Colchester is a market town and large settlement in Essex.
It lies within the borough of Colchester, and is located approximately 50 miles
from London. It has a population of more than 180,000, and is one of Britain’s
fastest growing towns. The town falls
under the governance of Colchester Borough Council, which oversees everything
from housing to recycling.
Colchester is regarded as one of Britain’s driest regions.
It has an Oceanic climate and, during the 2003 European heat wave, basked in
temperatures as high as 36.1°C
Colchester is considered the oldest town in Britain. Its
origins date back to Celtic times, during which time it went by the name Camulodunum.
By the Medieval period, Colchester was given its first Royal Charter, and
developed rapidly thereon, becoming a centre for the woollen cloth industry.
Modern day Colchester retains much of old charm. The town is
noted for its winding streets, Tudor houses and historic buildings. Still
intact are the magnificent Colchester Castle and St. Botolph’s Priory, along
with various historic sites.
Popular attractions include Colchester Town Hall, St John’s
Abbey Gate and St. Helen’s Chapel. Other attractions worth seeing are Gosbecks
Archaeological Park, the Mercury Theatre, Colchester Art Centre and Colchester
Zoo – which boasts over 260 rare species of animals. If museums are your thing,
head to Hollytrees Museum.
Colchester is currently undergoing development, and has
ambitions to become a key commercial hub. Its town centre boasts numerous
shopping centres, independent stores and cafes, which will very soon be joined
by new public spaces and features. The town has a number of public and private
schools, which make it a great place to relocate to and settle down in as a
family.
Colchester offers both train and bus links. A number of bus
companies operate there and provide reliable connections across the town.
Colchester railway station is the town’s main train station, and is served by
Abellio Greater Anglia. The closest airport to Colchester is Southend Airport
at roughly 24 miles away.
Complete your trip to Colchester with a stay in a SilverDoor
serviced apartment.
