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Visiting Colchester

History buffs will enjoy exploring Colchester, and visitors give high marks for the lively bar scene. Tourists can also enjoy the city's museums, art and theatres. Top sights around the area include Colchester Zoo, Chantry Park and Ipswich Waterfront.

There are 76 hotels and other accommodation options in Colchester
The closest major airport is in London (SEN-Southend), 23.8 mi (38.3 km) from the city centre
The next closest is in London (STN-Stansted), 27.2 mi (43.8 km) away

Sightseeing and Staying in Colchester

Cultural venues in the city include Colchester Natural History Museum, East Anglian Railway Museum and Tymperleys Clock Museum. Favourite family attractions include Colchester Zoo and Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum. The city is notable for its historic sites and landmarks like Colchester Town Hall, Layer Marney Tower, and Colchester Castle Museum.

Outside the city, popular places to see include Chantry Park, 14.7 mi/23.7 km from the heart of the city, and Ipswich Waterfront, which is 15.9 mi (25.6 km) away.

Getting around Colchester

If you'd like to explore more of the area, ride aboard a train from Colchester Town Station, Colchester Station or Colchester Hythe Station. Colchester might not have many public transport choices so consider a car rental to maximise your time.

Dressing for Colchester

Between January and March, you can expect the daytime average to be around 11°C and the night-time average to be 1°C
From April to June, temperatures average about 20°C during the day and 3°C at night
July to September averages 22°C during the day and 9°C at night
Between October and December, the average temperature is 16°C during the day and 2°C at night
Colchester gets about 584.30 millimetres of rain per year
Hottest months are usually August and July with an average temperature of 21°C, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 1°C

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to stay in Colchester?

Holiday Inn Colchester is a favourite with Expedia customers. This 4-star hotel offers a restaurant and an indoor pool. Reviews from our site also recommend Holiday Inn Express Colchester and Brook Red Lion Hotel as top options for your visit.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Colchester, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You’ll find that most hotel reservations are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the hotel’s cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that’s non-refundable, it may still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Add dates, click “Search”, then use the “free cancellation” filter to view top deals in Colchester.

What's the best place to stay on a budget in Colchester?

Based on reviews, Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free WiFi and free parking. Other good options for your budget-friendly stay include Brook Red Lion Hotel and Holiday Inn Colchester.

What's the best hotel when travelling with children to Colchester?

Essex Golf & Country Club is a top 3-star hotel on Expedia for families, and features a children’s pool and a restaurant. Other good options to stay with the children include The George of Colchester and Holiday Inn Colchester. Also, attractions such as Colchester Zoo and Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum are fun for children of all ages.

What's the best hotel for a couple visiting Colchester?

Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa is a favourite 4-star hotel for couples, and features 24-hour room service and a full-service spa. Other good choices for your romantic getaway include Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western and Holiday Inn Colchester.

What's the best pet-friendly hotel in Colchester?

Brook Red Lion Hotel is a top inn for people travelling with their pets, and offers a restaurant and a nightclub for its human guests. Old Wills Farm is another good choice if you’re bringing your pet along.

What's the best accommodation option to stay near the beach in Colchester?

Holiday Inn Colchester is a top 4-star beach hotel with a restaurant and free WiFi. Head to St. Osyth Beach or Clacton-on-Sea Beach for some quality time by the water.

What's the best high-end hotel in Colchester?

Wivenhoe House Hotel is a 4-star hotel with a restaurant and a bar, and it’s a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay. Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western and The Angel Inn are two other upscale options for your holiday.

What's the best boutique hotel in Colchester?

Colchester Boutique Hotel is a favourite 3.5-star hotel with Expedia travellers looking for stylish accommodation, and features a restaurant and a bar. GreyFriars and The Angel Inn are a couple of other boutique hotels.

What's the best place to stay if I'm looking to play golf in Colchester?

Essex Golf & Country Club is a top 3-star hotel that has a golf course and features a restaurant. Another good option is Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa if you’d like to be close to a golf course while in town. You can tee off at Colchester Golf Club during your trip.

Where's the best place to stay in Colchester to absorb the local history?

Based on our travel expertise, Brook Red Lion Hotel is a top 3-star inn for history seekers booking on Expedia, and it offers a restaurant and free WiFi. A couple of other options near historic sites include GreyFriars and Holiday Inn Express Colchester. Also, notable landmarks to visit include Colchester Town Hall, Layer Marney Tower and Colchester Castle Museum.

Colchester Hotel Reviews

Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

Amazing stay.…

5 / 5

Due to the coronavirus our trip to Rome was cancelled myself and my partner decided we would book a little break for a couple of nights unfortunately the day we got to the hotel the bar, restaurant and leisure centre was closed, however all members of staff was absolutely amazing we was treated like king and queen and the staff couldn’t help us enough. Room service was quick and there was many options to choose from all at very reasonable prices. Will definitely be returning in the future to use all facilities this hotel has to offer.…Due to the coronavirus our trip to Rome was cancelled myself and my partner decided we would book a little break for a couple of nights unfortunately the day we got to the hotel the bar, restaurant and leisure centre was closed, however all members of staff was absolutely amazing we was treated like king and queen and the staff couldn’t help us enough. Room service was quick and there was many options to choose from all at very reasonable prices. Will definitely be returning in the future to use all facilities this hotel has to offer.

A verified traveller stayed at Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

Posted 4 months ago

Expedia Verified Review…

5 / 5

When we arrived to check in we were told there was an issue with our double room, so had been moved to a twin room and offered a partial refund. Our room was clean and well stocked with towels, beds were also very comfy. Despite the road noise we both slept quite well. One highlight of the stay had to be the breakfast, very tasty indeed! Thanks again to the staff :)…

A verified traveller from Bournemouth stayed at Kings Arms

Posted 5 months ago