Colchester Holidays

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Your Colchester Holiday

Experience the buzz and excitement of Colchester with a tailor-made Colchester holiday package. From its rural countryside to its spectacular views, you'll never have a boring moment in this city. Every trip to Colchester needs a well-thought-out itinerary. Fill yours with big-name attractions like Colchester Zoo, University of Essex and Colchester Castle Park. Expedia is here to help you escape the everyday. Tailor your holiday to Colchester to suit your travel style, whatever that may look like.

Things to do in and around Colchester

Colchester offers a delightful range of activities for families and culture enthusiasts alike, including educational exhibitions, theatre performances, and vibrant shopping centres. Visitors can enjoy day trips, explore local camping sites, and indulge in seaside fun, all while experiencing the town's rich history and entertainment options. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Colchester is sure to provide a memorable vacation.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit Assington Barn, located 14.5km from Colchester. If you're up for a drive, Braintree Village, 22.5km away, offers a variety of shops and entertainment. Felixstowe Market, 114.5km from Colchester, provides a vibrant atmosphere for local goods and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant culture at Mercury Theatre, enjoying a captivating performance with family and friends. Unwind at Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool, perfect for outdoor fun and relaxation. For a touch of elegance, play a round at Colchester Golf Club, where sport meets serene landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Xtreme Gaming in Colchester, where family fun meets exciting arcade action. For outdoor enthusiasts, Alton Water offers exhilarating water sports 19.3km from the town. Don't miss the fun at Tenpin Bowling Colchester, another arcade AdventureZone perfect for all ages.

Nightlife

Colchester's nightlife offers a charming atmosphere with venues like The Royal Oak, a delightful drinking pub 25.7km from the town. Enjoy its romantic vibes while indulging in entertaining evenings filled with laughter and good company.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Colchester

Colchester, a family-friendly destination in the UK, offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and rich cultural experiences. Key attractions include the historic Colchester Castle, the captivating Colchester Zoo, and the vibrant Colchester Arts Centre. Whether you're exploring ancient towers or enjoying a day at the zoo, Colchester promises memorable adventures for all ages.

  • University of Essex: This modern university boasts a vibrant atmosphere, nestled within scenic landscapes. With its innovative architecture and diverse student community, it offers a unique blend of academic excellence and city vibes, perfect for exploring contemporary culture.
  • Colchester Castle Park: Step into history at this enchanting park surrounding the iconic Colchester Castle. With its beautiful gardens and friendly locals, the park provides a serene escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of this ancient town.
  • Flatford Mill: A picturesque windmill set in stunning countryside, Flatford Mill is a haven for relaxation. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings while exploring its historical significance, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and budget-friendly outings.

Tips to save on your trip to Colchester

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Colchester.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Colchester Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
British pounds sterling
Closest Airport
Southend Airport (SEN)
Population
121,900
Max Temp Winter
7ºC
Max Temp Summer
21ºC
Top Sights
Colchester Zoo, St. Osyth Beach and Colchester Castle Museum

Top hotels in Colchester

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester

4 out of 5
London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, England
The price is £81 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£81
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (993 reviews)
"Easy to travel to from London. Conveniently located, close to children activities (zoo). Hotel was spacious, clean and had good gym/pool facilities."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester
St Nicholas Hotel

St Nicholas Hotel

3 out of 5
High Street St Nicholas Hotel, Colchester, England
The price is £68 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
£68
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (714 reviews)
"Clean and a good price but could benefit from a fan in every room or air-conditioning"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

St Nicholas Hotel
Essex Golf & Country Club

Essex Golf & Country Club

3 out of 5
Earls Colne, Colchester, England
The price is £58 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£58
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (666 reviews)
Ms all white guests
"Overall, the hotel was lovely — clean, comfortable, and housekeeping were especially polite and helpful, even offering to assist with our bags due to the lack of a lift. However, the experience was let down by a frosty and unwelcoming reception on arrival. We arrived early (knowing check-in wasn’t ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Essex Golf & Country Club
See all 2,461 properties in Colchester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Advantages of Colchester Weekend Breaks

Discover a different side of the British Isles with a weekend break in Colchester. Take short breaks away from home and enjoy some quality time in a beautiful place. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and inspired. You can have an action-packed Colchester weekend break or get some peace with a relaxing holiday. Whatever experience you’re looking for, find it with our deals on hotels in Colchester.

Cheap Weekend Breaks to Colchester

There are lots of ways to take cheap weekend breaks to Colchester. Expedia offers deals on car hires and hotel rooms and covers trips for all kinds of travellers. The best way to save is with our holiday packages in Colchester. First, choose your car hire and hotel reservation. Then we’ll bundle them together into one discounted price. Solo explorers, couples, families, and groups of friends can discover budget solutions for their weekend breaks. Once you arrive, enjoy some of the fun things to do, many of which are free or cheap to experience  

Colchester Romantic Weekend Breaks

Couples love taking romantic weekend breaks in Colchester. Whisking your lover away for a romantic Colchester weekend break is the perfect opportunity to make new memories together. Expedia offers all kinds of hotel options, so you can find romantic hotels in Colchester and choose the best place for you. Check out our deals on beautiful properties, and you’ll save even more when you choose to package your hotel reservation with a car hire.

