3 Best Places To Visit in Colchester, UK

Expert-recommended Top 3 Places To Visit in Colchester, UK. All of our places to visit actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes local reviews, history, business standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price and their trading excellence. You deserve only the best!

11+ YEARS IN TBR
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COLCHESTER ZOO

Maldon Road, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL, UK Directions

Since 1963

Speciality:

Young Children Programs Events Calendar Food Aquarium Birds Adventure Holiday Research Group Visits Gift Shops Kids' Zoo Academy Train Ride Environmental Enrichment Exhibitions Ecology Tourist Place and Displays

Colchester Zoo provides free admission for children aged three and under and offers weekend discounts for visitors. The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species worldwide. The zoo has established the Action for the Wild charity to fund global conservation projects. Spanning 60 acres of parkland, Colchester Zoo is home to various animals and offers interactive feeding sessions. The zoo features several excellent undercover locations, ensuring visitors can stay warm and dry, even on the wettest days, with the handy "Bad Weather" map. Guests can engage in daily activities, including the exciting opportunity to feed elephants and giraffes during scheduled feeding sessions. For groups, the zoo offers great value, allowing you to save money by booking at least 48 hours in advance for 15 or more paying individuals.

2025 Update: Colchester Zoo offers gifts as wild as they are, including animal experiences, adoptions, gift cards, vouchers, and more.

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Registration 1105621

Price:

Adult (16-59yrs) £31.35 Child (3-15yrs) £23.10 Senior (60+yrs) £29.70 Under 3 Free Assistant Free

Contact:

01206 331292

Mon-Fri: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sat & Sun: 9:30am - 5pm

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10+ YEARS IN TBR
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BETH CHATTO'S PLANTS & GARDENS

Clacton Road, Elmstead Market, Colchester CO7 7DB, UK Directions

Since 1960

Speciality:

Woodland and Water Areas Garden Photography Tourist Attraction Plants Educational Programs Exhibitions Tearoom Garden Centre Coaches the Nursery Group Visits and Weddings Venue

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens features creative, themed gardens that include woodland and water areas. The garden is famous for its drought-loving gravel garden, and this beautiful space showcases plants that gracefully transition into stunning water gardens, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere year-round. The gardens are divided into five main areas: the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Woodland Garden, Reservoir Garden, and Scree Garden. A scenic walk beneath ancient oaks offers visitors some of the most relaxing views in the garden. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, Beth Chatto's offers a large plant nursery and a modern tea room that serves light lunches, delicious baked goods, and locally made award-winning ice cream. Gift vouchers are available for visitors, and entry is free for Bluelight cardholders.

2025 Update: Julia Boulton is the CEO of Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens.

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Price:

PRE-BOOKED TICKET
Adult £14.95
Student £7.95
Child (2-16 Years) £3.50
TICKET PURCHASED ON THE DAY
Adult £15.95
Student £8.95
Child (2-16 Years) £4.50

Contact:

01206 822007

Tue-Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun & Mon: Closed

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EAST ANGLIAN RAILWAY MUSEUM

Chappel & Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester CO6 2DS, UK Directions

Since 1986

Speciality:

Clubs and Organisations Schools and Educational Visits Wedding Receptions Displays Exhibitions Tours Function Venues and Tourist Place

East Anglian Railway Museum showcases an impressive collection of railway memorabilia. This museum features architecture, locomotives, wagons, and artefacts that highlight the social and industrial heritage of the region’s railways. Visitors of all ages can step back in time to explore the unique history of the area's railways. The Victorian buildings, which once housed trains and included working signal boxes, tell fascinating stories from a period when railways were a dominant force in the community. Guests can reserve a tour of the beautifully restored historic Shed of Victorian Goods or enjoy a ride on the mini-railway. East Anglian Railway Museum also provides access to various museum activities. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and children under 4 can enter for free.

2025 Update: They are open all year round on weekends and Wednesdays, with a range of events for all the family throughout the year, from regular steam and diesel days. They also have different types of seating and accessible toilets.

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Registration 1001579

Price:

EVENT DAY
Adult £11.50
Child £8.50
MUSEUM VIEWING
Adult £8.00
Child £4.00
SPECIAL EVENT
Adult £13.50
Child £9.50

Discount:

5% Off when You Book in Advance

Contact:

01206 242524

Wed,Sat & Sun: 10am - 5pm
Mon,Tue,Thu & Fri: Closed

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