Colchester

A day out in Colchester was one of our holiday adventures, travelling by train from Walton-on-the-Naze.

Colchester is the county town of Essex with a castle, Roman remains and a Medieval priory. The layout of the town follows the walled Roman capital of Britain; known as Camulodunum it was an important city until destroyed by Boudica in the rebellion of AD 61

Although a Norman castle the walls were built using distinctive Roman bricks, reused from the Roman settlement and temple upon which it is built.

As well as a variety of shops in modern precincts, wide roads and narrow old lanes Colchester had plenty of green spaces.

The town is built on a grid pattern, following the original Roman settlement. On the west side is Grade II listed Jumbo water tower, the largest Victorian tower still existing. It stands next to Balkerne Gate, it's Roman arch still standing.

On the east side of the town is St Botolph's Priory. It was one of the fuest Augustinian priories in England. It's early Norman architecture is stunning even in its ruined state, it would have been very impressive when built.

It's structure is a combination of local flint and reused Roman bricks. It has many pillars and arches with a very impressive entrance.

Now an English Heritage ruin its main damage was due to cannon fire in 1648 during the Civil War.

A must visit in Colchester is not the castle, the town walls or the priory but Wetherspoons. It is another example of the pub chain saving an old building; it's amazing.

The Playhouse was opened as a theatre in 1929 and became a cinema in the 1930s. In the early 1980s it was turned into a bingo hall and after a few years of being empty it is now a busy Wetherspoons.

Being seated on the stage gave a great view of the circle and boxes. The upstairs is not open to the public but has many famous faces in the seats. It really was quite an experience.

A super day, Colchester certainly has a variety of places to see and plenty to do.