Barcelona 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. Because of its history, there are plenty of Colchester attractions, which one can enjoy whilst visiting the town. In this article, we’ll take a look at some that should be on your shortlist when you visit Colchester.

1.  Balkerne Gate – This is the most complete Roman gateway you will find in Britain and it is thought to have been built in 55 AD. 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, later, the gateway was merged into the town’s 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 this is where its name originates from. You can still find a market at Charter Market twice a week, on Fridays and Saturdays and there is a wide variety of things to choose from as no two stalls can sell the same items. 

3.  Colchester Castle – This Norman castle is built on the foundations of what was the Roman Temple to Claudius. However, the temple was destroyed in 60AD when Queen Boudica razed the town to the ground in order to get the Romans to leave. The actual stone that was used by the Normans to make the current castle is in fact much of the materials used to build the Roman temple. 

The castle boasts one of the largest and oldest castle keeps in the whole of Europe and inside the walls of the castle 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. Whilst touring 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. Set in some 60 acres of beautiful countryside the zoo is home to over two hundred different species for you to look at. Along with elephants in Elephant Kingdom, and Chimp World is home to the zoo’s chimpanzees. 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.

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