If it is your first visit to Colchester, make sure you first head to the VisitColchester Information Centre (VIC). The knowledgeable staff, the wealth of tourism information as well as some interactive electronic guides will give you everything you need to make the most of your stay in one of England’s oldest towns.
Housed in a redbrick cottage opposite the Castle Museum, the VIC serves as a center for tourist activity in the town. Book tickets for events, buy souvenirs or meet here before enjoying a tour around the town.
Colchester is a historic city of great importance to the country and there are plenty of resources in the VIC to help you learn about its Roman and Celtic history. Find out which museums will give you a glimpse of the early days of Roman settlement or where you can see a fossilized mammoth. The visitor center is also where many regular tours depart. Tours cover everything from the town’s industrial past to its first beginnings.
If you are looking for souvenirs then be sure to browse the Colchester Collection, a wide range of local crafts and gifts, in the shop at the back of the VIC. These items are all made by artists from the area, so you won’t find these keepsakes anywhere else in the world.
Browse the calendar of events to see what is on during your time here and immediately book tickets for the events of your choice. Ask the friendly staff for recommendations on the best places to eat in town.Take a virtual tour of the town on one of the electronic information stations. One is placed outside for your convenience, so you can access the information even if the center is closed.
The Colchester Visitor Centre is open year-round, but closed on Sundays during most of the year. Its exact opening hours vary throughout the year. VIC is free to enter and is located on Queen Street in the city center. There is pay-and-display parking nearby.
