Colchester Castle Castles
A visit to Colchester Castle Museum takes you through 2000 years of some of the most important events in British History.
At the museum you can see real mosaics, go inside the foundations of the Roman temple that once stood here and take part in a story tour that tells of Boudica's revenge on the Romans. Feel how heavy chain mail was and touch Roman pottery. For a trip that will entertain and educate come to Colchester Castle Museum.
One early document, the Colchester Chronicle states it was built in 1076. However there are serious doubts concerning the reliability of this documents and a date in the 1090s might be more likely. Once capital of Roman Britain, Colchester has experienced devastation by Boudica (Boadicea), invasion by the Normans and siege during the English Civil War.
Since the 16th Century, the Castle has been a ruin, a library and a gaol for witches. Today it is an award winning museum featuring many hands-on displays showing Colchester's history from the Stone Age to the Civil War.
The castle itself is the largest keep ever built by the Normans. It was constructed on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, which can still be seen today.
In 2001 Colchester Library donated the Lazell Collection of children's books to Colchester Museums. In the collection are examples of the work of the 3 main illustrators of children's books in the late 1800s, Randolph Caldecott, Walter Crane and Kate Greenaway.
Attraction Details
For enquiries about Colchester Castle, please contact the attraction using the details below.
AddressCastle Park, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
Opening times10am - 5pm
Entry costs
Attraction typeCastles
Hotels near Colchester Castle
Staying overnight in Colchester?
Wondering where to stay that's close to Colchester Castle? We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs near Colchester in Colchester.
Brook Red Lion Hotel
The Red Lion Hotel was built in 1465 and is in the centre of Colchester, Britains oldest recorded town. The historical building has original Tudor features, including wooden beams. The Red Lion Hotel is one of the oldest inns in the area.
The North Hill Hotel
Colchesters North Hill Hotel provides luxurious bed and breakfast in Britains oldest town..
Riverside Hotel
With free parking and free Wi-Fi, this Tudor building dates back to 1604 and is situated on the banks of the River Colne, close to Colchesters town centre and the railway station..
Globe Hotel
This historic Grade II listed building dating back to 1700 is a 10 minute walk from the town centre and train station, and offers renovated, comfortable interiors..
Star Anglia Hotel
Star Anglia Hotel is less than 10 minutes walk from Colchester Railway Station and close to the River Colne. It offers modern rooms and a restaurant with a terrace. Each bright room at Star Anglia Hotel has attractive design and colourful fabrics.
Crofters Rest
Crofters Rest is a holiday home featuring a garden with a barbecue, located in Colchester in the Essex Region. The unit is 6 km from Colchester Zoo. Flatford is 11 km from Crofters Rest, while Essex County Hospital is 1.
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