From Castles to Coast: A Weekend Break in Colchester

Whether you’re looking for a weekend away in the UK or just a day out in Essex, the Borough of Colchester has something to offer everyone, whether you’re a history buff who loves spending a couple of hours in a museum or you’re looking for some adventure along the coast.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Colchester city centre, then Greyfriars Hotel is a wonderful choice. Each of their 26 beautifully designed rooms are unique, but all feature stunning marble bathrooms, amazing views of the town, fine bespoke furniture and individually controlled air conditioning. The design of the interior reflects the history behind the three buildings that now form Greyfriars, ranging back to the 17^th century, the early part of the 20^th century, and 21^st century restoration.

If you prefer being surrounded by nature and countryside, then book a weekend of glamping at Layer Marney Tower to create a memorable trip when you visit the Colchester area. There are 6 encampments, each with the capacity to sleep 6 people, nestled into the grounds of this grand Tudor Gatehouse. Each encampment has facilities including a shower, toilet, running water, proper beds, wooden floor and veranda. You can even enjoy a night under the stars roasting marshmallows by the campfire before turning in for the night to get some rest ready for whatever exciting plans you have for the next day spent in Colchester.

Where to Eat

Nothing beats classic pub lunch by the coast, and The White Hart Inn found on Mersea Island is sure to serve up a great meal every time. Parts of this wonderful pub date all the way back to the 15^th century. Whether you’re just in the mood for a quick pint after a stroll along the beach or you’re going out for a slap-up feast (including famous Mersea Oysters), The White Hart Inn has got you covered. If you’re wanting to extend your stay, they also have 6 rooms available, so you can enjoy the island a little longer.

For a high-end meal overlooking the river, head to the Talbooth restaurant in Dedham, part of the wonderful Milsoms Hotels & Restaurants group. Run by the Milsom family since 1952, the Talbooth restaurant offers award winning cuisine, and never fail to live up to their reputation of serving excellent food and wine with a warm welcome. The restaurant is also connected to a spa hotel, which is an idyllic stay if you’re looking for some relaxation and TLC.

Fuel yourself after a day of wandering around the city centre shopping and sightseeing with a delicious lunch at the Church Street Tavern. Their downstairs bar is casual and comfortable, with a selection of sofas, stools, and café tables to sit down and take the weight off of your feet. Enjoy a cup of coffee or spot of lunch during the day, and head back in the evening for a refreshing craft beer and delicious cocktails. Upstairs, you’ll find their sun-filled restaurant adorned with unique works of art – the ideal escape from the busyness of the city.

Where to Go

You can’t come to Essex without seeing part of our magnificent 350-mile coastline, so why not take a day trip to Mersea Island whilst you’re here? A perfect day out by the sea, especially if you’re bringing your four-legged furry friend! Here, you can stroll along the beautiful beach lined with colourful beach huts, go crabbing from the jetties, feast on native oysters, or even try your hand at a water sport for the first time! If you’re visiting during August, we highly recommend planning your trip around the exciting annual Town Regatta.

When you’re visiting Colchester, you can’t miss the opportunity for a morning or afternoon spent mooching around the city centre, where you’ll find an abundance of award-winning eateries and a wide range of shops, including big name brands and independent sellers.

Just a short drive from the city of Colchester, you’ll find the quaint town of Dedham, lined with Georgian-fronted houses and home to a magnificent 15th C. church. Dedham is the heart of Constable County and is the place where Britain’s most famous landscape artist attended school. Soak up the beautiful Lowland landscapes that once inspired John Constable himself and are now frequently rated as some of England’s most beautiful. An absolute must-do activity in this part of the Colchester Borough is exploring the River Stour on a row boat – a stunning, sunny afternoon spent on the river will be a memorable one.

What to Do

If there’s one thing to know about the Colchester Borough of Essex, it’s that you will never run out of things to do, no matter your personal interests or age. For history enthusiasts, head to Colchester Castle Museum, where you will be able to learn all about the city’s exciting Roman roots – perfect for families and people of all ages. If you’re looking for some great entertainment, then be sure to catch a show at the Mercury Theatre, where you’ll find everything from stand-up comedy to Cocktail Cabaret nights and their outstanding pantomime over the Christmas period.

Art lovers won’t want to miss out on visiting the Firstsite art gallery, which is open all year round and free for everyone to enjoy. This fun and inclusive environment is the hub of Colchester’s creative community, often hosting wonderful exhibitions, community events such as Colchester Pride, talks and lectures, and seasonal activities.

If you’ve never heard of Tiptree jam, you’ve been living under a rock. This internationally loved brand was born right here in the Colchester Borough of Essex, in the village of Tiptree. Once a simple family-run business, the Tiptree name is now known across the world for their delicious jams, preservatives, sauces, and more! Tiptree is just a short drive from the city of Colchester, and it would be a crime to miss out on visiting the Tiptree Jam Museum, where you can learn about the history behind the brand and local village, as well as purchase some treats for yourself or enjoy an afternoon tea in the tearoom.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next visit to Essex, take a look at our suggested itineraries. For updates on all things going on in the county, be sure to sign up to our newsletter.