Family Weekend Breaks in Colchester

Set some time aside to experience family weekend breaks in Colchester. There are plenty of excellent family-friendly hotels in Colchester within our selection of hotels. You can also find a place to call home in one of the holiday rentals in Colchester. With accommodation, activities, and adventure all waiting, there’s never been a better time to plan Colchester family weekend breaks.

All Inclusive Holidays
All Inclusive Holidays
Beach Holidays
Beach Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays

Popular places to visit

Colchester Zoo showing animals and zoo animals

Colchester Zoo

4.5/5(34 reviews)

Feed elephants and giraffes, watch a falconry display and meet the fearsome Komodo dragons at one of the U.K.’s best zoos.

Colchester Zoo
Colchester Castle Park showing heritage architecture and château or palace

Colchester Castle Park

4.5/5(64 reviews)

Ride a pedalo on the boating lake, enjoy a game of mini golf or simply spend an afternoon relaxing in Colchester’s most popular public park.

Colchester Castle Park
Flatford Mill

Flatford Mill

4/5(1 review)

Find out about the history of Colchester when you take a trip to Flatford Mill. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Flatford Mill

Frequently asked questions

Why should I book my Colchester holiday with Expedia?
Choose Expedia to organise your next big escape easily and all in one convenient place. Our insider tip for landing a fabulous deal on a Colchester getaway? Bundle your airfares, hotel and/or hire car into a package holiday. Then throw in a few fun tours and activities. Many bookings also include flexible cancellation policies, so there's no need to stress if you have to change plans. Round-the-clock assistance with cancelling and amending your trip is available via our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Colchester?
If you love the buzz of peak season, head to Colchester in May, August and September. If you'd like a calmer vibe, March, November and December are better times to visit. Arrange your escape to Colchester according to what kind of adventure you want. January is the coolest month, when daytime temperatures average 4ºC. In July, the warmest month, you will experience averages of 17ºC during the day.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Colchester?
Holiday Inn Colchester, an IHG Hotel and St Nicholas Hotel are some excellent escapes in the Coggeshall neighbourhood. If you're thinking of staying in the Marks Tey area, make a reservation at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester or The George of Colchester.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Colchester?
Bundling your hotel and flight with Expedia won't just save valuable time — it'll save you pounds too. A Colchester holiday makes it easy to create the perfect trip. With more than 400 airlines worldwide to select from, finding convenient flights that fit your schedule won't be a challenge. On top of that, we've got over 321,000 properties globally to select from. Now that's what we call choice. No matter who you are, Expedia brings the world within your reach. Learn more about how you can save money on your holiday when you book a flight and hotel together with Expedia.
What should I do on my Colchester holiday?
Ensure your holiday in Colchester is a memorable one by checking out its most popular attractions. Colchester Zoo, University of Essex, Colchester Castle Park and Flatford Mill are a few of the things to put on your itinerary while you're in the city.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Colchester?
Colchester has many interesting places to explore, like Colchester Zoo. Book a stay near this attraction and make sightseeing easier.
Do I need a visa for my Colchester holiday?
Official government websites have all the information you need on visa requirements, application procedures and any supporting documentation. Your nationality and reason for visiting, whether it be for work or holidays, will determine if you need a visa for Colchester. Also check that your passport is up to date and has at least six months validity remaining beyond the date of your intended return. Finalise all your travel planning well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.
What should I wear on my Colchester holiday?
First, think about the types of activities you'll be doing during your Colchester trip and choose versatile pieces that you can mix and match. For fashion inspiration or information on any dress codes, browse style blogs or social media accounts. Pack your bags with confidence by monitoring the weather forecast in Colchester. July brings the warmest temperatures, with daily averages of 17ºC, while January days average 4ºC, making it the coolest month.
What does an Expedia Colchester holiday include?
That depends on you. Simply pick from a variety of Colchester bundles, such as a hire car, flight and hotel. You can also book a hotel with a flight, or a flight with a car hire. Once you've made your booking, add the fun stuff like experiences and activities. Whatever your ideal Colchester break looks like, you're sure to save! Private holiday homes and cottages are a couple of the most popular property types in Colchester. Whatever your group size or holiday style, you can rely on Expedia for the flexibility and freedom to personalise your escape.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Colchester holidays?
Expedia has joined forces with online lender Klarna to make your next getaway easier on the purse strings. Paying in instalments means you can spread the costs of your next adventure, leaving you with more cash to play with while you're away. Klarna has several payment plans to pick from, so you're sure to find one that works with your budget. Check out these flexible payment options:

  • Pay monthly holidays: If paying bite-sized amounts each month is what works best for you, Klarna can help. Paying in multiple instalments will make that dream getaway possible.
  • No-deposit holidays: If not paying ahead of time for your getaway makes pressing that "book now" button more stress-free, go for a no-deposit holiday plan with Klarna so that you can Book Now, Pay Later!

Can I choose my airline with a Colchester Expedia holiday?
Yes — that's the beauty of an Expedia holiday package. You get to decide. We have more than 400 airline partners throughout the world, so you have options galore when organising your Colchester adventure.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.