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Colchester Hotels
Book a Colchester hotel and explore Britain’s first Roman town. Years after Emperor Claudius threw in his toga, colourful Colchester has come to life with shiny malls and lively watering holes.
Colchester neighbourhoods
The 1160s Moot Hall had a “nip and tuck” to become the present baroque-style Town Hall, which pinpoints the town centre. From your Colchester hotel, join the central high street bustle or relax in the oasis of Castle Park, where footpaths follow ancient Roman walkways. Footbridges and weirs cross the River Colne, which separates Colchester’s outlying residential area as it hugs the town centre. Step south-east to the Wivenhoe Park district, home to an 18th-century manor and the Swinging Sixties-style blocks at the University of Essex campus.
Shopping in Colchester
Race the crowds to the designer rummage sale at TK Maxx in Culver Square shopping centre. It’s worth leaving space in your bag for luxuries on the Body and Soul cosmetic floor at traditional Williams & Griffin department store, a few strides away. Larry the Lion, a huge jungle mascot, rallies shoppers in Lion Walk mall. Traders pitch their household wares and textiles on Culver Street for the 800-year-old Charter Market on Fridays and Saturdays.
Eating and drinking in Colchester
The Castle Inn pub in Colchester centre offers Essex charms like “over-the-counter banter” and taps of real ale. The office lunch bunch spills onto the pavement with beers and panini outside Trotters Bar and Kitchen. Skewered prawns and Gressingham duck sizzle from the open kitchen at the classy, French-style grill at Qube. For warm Greek hospitality and homemade moussaka, head to family-run Bella Pais on St John’s Street from your hotel in Colchester.
Culture and nightlife in Colchester
Sex at the Office cocktails and salsa nights make After Office Hours in the high street a popular meeting point. Go underground for shindigs when the University of Essex opens its doors to its 1,200-capacity Sub Zero music venue. Hens dance around their handbags and knock back free shots at Nineteen. Lavish costumes and classical repertoire lure budding thespians to the Mercury Theatre. The intimate auditorium at the Headgate Theatre showcases cutting-edge theatre companies and am-dram.
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