Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town and boasts an impressive Norman castle built on the ruins of the Roman Temple.  Colchester is an attractive town to stay in for a cottage holiday. Fascinating history and monuments in Colchester include the old Roman wall. There are several museums where visitors can get more information about the history of Colchester.

The shopping centre in Colchester offers a good variety of shops. The town is lovely with plenty of amenities and eateries. Holidaymakers will find that they are spoilt for choice when planning things to do and days out. There are theatres, multi-screen cinemas, leisure centres and a number of bars, cafes and restaurants. The Beth Chatto Gardens on the outskirts of Colchester make for a pleasant visit and feature drought resistant plants which are important to Essex since this is the driest county in England.

Increasing numbers of young people want to visit Essex since the television programme 'The only way is Essex' was aired. There is a certain fascination with the real Essex people and their culture. Essex has always been a brilliant place for a holiday, long before this additional exposure. It offers a good number of lively historic towns and beautiful countryside.  Rent a self catering cottage in the country for the best of Essex.

The Essex and Suffolk coast with beaches are a short drive away. Clacton-on-Sea is the closest seaside town that offers a sandy beach and fun fair. The countryside surrounding Colchester is pleasant for country walks. Constable Country is also nearby for sightseeing, walking and cycling.

Take a look at the self catering cottages available to rent in Colchester, in north Essex, and have an exciting holiday where you can 'mix and match' beach, clubs, pubs, shopping, countryside, theatre, car boot sales, antique fairs and festivals.