Location: Colchester
Top Things to do in Colchester
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Things to do in Colchester, England: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Springwood Sun Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
2. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Visitors can enjoy walks on Essex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve; with stunning panoramic views across the reservoir and surrounding villages as well as superb views of the water’s edge from three bird hides. The nature reserve has a 900m accessible circular footpath and there are wheelchairs available for use. The Visitor Centre offers a tearoom which is open seven days a week providing a variety of hot and cold food, most of which is locally sourced; easy access toilets & baby changing facilities; and a well-stocked shop which has binoculars, telescopes, bird food, feeders and a range of gifts. Essex Wildlife Trust runs a programme of events throughout the year for all ages as well as children’s outdoor birthday parties and a weekly toddler group available during term time; booking is required for all of our events. On the nature reserve there is a new Brambly Hedge sculpture trail, where you can find seven characters from the classic stories written by Jill Barklem; there is also a wild play area with a zip wire, v bridge, swings and spiderweb net. Essex Wildlife Trust is a charity and relies on donations to carry out its work for the wildlife and people of Essex. There is suggested entry donation of £2 for Adults £1 for children and £5 Family; car parking is free. The huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water’s Abberton Reservoir plays host to some 40,000 wetland birds each year all attracted to the shallow muddy margins and large areas of rough grassland, which provide the ultimate habitat for a plethora of wildlife and waterfowl. The Visitor Centre is 6 miles SW of Colchester on the B1026 (a minor road linking Colchester and Maldon) just South of Layer de la Haye - follow the brown and white "Abberton Reservoir visitor centre" signs.
Reviewed By 3elsieb - Greater London, United Kingdom
Lovely early spring day at Abberton Reservoir run by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Birdwatching and walks around the reserve and circular walk along the causeways that cross the reservoir. There are excellent opportunities to see many different types of birds and options to hire binoculars or join a tour with a ranger to the differnt hides on the reserve (check in advance what is on). I joined a few members of a local birdwatching group in the morning and then walked around another part of the reserve (approx 3 miles but needed wellies) saw over 50 different species including some I had not seen before. It is possible to get very close to the birds if you are a photographer. This time there were Whooper Swans, Jack Snipe, Peregrine falcon, Marsh Harrier, smew and Goldeneye and Great crested grebes displaying too. Another highlight was a Barn owl on the reserve flying between nest box and hedges There is a very good tearoom (with views across the reservoir) and shop and I was given excellent advice about where to walk by Peter who was on the reception. The car parking is free and there is very good play area and toilet facilities. I gave a donation of £5 and stayed for the day but will be joining The Essex Wildlife Trust as there are so many sites here in Essex. I think the suggested donation amount is £2 per adult. There are good quality the hides, facilities and the general environment of both the visitors centre and the reserve was very well managed. Thank you.
3. High Woods Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's beauty spots. The Country Park includes woodland, open spaces (ideal for picnics) a lake and wildflower meadows. Along with marshy areas, hayfields and scrubland, High Woods provides the right habitat for thousands of different birds and mammals. It's free for humans too. The Council's High Woods team looks after this gem throughout the year. Their welcoming approach to visitors and creative management of the park has lead to it holding the prestigious Green Flag Award since 2004. All in all, a place not to be missed by walkers, cyclists and families alike.
Reviewed By danb333 - Pershore, United Kingdom
I wasn't expecting this wood to be so big in a town of 200k people. There's a fantastic picnic area by the car park & visit centre. You can follow a choice of three walks ranging in distances or just follow paths & choose your own route. There are quite a few openings in the wood & around the outside is houses but once you get into the wood you could be anywhere. There is quite a nice lake hear to. Also by the car park is a small climbing wall & park. We were here for over three hours but could have been longer. I have never seen so many squirrels as I did in our visit to here. Will certainly be coming back next time in Essex.
