The best walks and hikes around Colchester

Britain’s oldest town

Colchester claims to be Britain’s oldest recorded town and was indeed the first major Roman city on British shores, when it was known as Camulodunum. The centre is still encircled by one of the earliest and best preserved Roman town walls, which are seen in all their glory at Castle Park and at the top of Balkerne Hill. 

A stroll within the walls reveals a vibrant town centre with plenty to see, do, eat and drink. The town is well known for the fine Victorian architecture of its Town Hall and the Jumbo Water Tower and the Norman grandeur of Colchester Castle.

Highwoods Country Park is the town’s largest greenspace, just a short walk north from the city centre. Its blend of open parkland, meadows and woodland are crossed by a network of trails and is inhabited by muntjac deer, various species of butterfly in the warmer months and over 40 types of bird. The park boasts lovely views back across the town centre. 

Exploring countryside that inspired Constable

Hikes around Colchester’s northern reaches bring you to Dedham Vale AONB, where the River Stour carves a course through countryside that’s picturesque in every sense of the word. The scenery here inspired the great John Constable, who revolutionised landscape painting in the early 1800s with artworks like Dedham Vale and Wivenhoe Park. Let the surroundings be your muse too, as you wander the tranquil trails of this exquisite region.

Gorgeous Essex countryside

Many of the best hiking routes around Colchester are found in the Borough’s countryside. The River Colne flows southeast through the town, widens into a glorious estuary and empties into the sea. Following the river brings you to the attractive town of Wivenhoe, which boasts numerous objectives for invigorating walks.

On the west side of the Colne Estuary is Mersea Island, home to some of the most tranquil walks around Colchester. Whether spotting little terns or brent geese or just taking a stroll along the beach to the fishing town of West Mersea, the island is sure to enthral.

To the southwest of Colchester, the village of Tiptree is a great base from which to explore its nearby woodlands and nature reserves. There are so many beautiful places to explore across the Borough of Colchester’s patchwork pastureland you will need to plan in repeat visits to see it all.