Colchester Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Colchester, located in Essex, is home to the University of Essex as well as an army garrison. There are numerous old buildings situated throughout the immediate area, including a castle, Roman wall and more. Colchester is actually one of four towns that lay claim to being the oldest town in Britain. The other three towns are Louth, Marazion and Abingdon. Beyond viewing the ruins and historical buildings, there are also many museums in Colchester as well as a zoo that is certainly worth a visit as well. There are ample eating and shopping establishments within the immediate vicinity.

Colchester is one of the largest towns in Essex with a population of over 100,000 people. It is close to London and is well connected to the capital city. Colchester claims to be the oldest recorded town in Britain.

One of the dominant features of the town in Colchester Castle, which despite its age is still almost complete and was built on the foundations of a Roman temple. You can still explore the castle grounds and also learn about its history in the castle museum.

There is plenty to see and do when you visit Colchester. Its zoo attracts around half a million visitors a year and spreads over some sixty acres. It is generally acknowledged to have one of the best big cat and primate collections in the whole of Europe, so if you enjoy watching these creatures, a visit to the zoo should be high on your list of things to do.

Shoppers can spend hours in the town's shopping precincts where you will find not only national chain stores but also a good variety of original local shops to experience as well. Although there are some out of town shopping centres, most visitors to the town will prefer to make their own discoveries in the multitude of side streets that can be found near the high street.

Another fascinating place to consider when you visit Colchester is the Tymperleys Clock Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of clocks in the UK.