TOUR C - COLCHESTER, BRITAIN'S OLDEST RECORDED TOWN
Excursions
- 4 hours
- Moderate
Upon arrival we leave the coach and join our guide for an introductory walking tour of this historic town. As we walk up one of the hills Colchester is built on, we come towards the town centre and the Town Hall – built in 1902 and with an imposing 50 metre (164 feet) clock tower, at the top of which is a statue of the patron saint of Colchester, St Helena. This can be seen clearly from around the town.
Another Colchester landmark is a Victorian water tower, known locally as 'Jumbo'. It makes a useful landmark, being visible from much of the town. We will walk through the Dutch Quarter, so called because this was the area where Flemish settlers came in the 17th century to avoid religious persecution in their own country. We can see various fine examples of early timber framed houses dating back as far as 1380 and pass St Martin’s Church which was badly damaged by cannon fire in the Civil War. Along the High Street, through Lion Walk and then to Castle Park, we shall have a wonderful view of the exterior of Colchester Castle.
A visit to Colchester Castle Museum takes us through 2,000 years of some of the most important events in British history. Colchester has experienced devastation by Boudicca, invasion by the Normans and siege during the English Civil War. Since the 16th century the Castle has been a ruin, a library and a gaol for witches. Today it is an award-winning museum featuring many hands on displays to help explain the townspeople's experience of Colchester's varying fortunes. The Castle itself is the largest keep ever built by the Normans. It was constructed on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, which can still be seen today.
Colchester has many quaint, old style shopping areas as well as the more modern shopping centre in Culver Square with its water fountain and street entertainers. We will have the option of a short guided tour of the town or a little free time for shopping or to explore Colchester further before returning to our coach for the drive back to Harwich and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: Unfortunately, due to steps and uneven ground at the Castle and the walking tour (approximately two hours in total including cobblestones and steps), this tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. The visit to the Castle will be free flow, with the guide on hand to answer any queries. Our journey time to and from Colchester will be approximately 45 minutes each way. The tour may operate in reverse order, to avoid congestion at the Castle.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON.
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
Find us on: