The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Colchester, England

October 15, 2021 Matilde Konrad

Colchester /ˈkoʊltʃɛstər/ ( listen) is an historic market town and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester in the county of Essex.
Restaurants in Colchester

1. Colchester Arts Centre

Church Street, Colchester CO1 1NF England +44 1206 500900 [email protected] http://www.colchesterartscentre.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 208 reviews

Colchester Arts Centre

Colchester Arts Centre - the little church with the big attitude deep in the heart of Essex. Well that's how we describe it anyway. It sort of works, it at least gives a flavour of what we're about. Because just how do you describe a venue that can put children's entertainer Palfi the Clown on, on the same day as Cradle of Filth? Where a Farmer's Market in the morning becomes a comedy club in the evening, where folk enthusiasts can sit happily knitting (and they do!) in the exact same spot a ferocious mosh pit of teenage dancing takes place the following night? And where the beautiful historic architecture of St Mary's Church dating back over a thousand years, plays host to some of the newest comics, most modern choreographers, some of the coolest DJ's and some of the freshest talent in Britain. Over the years we've promoted Coldplay, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Harry Hill, Catherine Tate, Jo Brand, The Libertines, Ash, The Killers, The Strokes, Phill Jupitus, Mick Jones, Bill Bailey, Jack Dee, Count Arthur Strong - all before anyone had ever heard of them of course - plus the likes of jazz legend Ronnie Scott and even the late lamented and much loved Brian Johnston the cricket commentator. Our passion to present new work, bring great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original and yes, the surreal.

Reviewed By Flackajack - Colchester, United Kingdom

Best live music venue in Colchester. Fabulous atmospheric venue being in an old church, great acoustics, been to some really great gigs here. Can't rate this venue highly enough. Love it.

2. Xtreme Gaming

63 High Street, Colchester CO1 1DN England +44 1206 561535 http://www.xtremegaminguk.co.uk/
Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Xtreme Gaming

3. The Munnings Art Museum

Castle House Castle Hill Castle House, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6AZ England +44 1206 322127 [email protected] http://www.munningsmuseum.org.uk
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 202 reviews

The Munnings Art Museum

Each year a changing selection of 150 paintings and drawings from the museum’s significant collection of works by Sir Alfred Munnings is hung chronologically throughout eight rooms. From less familiar early apprentice poster designs to the explosive horseracing scenes for which Munnings is most well-known, the displays chart the artist’s life and six-decade career. Cafe, shop, plenty of free parking.

Reviewed By Jeff1903 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom

A delightful house just outside a pretty village, this was the home and studio of the artist Munnings. It is filled with his work and objects associated with his life. He painted in a range of styles, being most famous for his depictions of horses. However even if these do not appeal, the house itself is still worth a look. There is a tearoom in the lovely garden and the staff are all very pleasant. A couple of rooms stage special exhibitions and when we visited there was a collection of Munnings First World War paintings on loan from Canada, which was a real bonus. Members of the Art Fund gain half price admission.

4. Headgate Theatre

14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT England +44 1206 366000 [email protected] http://www.headgatetheatre.co.uk
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 125 reviews

Headgate Theatre

A converted 19th Century Chapel, The Headgate Theatre has a full and varied programme of professional and amateur events including drama, musical theatre, live music, dance and many other varieties of performance. The building boasts a fantastic 87 seat theatre, a rehearsal and dance studio, a rehearsal room with a capacity for 60 people, a meeting room for up to 24 people and a lounge/bar area.

Reviewed By Sonja990 - Hertford, United Kingdom

what a fantastic little theatre- manned by volunteers,who are very welcoming. Small audience made for an intimate atmosphere to hear Joanna perform, with the backing of a trio of talented, yet unassuming musicians. Atmosphere dropped a bit when "Guest performer" came on - but otherwise a great evening - and only £15.

5. Escape Colchester

26 Long Wyre Street, Colchester CO1 1LJ England +44 7778 105776 [email protected] http://www.escape-colchester.co.uk/
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 153 reviews

Escape Colchester

Escape Colchester is a new, fun, challenging activity in Colchester. We will lock you up in a mysterious escape room, and give you exactly 60 minutes to get out. In order to beat the live escape game you and your team must solve many puzzles, riddles, brain teasers and identify clues.

