Belgium Flights

Colchester is the largest of all the settlements in the County of Essex in England. 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’ll take a look at some that should be on your shortlist 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. It was originally actually the main way that visitors would enter 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. It was rediscovered about a hundred years ago and this is why it has remained in such good condition that you see today.

2.  Charter Market – The oldest recorded market in the United Kingdom has been run here for more than 800 years now. The market was granted a Royal Charter in 1189 by King John and is where it gets its name from. Today markets are still held here on a Friday and a Saturday and there is a wide variety of things to choose from as the charter prevents more than one stall selling the same item. 

3.  Colchester Castle – This Norman castle is built on the foundations of what was the Roman Temple to Claudius. But, the temple was destroyed in 60AD as part of Queen Boudica’s campaign to force the Romans to leave Britain. The Normans re-used the stone to build the castle which means the fabric of the building dates back to the Romans. 

The castle boasts one of the largest and oldest castle keeps to be built in Europe and within the castles walls there is much to do and see. There are a number of exhibitions in the castle, tracing more than two thousand years of British history and there are interactive displays to keep your youngsters busy. While you look around the castle you can learn more about Matthew Hopkins the Witch finder General who used it as a jail at the times that the trials were taking place.

4.  Colchester Zoo – One of Europe’s finest zoos and is only a short drive from the town itself. Located in around sixty acres of English countryside the zoo is home to over two hundred different species for you to look at. Along with elephants in Elephant Kingdom, there are the chimpanzees in Chimp World to enjoy. Plus you will find other parts of the zoo just as enthralling. As with any zoo, you’ll almost certainly find yourself spending lots of time here.

Check out this list of Colchester accommodation for your next visit.