Car Hire Colchester - Mini guide to Colchester

Colchester, believed to be Britain’s oldest town (dating back around 3000 years), was one of the first Roman settlements in England. With an 11th C castle, a host of museums and historic buildings, an arts centre and galleries among the attractions, it easy to see why this Essex town is such a popular destination.

One of the chief attractions is Colchester Castle, once the largest in Europe, and now a fascinating museum of Roman life. Also of note are the Holy Trinity Church, the only Saxon building in Colchester and now a social history museum, as well as the Minories, an arts centre and galleries sited in a renovated 18th C Tudor house.

The castle dominates the town centre, and the award winning Castle Park on the High Street is a wealth of horticultural beauty and a great place to relax after sampling the town’s shops and attractions. Also on the High Street, you’ll find the Minories Galleries, which hosts innovative exhibitions and events year round. The town centre also boasts a wide selection of the best of Britain’s high street shops, and numerous bars, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.

For cultural activities, the Colchester Arts Centre (Church Street) is a must, offering comedy, jazz, rock, theatre, clubs and workshops. Alternatively, for something more active, visit Colchester Leisure World where you’ll find an impressive leisure pool with 15 flumes, waves and rapids ride, sports facilities and a well-equipped gym. Finally, Colchester Zoo, renowned for its cat and primate collections, is well worth a visit.

For a day out of the city, it’s rewarding to hire a car to explore the lovely countryside and many historic buildings nearby, such as the delightful High Woods Country Park, Kentwell Hall, a moated Tudor Mansion set in lovely gardens, and Carter’s Vineyards, with it’s vineyard trail and nature ramble.

London's Stansted Airport, just 45 minutes away by road, has many direct flights to UK and European cities. Alternatively, London is under an hour away by train, with several trains departing each hour from London Liverpool Street Station.