Colchester

[bongerman]

My partner and I have just decided to spend a nice few days in..... er, Colchester.

I know it's not as romantically dramatic as other locations mentioned on AB, but then we have been round the world before and fancied somwhere closer to home for a change... Also she doesn't want to fly as she's pregnant.

So the question is... What are the musts in the local area?!

[cascarelli]

Colchester? Best seen in the rear view mirror!

[mushroom25]

you could always forsake Colchester for Constable Country, just a bit further up the A12...
http://www.constablecountry.co.uk/
and "Lovejoy" country isn't too far away either.

[Buenchico]

Here's the official tourism site for Colchester:
http://www.visitcolchester.com/

Colchester's 'star' attraction is probably the Castle Museum. (Some of the smaller museums are also quite interesting). For the best shops, get away from the dreadfully dull High Street by cutting through Red Lion Walk and continuing until you find the more interesting areas which play host to many independent traders.

As Mushroom25 has indicated, Colchester is a good base from which to explore Constable Country. Other places to visit in the area include Coggeshall (an historic small town with several antique shops) and Ipswich (the county town of Suffolk with lots to explore - don't miss Christchurch Mansion).

If you love fine food, a visit to The Food Company is a 'must'. This store is located just outside Colchester, at Mark Tey. It's basically a luxury grocers - think of it as a modern version of Fortnum & Masons - but it's also got a good restaurant. People travel from all over East Anglia to visit the store. The website explains it far better than I can:
http://www.thefoodcompany.co.uk

Chris

[SteveD]

You could check out the Magic Roundabout:

http://www.virtualportmeirion.com/roundabout/i ndex.htm