A Family Vacation Guide for Colchester, England

Colchester England is known as the oldest Roman town in Britain. The town is located in Essex about 50 miles from London, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique mix of old-world charm and modern convenience.

The best place to begin a tour of historical Colchester is one of several museums in the city. Luckily, most museums are within walking distance of each other.

Colchester Castle Museum is where the ancient appeal of the city comes to life. This enormous Norman castle was built on the ruins of an old Roman temple. Tours of the ruins and castle itself are open to the public. The castle is now a public museum that displays many local artifacts as well as relics from around the world. While you're visiting, be sure to take a walk the gardens and the grounds of Castle Park.

The Hollytrees Museum offer free admittance and offers visitors a personal view of how people lived day to day throughout the ages. A popular exhibit is the Hollytrees dollhouse. This house is a replica of the Hollytrees House as it was before becoming a museum.

The Natural History Museum is a great place to take the children when you're visiting Colchester with the family. The museum offers an in-depth look at history from prehistoric time until the present. There are many hands-on activities for children.

For those looking for a museum with a more contemporary flair, Firstsite is a popular cultural destination. With constantly revolving exhibitions, the gallery displays some of the world's most remarkable works of art. One area named Artist Space is for up and coming artists to exhibit their works. The gallery's Garden Café is a popular place to stop for lunch while viewing the exhibitions.

On the outskirt of Colchester, travelers make a day of visiting High Woods Country Park. This 300-acre park is a great place to enjoy local the wildlife. At the fully staffed visitors center you will find maps of trails, itineraries of local events. Day and seasonal fishing passes can be purchased at the visitors center as well.

One of the mot popular family destinations in Colchester is the famous Colchester Zoo. Home to thousands of exotic animals from Asia, Africa and numerous aquatic animals this world-class zoo has special events throughout most of the year. Be sure to allow plenty of time in your schedule for the Kidz Zone, where they have a petting zoo and other activities for children.

If you're looking for a unique vacation destination in England, the city of Colchester offers an exciting adventure for the entire family.