Colchester Castle Museum
  • Colchester Castle Museum
  • Colchester Castle and Gates
  • Colchester Castle Interior Display
  • Colchester Castle Bridge and Medieval Ruins at the Front
  • Colchester Castle Vaults

Book Tickets Online

About

Colchester Castle is one of England's most important heritage sites and is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, today it houses the Castle Museum which is home to Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history, including many of the most important Roman finds in Britain. 

Colchester Castle is a must for all the family with interactive displays, a large scale 'son et lumière' projection and top exhibits such as the Colchester Vase. Why not have a go at building a Norman archway or steering a Roman chariot?

Download the Ancient Colchester App to explore the history of Colchester Castle on a self guided walking tour.


For more information on visiting Colchester go to www.visitcolchester.com 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Adults: £11.25
Child: £6.25
Student: £7.25
Concessions (Disability, Benefits, Armed Forces): £7.25
Family Saver (2+2): £30.00
Family Saver (1+3): £26.00
Family Saver (2+1): £25.00

Discounts available for pre-booked groups.

Events

Friday, 24th July 2026 - Saturday, 31st October 2026

Museum of the MoonA spectacular six-metre Moon sculpture by Luke Jerram, combining NASA imagery, light and sound in an immersive installation inside Colchester Castle.
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Thursday, 1st October 2026 - Thursday, 1st October 2026

First Thursdays: Relaxed OpeningA relaxed Castle opening with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated quiet space. Part of First Thursdays Festival and included with admission.
more info

Saturday, 3rd October 2026 - Saturday, 3rd October 2026

D&D at Colchester CastleEnjoy an evening of Dungeons & Dragons, puzzles and immersive roleplay in the historic surroundings of Colchester Castle. Ages 18+.
more info

Saturday, 3rd October 2026 - Saturday, 3rd October 2026

Tapestry Craft WorkshopCreate a colourful Norman-inspired artwork using drawing and fabric textures in this free drop-in workshop at Colchester Castle, inspired by the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
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Sunday, 4th October 2026 - Sunday, 4th October 2026

Calm at the CastleA quieter Castle experience with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated sensory space for visitors who benefit from a calmer environment.
more info

Friday, 9th October 2026 - Friday, 9th October 2026

Saturday, 10th October 2026 - Saturday, 10th October 2026

Moon, Magick & MysteryStep into a world of mystery at Colchester Castle with talks, workshops, psychic readings, paranormal investigations and moon-inspired magic across a fascinating and atmospheric event.
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Friday, 16th October 2026 - Friday, 16th October 2026

Dark Castle ToursExplore the darker side of Colchester Castle on an atmospheric after-hours tour filled with chilling tales, eerie myths and hidden stories from centuries past.
more info

Thursday, 22nd October 2026 - Thursday, 22nd October 2026

Dark Castle ToursExplore the darker side of Colchester Castle on an atmospheric after-hours tour filled with chilling tales, eerie myths and hidden stories from centuries past.
more info

Friday, 23rd October 2026 - Friday, 23rd October 2026

Yoga Under the MoonA one-hour yoga session beneath Museum of the Moon, offering a unique opportunity to relax and unwind inside Colchester Castle.
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Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Saturday, 24th October 2026

Knightzzz at the MuseumEnjoy a family dinosaur sleepover at Colchester Castle, with activities, exploration, hot chocolate and breakfast included.
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Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Saturday, 24th October 2026

Sunday, 25th October 2026 - Sunday, 25th October 2026

Monday, 26th October 2026 - Monday, 26th October 2026

Tuesday, 27th October 2026 - Tuesday, 27th October 2026

Wednesday, 28th October 2026 - Wednesday, 28th October 2026

Thursday, 29th October 2026 - Thursday, 29th October 2026

Friday, 30th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026

Saturday, 31st October 2026 - Saturday, 31st October 2026

Sunday, 1st November 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026

Gallery GamesEnjoy spooky family fun at Colchester Castle with Halloween-themed gallery games, including Tic Tac Toe, Snakes and Ladders and pumpkin challenges.
more info

Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026

Spooky Castle TrailFollow a spooky trail through Colchester Castle, solve puzzles, uncover lunar legends and claim a prize this Halloween half term.
more info

Monday, 26th October 2026 - Monday, 26th October 2026

Embroidered Bookmarks WorkshopCreate a Norman-inspired embroidered bookmark at this hands-on workshop at Colchester Castle, inspired by the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
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Monday, 26th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026

Creepy Castle Family TourDiscover gruesome stories, hidden corners and the darker side of Colchester Castle on this spine-tingling guided family tour this Halloween half term.
more info

Wednesday, 28th October 2026 - Wednesday, 28th October 2026

Dark Castle ToursStep inside Colchester Castle after closing time for a special Halloween Dark Castle Tour. Inspired by the Wicked Spirits exhibition, this guided after-hours experience explores the Castle's shadowy corners, uncovering eerie stories, local legends and fascinating historical tales. Discover hidden…
more info

