Colchester is the biggest town in Essex. It lays claim to being the oldest settlement in the whole of Britain and is definitely the oldest recorded Roman settlement in the country. Due to its long history, there are lots of attractions in Colchester, which you can explore when you visit the town. In this article, we’ll take a look at some that should be on your shortlist when you stay in Colchester.
1. Balkerne Gate – The most complete Roman gateway in the country 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. It was rediscovered about a hundred years ago which is why it’s been so well preserved.
2. Charter Market – The oldest recorded market in the United Kingdom has been run here for more than 800 years now. King John granted the market its Rotal Charter back in 1189 and this is where its name originates from. Today markets are still held here on a Friday and a Saturday and there is a wider than normal variety of goods as no two stalls can sell the same items.
3. Colchester Castle – Altough “only” dating back to Norman times, this castle was built on the same ground as the Temple to Claudius in Roman times. But, 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 build the castle which means the fabric of the building dates back to the Romans.
This castle now has one of the oldest and largest of all castle keeps to be built in Europe and within the castles walls there is much to do and see. The castle houses exhibitions, which span more than 2,000 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 view. Naturally, the elephants can be found in Elephant Kingdom, there are the chimpanzees in Chimp World to enjoy. Plus you will find other parts of the zoo just as enthralling. Certainly, you may well find it difficult to actually get the kids to go home.
Choose your Colchester hotel or guest house from this list.
Recent Comments