Colchester named one of most exciting cities to visit

Britain’s oldest city has been listed as part of The Times’ 40 most exciting cities to visit in 2024.

In a list full of spectacular destinations, such as Athens, New York, Amsterdam and more, Colchester was named 22nd. 

An extract from the article reads: “Colchester may be one of our newest cities, winning coveted city status in 2022, but it was our first city too, founded by the Romans soon after their invasion in AD43.

“On this three-day group tour, with contributions from leading Colchester archaeologists, you’ll discover just how rich the remains of those tumultuous years are — and how eloquent.

Entry - a welcome to Colchester sign (Image: Public)

“It’s not just the memorial stones to cavalrymen, centurions and tax collectors that speak so clearly across 2,000 years.

“It’s the thick layer of ash and broken pottery Boudicca left behind when she sacked the city.”

Colchester was one of just three English cities to be featured in the list, alongside fellow East Anglian favourite Norwich and the busy northern hotspot Manchester.

Other UK entries include Edinburgh in Scotland and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

This is not the first time Colchester has received worldwide praise.

Last year, the city received the Purple Flag accreditation, which only 100 destinations around the globe have. 

Purple Flags, like Blue Flag for beaches, aim to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am.

It recognises the city's commitment to creating a “dynamic, secure, and vibrant” evening and night-time environment.