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The Essex town of Colchester lies along the banks of the River Colne and is one of South East England's best kept secrets. Few know that it's the county's oldest recorded town and that it's packed with spectacular architecture, from ancient Roman walls to Norman castles and Georgian terraces. It's not all about its fascinating history, though; there's a modern side to the town, too, one that's got a variety of attractions for all ages, including a thriving food scene and some of the best shopping in the county. Plus, don't forget that when you stay in a Colchester bed and breakfast, you'll be just a short drive from the spectacular coastline and the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Accommodation doesn't get much better than the bed and breakfasts in Colchester. While there are several hotels to choose from, you can't beat the homely ambience of a B&B. To find your perfect accommodation, fire up Expedia and search by location, date and budget. All you need to do is scan through the detailed descriptions and photos, then book in just a few clicks. Arranging your accommodation just got a whole lot simpler. You'll find that the B&Bs are as diverse as the people who run them. Some are traditional little family-run properties, housed in the rows of Victorian terraces and offering just a handful of guestrooms. Others are a little more fancy – large detached homes with surrounding well-manicured gardens. Then there are the ancient country cottages, packed with character, from exposed beams to open fireplaces. Whichever you pick, you'll always be assured of a comfortable, stress-free break when you book your accommodation through Expedia.
Guestrooms come equipped with all the modern conveniences that you might expect – free WiFi, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall and facilities for making tea and coffee. You'll find a comfortable double bed wrapped in freshly pressed sheets, and there are twin and family-sized rooms to choose from, too. If it's important that you have your own ensuite facilities, you won't have any trouble finding that on Expedia – though if you are on a budget, you could always opt for one of the guestrooms with a shared family bathroom, instead. There are other amenities, too, like secure parking spots for your car or pet-friendly B&Bs. Take some time to chat with the knowledgeable owners, many of whom have grown up around Essex and are more than happy to help you plan your getaway. Every morning, you can wake up to a hearty breakfast – choose from a full English fry-up, or a lighter option, like scrambled eggs on toast, washed down with juice and plenty of freshly brewed tea. If you're looking for a seaside break instead, why not try the effortlessly hip coastal city of Brighton, instead?
There's so much to do near your Colchester bed and breakfast, it can be a little difficult to know where to start. Colchester Castle makes for a good introduction to the town's history. The Norman keep has foundations built by the Romans and houses a museum packed with artefacts. If you like quirky sites, try the Hollytrees Museum, which has a large collection of curios and oddities. Then there are outdoor spaces, like Colchester Castle Park or Beth Chatto Gardens, where you can stretch out on the grass with a picnic in the summer and let the kids run wild. Those interested in the arts shouldn't miss swinging by Firstsite, an art gallery with ever-changing exhibitions, and an attached cinema and cafe.