, galleries, and ruins.

• Colchester Castle and Park - As one of England’s most treasured heritage sites with historical roots dating back to a time when Colchester was the first Roman capital city of Britain, the city’s castle is well worth a visit. Step back in time and explore a rich cultural history of more than 2,500 years through a wide array of interactive displays and exhibits, or take a peaceful walk around the beautiful surrounding landscaped gardens.

• Historical walks - Simply enjoying a leisurely walk around the centre of Colchester will show you that experiencing the city’s deep historical roots doesn’t need to cost a fortune. The city has plenty of historical hotspots to uncover. From its impressive Roman Walls, to Balkerne Gate and St. Botolph’s Priory ruins, the quaint Dutch quarter, and St John’s Abbey Gatehouse all just a stone’s throw away from one another – you’ll definitely be spoiled for choice. 

Colchester is a cultural hub with plenty of artistic flair. The city has a great selection of theatres, museums, and galleries hosting an exciting programme of exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year.

• Colchester Arts Centre - is home to the weird and the wonderful – Burst into laughter with cutting edge comedies, dance the night away alongside the freshest DJs and musical talents, or wander around exploring the Farmer’s market. All of this and more is waiting for you under one converted church roof in this vibrant venue, central to Colchester. 

• Mercury Theatre - The most active producing theatre in East Anglia, Mercury Theatre, is nestled right here in the heart of Colchester. With two auditoriums boasting combined seating for more than 580 people, this exciting venue hosts everything from Grease to Macbeth, and how can we forget to mention the good old Christmas Pantomime (He’s behind you!). In addition to regular performances, comedy nights, and dance shows, the theatre also gives you a generous student discount.

• Firstsite - Be inspired through innovative art and immersive learning opportunities from a real variety of local and regional artists at Colchester’s visual arts gallery, Firstsite. You’ll be spoiled with choice from a wide range of exhibitions, events, workshops, films, and dance screenings to get involved in.

Whether you prefer being outdoors or indoors, relaxing, being energetic, or are simply just looking for somewhere to hang out with friends. You will be spoiled for choice with what’s on offer in Colchester.

• Colchester Zoo – Take a walk on the wild side and discover 250 species of animal from all around the globe, across 60 acres of parkland, right on your doorstep in one the country’s top 2 zoos. Feed elephants and giraffes, walk through a 24m tunnel as sealions swim overhead, or become a keeper for the day. With so much to see and do, the zoo is one place you will want to come back to over and over.
• Leisure World – With its iconic flume slides and a 25m fitness pool, Leisure World invites you to come and make a splash at its swimming pool centre.  Ride the outdoor rapids, and have fun in the crazy river, complete with jets, waves, and water cannons.
• Aqua Springs day spa – Take a break from studying to unwind in the relaxing bubbles of a jacuzzi, the warmth of a steam room, and the relaxing scents of salt inhalation. And maybe you’ll even decide to pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or other beauty treatment? You’ve been studying hard, after all!

While Campus boasts its own lively selection of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained between study sessions, sometimes it’s nice to switch up the scenery and head off campus into the main city centre.

• Three Wise Monkeys - One of the most popular venues in Colchester, from live music entertainment to a basement bar serving an array of fifty artisan gins, Three Wise Monkeys have got it covered. On the ground floor, you'll find a large Tap House with over 30 beers to choose from plus wine, spirits, cocktails as well as soft drinks. But there's more than just gin and beer. With a restaurant serving a varied selection of salads, hot dogs and signature gourmet burgers, they also cater to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free appetites.
• North Hill Noodle Bar - Pan Asian cuisine at it's finest. The Noodle Bar restaurant is as popular as ever, serving a range of dishes from Pad Thai Noodles to Kung Po Chicken, with a selection of side dishes to rival the mains. To save yourself from missing out, it's best to reserve a table a weekends and enjoy the cosy ambience inside.

• Constable Country - Our Colchester Campus is nestled on the edge of the 'Constable Country', home to the rural areas around Dedham and Flatford, that were made famous by artist, John Constable. Why not take in the views of this beauty spot in all its glory by hiring a rowing boat along the River Stour for the afternoon? Dedham has an official status of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also offers stunning woodland vistas across 40 acres of vines and pastures at its Vale Vineyard, the perfect space for a relaxing walk or cycle ride.
• Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve -  Essex Wildlife Trust’s first nature reserve and visitor centre sits within the banks of the River Colne, giving you spectacular views of wild species across a diverse collection of natural habitats and terrains, making it well worth the trip.

With more than 350 miles of shore, Essex boasts the longest coastline in the country, and the Colchester Campus is ideally positioned for a day out, filled with adventure and fresh sea air.

• Beaches - Head to Clacton-on-Sea or Walton-on-the-Naze for lively beaches and piers packed with activities; or follow the River Colne to the sleepy shore of Brightlingsea for a relaxing stroll.     
• Mersea Island - Colchester is a gateway to the UK’s most easterly inhabited island, Mersea. The island has two distinct halves, covering roughly seven square miles. Head West for water sports, a shingle beach, and world-famous oysters and seafood; or head East for a peaceful walk among rural farmlands, a country park, and a local wine vineyard.
• Wivenhoe - The Colchester Campus backs onto the quaint village of Wivenhoe; the ideal location for scenic walks along the quay, a spot of paddle boarding, a browse in the village bookshop, and a hearty pub lunch. 
• River Colne - The River Colne runs through Colchester, out to the sea, offering plenty of wonderful scenery en route. Take a walk alongside its banks, to explore the Hythe Port, lower Wivenhoe, and the picturesque estuary.

Shopping in Colchester city centre

Colchester city centre offers a varied shopping experience, with wide selection of independent shops, nestled alongside department stores and big highstreet brands as well as offering regular market days and plenty of restaurants, bars, and street food vendors. And with good links to shopping centres in Ipswich, Chelmsford, Braintree, London, Lakeside and Bluewater, you’ll be able to shop until you drop while you’re here.

Nearby supermarkets and opening hours

• Tesco Colchester Hythe (approx. 0.5km) - Open 24 hours (except Sundays and Bank Holidays)
• Waitrose Colchester (approx. 2km)
• Co-op Food, Hythe Colchester (approx 1km)
• Sainsbury's Colchester town centre (approx. 4km)