Weekend Near Colchester

Colchester in February! Chosen as our weekend away destination for being fairly close to London and with a bit of history- it is the oldest recorded town in England!

After an initial rain shower on arrival, the weather perked up and we embarked on the Colchester heritage trail (purchased from info centre) and nosed our way around Colchester. Highlights include Colchester castle- largest Norman castle in Europe built from 1076, the Jumbo water tower (monstrosity) and the oldest surviving roman gateway in Britain.

The Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester

The Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester

We dined and slept at the Marks Tey hotel- recommended for comfy bed and good food- just out of the city centre. On the Sunday after an early morning swim and a hearty breakfast, we drove off for our next culture fix (and in fact one of the few local attractions that braved opening in February!). This time to Hedingham Castle, apparently this is the best preserved Norman keep in Britain http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk , which was open out of season to show of its amazing snowdrop display in the surrounding gardens.

Snowdrops at Hedingham Castle

Snowdrops at Hedingham Castle

 

Infinity on a Twist

Infinity on a Twist