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A Breath Of Fresh Air
You are never far from luscious landscapes here and that’s because the town is surrounded by havens of green space. Take time out from the bustle of the town centre with a visit to the classic Victorian Castle Park at the end of the High Street, awarded a Green Flag for its high standards.
In fact Castle Park is the start of many of Colchester’s Guided Tours, a great way to discover the stories, history, characters and future of Britain’s oldest recorded town.
Any gardening fan must visit the world famous Beth Chatto Gardens - inspirationally transformed over four decades with plants suited to the conditions. Don’t miss the opportunity to take home some plants as souvenirs from the nursery, a favourite haunt of television gardeners!
At High Woods Country Park (once a Royal hunting forest) on the edge of town, you can take a marked walking trail through the greenery. Then soak up even more nature at a Local Nature Reserve. Fingringhoe Wick has a full events programme including children’s activities related to its grassland, heathland, estuarine and freshwater habitats while Abberton Reservoir is a major place for bird watching and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The Town to Sea Trail takes you on a short, two and a half mile, journey from the town centre through to the historic port of the Hythe. Discover more about the areas heritage and wildlife through the fourteen unique, hand forged artworks located along the route.
The Dedham Vale has the official status of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is perfect cycling and walking country and is the only way to really appreciate Constable’s landscapes. Delight in discovering this quintessential English countryside at a more relaxed pace, the way that Constable himself did by taking The Painters’ Trail, a cycle route taking in scenes and skies so favoured by some of Britain’s leading artists.
Cycling art lovers will also like The Viewfinder Trail, a 17 mile cycle route around Colchester featuring signs in the landscape with contemporary impressions of the views en-route.
Or maybe it’s simply being outdoors at one of our attractions or events, this section can help you get away from it all, get out & about or just get some fresh air. A Family Activity Sheet to accompany the trail is available to download below.
Download The Town To Sea Trail Leaflet
Download The Town To Sea Family Acivity Sheet