Reviewed By Wa75on

Me and my other half attended escape Colchester on Saturday to play the cabin, we loved it the staff were amazing and really friendly especially our GM Chloe. The room was very fun and we escaped with an amazing time. We enjoyed it so much we came back on the Monday to play the Baker Street room which we also thoroughly enjoyed especially as we found it challenging. We will definitely be going back to play their two other current rooms and their three new rooms. We may also venture out to their Southend branch to try the rooms there. Recommend these rooms to beginners and experienced escape room players

6. Radio Caroline's MV Ross Revenge

River Blackwater, Colchester England +44 20 8340 3831 [email protected] http://www.radiocaroline.co.uk/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 96 reviews

Radio Caroline's MV Ross Revenge

The orginal pirate radio station, Radio Caroline is still broadcasting today, 24/7, on 648AM (East and South East of England), DAB, on mobiles and around the world online at radiocaroline.co.uk Most programming from land-based studios and one weekend a month Radio Caroline North broadcasts live from the studios on board our radio ship Ross Revenge, which is moored on the River Blackwater in Essex. Trips and tours by DJs all year round inc during live broadcasts. Meet the crew and visit studios, vinyl library, mess room, galley, engine room, transmitters and generator room, decks, wheelhouse, chart room, newsroom and more.

Reviewed By cynthia664 - Sandwich, United Kingdom

A brilliant trip to hear and see memories of Radio Caroline and pirate radio, an important part of our youth. Shown around by DJ Barry, all with masks and social distancing. Saw and heard the DJ on air from the on board studio. Also interesting to hear the story of the Ross Revenge, previously a cod fishing trawler and fascinating if you like looking at ships engines, generators etc as I do. You have to be quite agile to get on and off the tender boat from West Mersea and to climb up and down ladders!

7. Doomsday Escape Games

Moorside First floor, Global House, Colchester CO1 2TJ England +44 7908 123077 [email protected] http://www.doomsdaygames.co.uk
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 131 reviews

Doomsday Escape Games

Welcome to the end of the world. Doomsday Games is an immersive interactive puzzle experience. Think you have what it takes to survive and save the world?

Reviewed By zoem909

Had a great time in this interactive game room, would highly recommend. Esme and C.L.U were immensely helpful and we managed to get out with 18 seconds to spare.

8. Mercury Theatre

Mercury Theatre Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT England +44 1206 573948 [email protected] http://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 906 reviews

Mercury Theatre

Free the fun in you! The Mercury exists to put theatre at the heart of the cultural life of the community it serves and to make work in Colchester that reaches audiences and generates critical attention regionally and nationally.

Reviewed By SunnyMummy68

Went to see Jack and the Beanstalk yesterday with our two children aged 11 and 5. Brilliant as usual. We've been going to the pants for the last few years and it's always entertaining with fantastic cast - the dame is hilarious. Fantastic seats in row C which were comfy and with a great view - but then wherever you sit you'd get a good view. So lucky to have this theatre on our doorstep with easy parking facilities close by. We'll be booking again for this year's panto.

9. Colchester Castle Museum

Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ England +44 1206 282939 [email protected] http://cimuseums.org.uk/visit/venues/colchester-castle
Excellent
52%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,094 reviews

Colchester Castle Museum

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors. Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased, including of the most important Roman finds in Britain

Reviewed By 49stevet - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

The museum aspect of the castle is very well designed so you can follow a timeline from the Iron Age through the Romans to medieval and modern Colchester. I took a guided tour which went to parts of the castle not open to the general public like the foundations of the temple to the deified Claudius which I definitely recommend.

10. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens

Elmstead Market Clacton Road, Colchester CO7 7DB England +44 1206 822007 [email protected] http://www.bethchatto.co.uk
Excellent
60%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,176 reviews

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens

Gardens, Nursery and take-way tearoom are open 5 days a week; social distancing measures are in place and advance booking is essential for garden visitors. Entrance to Nursery and Tearoom; no need to book. 7.5 acres of inspirational Gardens. Entrance fee varies depending on season. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, using the principles of ecological planting, it has been transformed into 7 acres of informal garden comprising of the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden all harmonising with the surrounding countryside. The gardens are an inspiration to anyone who visits them - the art of planting at its best. There is also an extensive Nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs.

Reviewed By CllrJohn - Banbury, United Kingdom

Beth Chatto's garden is famous for its desert garden but it is so much more than simply drought loving plants. There is plenty of water, shade from trees, woodlands and beautifully tended flower beds. The garden centre is excellent as well, healthy plants, well labelled and with plenty of information, cafe was good, plenty of seating and the staff in all areas friendly and prepared to chat. Well worth visiting again at a different season.

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