Colchester has a number of great places to visit in its area, whether that be with family or by yourself.
With February half-term on the horizon, you could plan to go to some of these options.
The review site TripAdvisor lists a number of attractions in Colchester that would work quite well for this.
These have been broken down into a top-five, starting with the fifth highest-rated and going down to number one.
Cudmore Grove Country Park
Cudmore Grove Country Park East Mersea - lots of people enjoying themselves in this beautiful corner of Essex! https://t.co/SQ0oqHXreV pic.twitter.com/kH6h2hyiNx
— Visit Essex (@VisitEssex) May 29, 2017
Starting off with the fifth highest-rated is Cudmore Grove Country Park which is a nature reserve on Mersea Island covering over 102 acres.
Out of its 279 reviews, 149 have been rated 'Excellent' to give it an overall score of 4.5.
Praise has come in for its views across the park and estuaries, its space for walks, and historic features such as World War II pillboxes.
One reviewer wrote: "Our first visit and we were impressed with the size and layout of the park. There's masses to explore, we went through some trees to the beach.
"There's brilliant play facilities for children and plenty of space for walkers, we took our dog."
Parking was easy and plentiful, even payment using the parking app was a breeze."
Colchester Castle Museum
Next up is the Colchester Castle Museum which is the site of the largest Norman Keep in Europe.
Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased there.
Out of its 1,122 reviews, 586 have been rated 'Excellent' to give it an overall score of 4.5.
A reviewer was full of praise for it, writing: "A fascinating insight into Colchester's Roman (and later) past with some astonishingly well-preserved artifacts from Roman times. Staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. A marvellous place to visit!"
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
The picturesque gardens of Beth Chatto are a great place to admire, as well as potentially buy some flowers of your own.
They are named after the award-winning plantswoman, author, and lecturer Beth Chatto, and won a VisitEngland accolade in 2021.
Out of its 1,192 reviews 720 have been rated 'Excellent' to give it an overall score of 4.5.
One reviewer wrote: "Beth Chatto's gardens are inspiring, especially if you want to see what can be done in difficult planting conditions. High-quality plants from the nursery."
Castle Park
Inside Castle Park.#photo #photography #photographer #colchester #essex #parklife #england #canon #canonphotography pic.twitter.com/gIrC4IZlQ2
— XΛV (@XavMars) September 5, 2020
Castle Park has been ranked as the second-best place to go in Colchester, with the Victorian Park containing evidence of around 2000 years of history.
It is a great place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic, especially in the summer months.
Out of its 1,285 reviews 865 have been rated 'Excellent' to give it an overall score of 4.5.
One reviewer wrote: "Always love going for a walk around this park. So pretty and peaceful. Love the gardens and the history.
"The pigeon and ducks love being fed the wild bird food we buy locally."
Colchester Zoo
Enjoy visits for less until the end of January and make incredible memories with the whole family, but hurry, there’s only a few more days left for the chance to make the most of our January Blues offer! Book tickets > https://t.co/A5c8B2AsuR pic.twitter.com/DxD1nkKhRq
— Colchester Zoo (@ColchesterZoo) January 24, 2022
Number one on this list goes to Colchester Zoo, and with over 60 acres of parkland plus 270 species to see it has a lot to offer.
Praise has come in for its opportunities for feeding times with the animals, large enclosures and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
Out of its 6,105 reviews, 4,478 have been rated 'Excellent' to give it an overall score of 4.5.
One reviewer wrote: "First time visiting this zoo. It’s head and shoulders above some of the others me and my partner have visited. It rivals Chester as being the best in England."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here