Colchester Castle  Park and Museums

Colchester's Castle Park is an oasis of horticultural splendour in the town Centre. 
This award-winning classic Victorian park is a delight for the senses all the year
 round. Castle Park is also the perfect venue for not only fairs, festivals and
displays but open-air concerts in the magnificent Victorian bandstand.

 
Local Walks
From the doorstep of Roman Cottage there are many beautiful and interesting walks.

The archway through the old Roman wall at the bottom of Roman Road leads to the wonderful
 Victorian parkland with riverside walk, and the start of the 3 and a half mile 'Wivenhoe Trail'.
A stroll along the river bank will often produce interesting birdlife (see our 'birders' page).

It's not unusual to spot a Kingfisher darting along the waterline or Green Woodpeckers on the
 grassy banks. Stop and sit a while beneath the huge Weeping Willows to enjoy the riverside
 lake, home to many waterbirds and Herons.

 

Follow the Wivenhoe Trail along the riverbanks and through wooded areas to Wivenhoe, a
 delightful way to pass a few hours, terminating at the pituresque waterfront village
 of Wivenhoe where you may enjoy a cool refreshing drink at the quayside before making
 your return journey. If walking is not for you there is also a train service from 
Colchester town centre to Wivenhoe Station.

 
 
Beth Chatto's Gardens  


The Beth Chatto Gardens of unusual plants. Internationally acclaimed gardens of 
drought, water and woodland situations located near Colchester, Essex

 

Jimmy's Farm   


Less than 30 minutes drive from Roman Cottage is the popular 'Jimmy's Farm'.
Jimmy's Farm is open seven days a week from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday
and 9.00am to 4.00pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.

 

Mersea Island 


Mersea IslandLocated eight miles from Colchester, Mersea Island is situated
between the estuaries of the Colne and Blackwater rivers.

Roman Cottage is a convenient place to stay if you are visiting Mersea
Island being just 20 minutes away by car.

For tourist information go to the Mersea website