Colchester Hotels

Why not Book a hotel in Colchester in order to experience and get to know the oldest recorded settlement in Britain for your UK city break this year? In the past few years it has been named as one of the UK's fastest-growing towns. There is much history to soak up when you pay the city a visit and for a while, during the Roman era, Colchester was even the capital of England. The Best Western hotel in Colchester, the Rose and Crown, puts you in easy walking distance of the city centre. The building itself is warm and cosy, its exterior being done in the black and white Tudor style. There are also several Best Western hotels slightly farther out, giving you easy access to the countryside and beaches of Essex as well as the option of popping into East Anglia for a nice day out.

Colchester neighbourhoods

The real area of historical importance lies in the city centre. Here you can see ruins and buildings so old they give strength to the claim that Colchester was 'Britain's first city.' Despite its fame for Roman influence, there is a palpable Victorian feel as well. Much of the architecture within the city walls is Victorian in design including some of the more significant landmarks such as the Colchester Town Hall and the Jumbo Water Tower. If you're tired after your day exploring the city, head towards the centre from your Colchester hotel and relax in the beautiful Castle Park where footpaths follow ancient Roman walkways and the green lawns and flower beds are looked down upon by the majestic Colchester Castle, an eleventh-century Norman keep. It really is a fascinating settlement to explore. It has a feel like no other place and its core is so old, it is reputed to be the home of three of the best-known English nursery rhymes: 'Old King Cole,' 'Humpty Dumpty' and 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.'

Shopping and eating out in Colchester

The antiquated and crooked streets of Colchester provide the perfect hiding place for plenty of bizarre boutiques that you could not find elsewhere. One of the most unique destinations for shopaholics has to be the market on Culver Street, which is 800 years old and sticks to its traditions. Maybe, for easy access, book your hotel in Colchester centre, it really is a must-see place during your stay. The high-end William & Griffin is certainly worth exploring and has made quite a name for itself in recent years with its top-quality products and enthusiastic service. From your Colchester hotel, you will have access to a host of interesting pubs and bars; there really are plenty of traditional watering holes lining the streets in every direction. The Castle Inn pub in the centre offers over-the-counter banter and taps of real ale. The streets are filled with aromas from street vendors and Skewered prawns and Gressingham ducks that sizzle all day long on the chic and classy French-style grill at Qube. If you fancy some Greek-style cuisine, head to the warm and welcoming Bella Pais on St John's Street from your Colchester hotel for some homemade moussaka, kebabs and other delectable treats.

Culture and nightlife in Colchester

Colchester has a varied spectrum of things to do and see. As can be expected from such an ancient city, there is plenty of history and cultural attractions nearby. Colchester Castle Museum, the largest Norman Keep in Europe has a host of fascinating Roman artefacts and displays, as well as many tours and hands-on activities. The collection of ancient coins is particularly note worthy for history buffs. For a totally different angle on the region's past, why not visit Hollytree's Museum which specialises in the history of pastimes and hobbies. Have a look at three centuries of toys, arts and costumes displayed in a charming Georgian town house from the early-Eighteenth Century. The region surrounding the city has for centuries been a playground for the rich due to its proximity to London; a stay in our hotel in Colchester will give you access to many nearby majestic estates and historic parklands. For a more casual evening with cocktails and reasonably-priced local drinks, check out After Office Hours, a highly-popular venue in the main high street. Go underground for shindigs when the University of Essex opens its doors to its 1200-capacity venue called SUB Zero, a favourite haunt for locals and music lovers. Book a hotel in Colchester for a magical and historical UK city break.

View Colchester Attractions