Fresh off the press: the new Visit Colchester Guide

We have published a new Visit Colchester Guide for 2026, showcasing the city region’s key attractions and experiences, to support the local visitor economy.

Cllr Lee Scordis holding Visit Colchester Guide in front of Colchester Castle

Colchester’s brand-new Visit Colchester Guide has just launched, bringing together the highlights of our city region in one clear, easy to use publication. Produced as part of Colchester City Council’s ongoing work to promote Colchester and strengthen the local visitor economy, the guide highlights the attractions, experiences and places that draw people to Colchester throughout the year. 

What you’ll find inside 

Inspiration on what to do and where to go across everything the city of Colchester and our towns, villages, coast and countryside have to offer; from museums and heritage to culture and green spaces, food and drink to shopping and much more. The guide has been designed for use alongside the www.visitcolchester.com website and is straightforward to read and easy to navigate, giving visitors a practical guide to everything they need to know in advance of and during their stay. 

Where to get a copy 

Printed copies are available from the Visitor Information Centre at Hollytrees Museum in Castle Park. Visitors who prefer to plan ahead can also order a copy of the Visitor Guide directly through the Visit Colchester website or view the guide online. Guides are distributed at Tourism Information Centres nationwide, including London City Information Centre. 

Discover Colchester Mini Guide 

Alongside the main guide, visitors can also pick up Discover Colchester, a mini guide with a large, easy to use map of the city centre. Produced with the support of GreyFriars, whose sponsorship reflects the value of strong local partnerships and the importance of working together to promote the city, Discover Colchester is distributed through transport hubs and visitor centres across the region and plays an important role in helping visitors find their way around. 

Cllr Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “Colchester has a huge amount to offer, and promoting the city and our rural areas is key to attracting more visitors and supporting our local economy. This guide brings together clear, useful information that showcases our unique history, strong cultural offer and growing range of attractions and events. It forms an important part of our work to put Colchester firmly on the map and help more people discover Britain’s First City.” 

Stay informed throughout the year 

To keep up with what’s on, upcoming events, new exhibitions and seasonal highlights, visitors can follow Visit Colchester on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the monthly email newsletter via the Visit Colchester website.