//
Makes an interesting day out for the family. With some of the best cat and primate collections in Europe. It was once named the 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year' by Visit Britain. It's well worth a visit.
Colchester Zoo is a zoological garden situated near Colchester, England. Open since June 1963, the zoo is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
A fascinating chance to get closer to nature. Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change.
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.
Picturesque watermill with working waterwheel. A delightful piece of late Elizabethan playfulness. Built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 19th century. Just a mile south of Colchester sits Bourne Mill, a grade 1 listed building steeped in history. It was built as a fishing lodge in 1591, converted to a fulling mill around 1640 and then converted to a corn mill in about 1840, which continued working until the 1930s. It is well worth a visit for all the family. Bourne Mill is set in tranquil grounds, next to a millpond and babbling stream. The mill still has a working waterwheel and the grounds give plenty of scope for family fun. The grounds have a pond, wetlands and woods and are home to a variety of wildlife including birds, bats, waterfowl, bugs and beetles. Refreshments, shop, limited on-site parking
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!