IN the interest of budget-friendly days out and activities, we’ve compiled a list of ten free, fun and local things to do in and around Colchester.
Some highlight the rich history right in the city centre, while others encourage scenic walks and picnics in parklands and woods.
But all are perfect activities for the summer holidays. Enjoy!
1. Firstsite
Firstsite will be hosting free drop-in creative and outdoor sport activities for families over the summer holidays.
Holiday Fun activities are for families facing economic challenges or who require additional support during the school holidays, including those that qualify for free school meals, so it’s certainly budget-friendly.
The Holiday Fun activities are most suitable for four to 11-year-olds but all ages are welcome, with the activities changing daily between arts and crafts, entertainment, and various outdoor sports.
Families can also book into the canteen for a hot, nutritious lunch every day.
Activities are available between 10am and 2.30pm.
2. The Minories Gallery
At number 74 High Street, next door to Firstsite, the Minories Galleries is Colchester’s oldest art gallery.
In a listed Georgian building, The Minories is of local importance and is home to the Commons Café and Community Kitchen.
Open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, there’s also a relaxed outdoor space with benches and tables.
3. Colchester Natural History Museum
Situated on the High Street in the former All Saints Church, this natural history museum offers collections focussing on Britain and north-east Essex.
Visitors can learn about local wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change, from the Ice Age right up to today.
The free museum is open from 10am-1pm, then 2pm-7pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, and 10am-1pm then 1.30pm-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
It also has baby changing facilities, disabled access and disabled toilets.
4. Family heritage treasure trail
This heritage trail activity was created for the school summer holidays in 2019. So while there are no longer any prize stocks left for completed trails, the trails are still a great way to spend an afternoon.
The map offers the choice of a longer or shorter route, with each trail leading through some of the city’s historical highlights: St John’s Abbey Gate, St Botolphs Priory, Balkerne Gate, and many more.
The free map can be downloaded here:
5. Roman Theatre
Did you know Colchester used to have a Roman theatre? Situated on Maidenburgh Street near Colchester Castle, the small models of the theatre show its grandeur and scale from its time, as well as some of the theatre’s remains, making it a historical highlight of the city.
6. Jonathan Penrose Chess Park
Named after Colchester-born Dr Jonathan Penrose OBE (1933-2021) who dominated British chess before going on to become the world’s leading International Correspondence Chess Grandmaster, this chess park is a great place for people of all skill levels to play the game.
Situated on the Roman Wall side of the Mercury Theatre, benches are equipped with chess boards and chess pieces may be borrowed from the café bar during their opening times.
7. Castle Park
The grounds of Castle Park are home to many walking trails, as well as many ducks, which provide free entertainment every day.
The tree trail is an excellent walk to do for any nature enthusiasts, as well as for those who might prefer a walk with a bit of shade.
There are also six free downloadable walking trails through Castle Park, which as well as trees detail the Roman walls and sewers, tank traps from WWII, and the Civil War obelisk.
They can be found here: colchester.gov.uk/castle-park
There are also the flower beds and fish pond right in the shadow of the castle itself, with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy a packed lunch.
8. Highwoods Country Park
Situated in the middle of the city, Highwoods Country Park is certainly a surprising beauty spot with plenty of opportunities to relax, play, and explore the large grounds.
A walk or cycle in the park is a great way to exercise, with waymarked paths leading the way through bluebell woods and around the lake and wildflower meadows.
There are three circular walking trails of varying lengths, and an adventure kids play area close to the main car park, as well as the resident goats.
The visitor centre opens in peak times and sells refreshments, and sometimes more family activities.
9. Hillhouse Wood
This wood in West Bergholt is over 33 acres, with two ponds and two streams running through.
Volunteers have worked to create footbridges and dry out the path edges, so that it offers a relaxed walk through its various woodland types.
It’s also a great woodland for bluebells, which, at this time of year, decorate the wood in a carpet of blue and purple.
Visitors are encouraged by Woodland Trust to park in the village of West Bergholt and walk across the fields on the public footpath, which arrives at the woodland in ten minutes.
10. Mersea Island
Be sure to check the tide times when visiting Mersea Island, as you don’t want to be stuck on the wrong side of the bridge.
West Mersea beach is a fantastic space when the tide is out, and the rainbow row of beach huts only adds to the scenic backdrop.
West Mersea also features seven beautiful walks varying from 1.5-3.5 miles in length, with plenty of places to stop, rest, and take in the views.
The free downloadable leaflet can be found here:
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel