The historic city of Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town but it's not just the heritage and history that make it so special. Colchester today is a thriving modern town with more than 50 visitor attractions, including galleries, specialist shops and big name stores, cafes, restaurants and pubs to suit every taste and budget, theatres, music venues, events and lush landscapes in the Victorian Castle Park. Colchester is easily accessible from London by car or train, and close to both the Essex coastline and rural countryside making it perfect for a short break or day trip.