Thursday, 29th October 2026 - Thursday, 29th October 2026

Spooktacular Family Fun NightEnjoy an after-hours Halloween party at Colchester Castle with spooky games, crafts, refreshments, costumes and family fun in a historic setting.
more info

Friday, 30th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026

Reiki Sound Bath Under the MoonUnwind beneath the Museum of the Moon with a restorative Reiki sound bath featuring crystal bowls, gongs and deep relaxation in the atmospheric surroundings of Colchester Castle.
more info

Sunday, 1st November 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026

Calm at the CastleA quieter Castle experience with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated sensory space for visitors who benefit from a calmer environment.
more info

Thursday, 5th November 2026 - Thursday, 5th November 2026

First Thursdays: Relaxed OpeningA relaxed Castle opening with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated quiet space. Part of First Thursdays Festival and included with admission.
more info

Saturday, 7th November 2026 - Saturday, 7th November 2026

Illustration on Fabric WorkshopCreate your own Norman-inspired fabric artwork in this hands-on drop-in workshop at Colchester Castle, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry.
more info

Saturday, 14th November 2026 - Saturday, 14th November 2026

Live Captioned Talk + TourAn accessible talk and guided tour with live captions, exploring 2,000 years of history at Colchester Castle. Designed for Deaf and hard of hearing visitors.
more info

Saturday, 28th November 2026 - Saturday, 28th November 2026

Greenacres Glass Christmas WorkshopCreate three fused glass Christmas decorations, enjoy festive refreshments, and explore Colchester Castle in this beginner-friendly seasonal workshop.
more info

Thursday, 3rd December 2026 - Thursday, 3rd December 2026

First Thursdays: Relaxed OpeningA relaxed Castle opening with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated quiet space. Part of First Thursdays Festival and included with admission.
more info

Saturday, 5th December 2026 - Saturday, 5th December 2026

Sunday, 6th December 2026 - Sunday, 6th December 2026

Saturday, 12th December 2026 - Saturday, 12th December 2026

Sunday, 13th December 2026 - Sunday, 13th December 2026

Saturday, 19th December 2026 - Saturday, 19th December 2026

Sunday, 20th December 2026 - Sunday, 20th December 2026

Monday, 21st December 2026 - Monday, 21st December 2026

Tuesday, 22nd December 2026 - Tuesday, 22nd December 2026

Wednesday, 23rd December 2026 - Wednesday, 23rd December 2026

Meet Father ChristmasMeet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle, share your Christmas wishes, receive a special gift, and enjoy a magical festive family experience in historic surroundings.
more info

Sunday, 6th December 2026 - Sunday, 6th December 2026

Calm at the CastleA quieter Castle experience with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated sensory space for visitors who benefit from a calmer environment.
more info

Monday, 7th December 2026 - Wednesday, 16th December 2026

Tiny Tots Nursery GrottoA magical festive grotto experience for nursery and preschool groups, featuring Father Christmas, storytelling, songs and Christmas activities at Colchester Castle.
more info

Wednesday, 9th December 2026 - Wednesday, 9th December 2026

Colchester Castle Open EveningEnjoy a festive evening at Colchester Castle with free entry, Christmas decorations, seasonal refreshments and the chance to meet Father Christmas.
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Friday, 18th December 2026 - Friday, 18th December 2026

Merry Quizmas at the CastleEnjoy a festive quiz night at Colchester Castle with a guided Roman vault tour, Christmas trivia, drinks, nibbles and exclusive after-hours access.
more info

Sunday, 3rd January 2027 - Sunday, 3rd January 2027

Calm at the CastleA quieter Castle experience with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated sensory space for visitors who benefit from a calmer environment.
more info

Thursday, 7th January 2027 - Thursday, 7th January 2027

First Thursdays: Relaxed OpeningA relaxed Castle opening with reduced sensory stimulation and a dedicated quiet space. Part of First Thursdays Festival and included with admission.
more info

Thursday, 4th February 2027 - Thursday, 4th February 2027

First Thursdays: Relaxed OpeningA relaxed museum session for visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities, offering a calm environment and supportive accessibility resources.
more info

Sunday, 7th February 2027 - Sunday, 7th February 2027

Calm at the CastleEnjoy a quieter, sensory-friendly visit to Colchester Castle with reduced sensory stimulation and dedicated accessibility resources.
more info

Saturday, 13th February 2027 - Saturday, 13th February 2027

Live Captioned Talk + TourDiscover Colchester Castle's 2,000-year history on an accessible guided tour with live captions, including the Roman Vaults and Temple of Claudius foundations.
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access

Catering

  • Picnic site

Target Markets

  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Situated in the Town Centre in the Grounds of the Magnificent Castle Park. Accessible by Public Transport: Colchester Town station is 0.25 miles away.

Colchester Castle Museum

Type:Museum

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1282 reviews1282 reviews
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Call direct on:

Tel01206 282939

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday10:00 - 17:00
Sunday11:00 - 17:00

* Monday to Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 - 17:00

Last admission is at 16:30

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