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Photo: George Gastin, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The largest Norman keep in Britain, build on the foundations of the Roman temple to Claudius it has the city centre on one side and landscaped gardens on the other. The museum covers the extensive history of Britain's oldest recorded town, from pre-Roman times, Boudicca's rebellion, the Norman invasion, medieval witch hunts, the civil war and up to the present day. Guided tours of the Roman foundations and Norman roof take place at set times throughout the day for a small fee. There is a restaurant and gift shop.
Colchester Castle is a Norman castle in Colchester, Essex, England, dating from the second half of the eleventh century. It is located in, and gives its name to, Castle Park. The keep of the castle is mostly intact and is the largest example of its kind anywhere in Europe, due to it being built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. The castle endured a three-month siege in 1216, but had fallen into disrepair by the seventeenth century when the curtain walls and some of the keep's upper parts were demolished; its original height is debated. The remaining structure was used as a prison and was partially restored as a large garden pavilion, but was purchased by Colchester Borough Council in 1922. The castle has, since 1860, housed Colchester Museum, which has an important collection of Roman exhibits. It is a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building.
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Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased, including some of the most important Roman finds in Britain. Colchester Castle offers an engaging experience with interactive displays and standout exhibits, including the Colchester Gladiator Vase and the Fenwick Hoard of Roman treasure. Visitors can try building a Norman archway, dressing as an Iron Age Briton, steering a Roman chariot, or firing a replica ballista at the east wall. Daily tours, led by expert guides, provide the opportunity to explore the Roman vaults and enjoy views from the Castle roof.
A fairly large park in the grounds of Colchester castle. Annual events held there include cricket matches (there is a cricket week every year when Essex CC play visiting counties), music festivals and a fireworks display in November.
Hollytrees Mansion
A beautiful Georgian building presenting domestic life and childhood in Colchester over the past 300 years. Find out about the origin of the famous nursery rhyme "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", which was written in Colchester!
A fascinating chance to get closer to nature. Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change.
The Minories is Colchester's oldest art gallery, opening its doors to the public in 1956. It shows a diverse range of contemporary art and design by artists and makers from the eastern region as well as historic work that relates to Colchester. It has a beautiful walled garden (perhaps Colchester's best kept secret) and a cafe serving good quality homemade local produce.
Contemporary visual arts centre with exhibitions and workshops located in a new building. Also a restaurant.