Top 10 Historical Landmarks in Colchester

Colchester is often called Britain's oldest recorded town. It was the first capital of Roman Britain, and its streets are full of history. Here are ten landmarks to visit while you study at ILC Colchester.

1. Colchester Castle

The largest keep built by the Normans in Europe, constructed on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. Today it's an award-winning museum telling 2,000 years of history.

2. Castle Park

The beautiful park around the castle is perfect for a walk or picnic, with Roman remains and riverside paths.

3. The Roman Wall

Colchester's Roman town wall is the oldest town wall in Britain, and large parts of it can still be seen today.

4. Balkerne Gate

The largest surviving Roman gateway in Britain, once the main entrance to the Roman town.

5. The Roman Circus

The only known Roman chariot-racing circus in Britain. You can visit the visitor centre and see where the starting gates once stood.

6. St Botolph's Priory

The dramatic ruins of one of the first Augustinian priories in England, with impressive Norman arches built partly from Roman brick.

7. Jumbo

A huge Victorian water tower near the town centre, nicknamed after a famous elephant.

8. The Dutch Quarter

Pretty old streets and colourful houses that were home to Flemish weavers who came to Colchester in the 16th century.

9. Hollytrees Museum

A Georgian townhouse museum showing how people lived in Colchester over the last 300 years.

10. Firstsite

A modern art gallery with changing exhibitions, close to the town centre.

Discover more

Colchester is also close to the Essex coast and countryside, and Colchester Zoo is just outside the town. Find out more about the area around ILC Colchester.