Essential Colchester Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Colchester offers a rare glimpse into England’s beginnings as a Roman town. Often described as Britain’s oldest recorded town, it developed from a Roman military fortress into Camulodunum, the country’s first colonia—a settlement established for army veterans.

Colchester’s Roman Origins

Founded soon after the Roman invasion of 43 CE, Colchester became an important center in southeastern Britain. Its early history was marked by conflict. In 60 CE, forces led by the Iceni queen Boudica attacked and destroyed much of the settlement.

Colchester was later rebuilt with stronger defenses and went on to flourish for centuries as an important Roman community.

Explore Colchester’s Roman Wall

The clearest reminder of Colchester’s Roman past is its surviving Roman wall. Constructed after the Boudican revolt, the wall once enclosed nearly three kilometers of the town and stood around six meters high.

Later generations adapted the structure by adding medieval bastions and incorporating buildings into its ancient fabric. Walking beside these remains is one of the most memorable things to do in Colchester.

Roman Archaeology and Ancient Remains

Roman archaeology continues to shape what to see in Colchester. Evidence of public buildings and streets reveals the scale and importance of the settlement, while the remains of the only known Roman circus discovered in Britain offer a particularly notable insight into Roman life.

Together, these discoveries show that Colchester was far more than a military outpost.

Why Visit Colchester?

Today, Colchester combines a lively modern character with an unusually deep historical identity. For travelers looking for the best places to visit in Colchester, its Roman walls and archaeological heritage provide an essential introduction to a town where England’s urban story began.