Colchester is the biggest town in Essex. It lays claim to being the oldest settlement in the whole of 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 look at just a few which may be worth considering visiting when you stay in Colchester.

1.  Balkerne Gate – The most complete Roman gateway in the country 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 it’s gradually been turned into a triumphal arch. Then, later, it became part of the town’s new walls then in 465 AD it got blocked up in order to help strengthen the defences of the town. The actual gate itself was only uncovered some 100 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 is where it gets its name 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 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 actual stone that was used by the Normans to build the castle is in fact much of the materials used to build the Roman temple. 

This castle now has one of the oldest and largest of all castle keeps in the whole of Europe and inside the walls of the castle there are lots of things to see and do. There are a number of exhibitions in the castle, 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 located a short drive from Colchester. Set in some 60 acres of beautiful countryside the zoo has more than 200 species of animal for you to view. 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. 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.

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