colchester tourist guides association

Colchester Tourist Guides Association

Colchester is Britain's 'oldest recorded city'. We have Roman walls and gateways, as well as the ruins of a Roman Theatre, a Roman Circus, and a Roman Temple.

We have the largest Norman keep in the country, and the town was laid siege to in the English Civil War. Colchester is now also Britain's newest city and received this status from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 as part of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.

It is a thriving city, with new developments like Firstsite, which was Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021, and a major investment in the Castle Museum, adding even more to what the town has to offer its residents and visitors.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CTGA DOES NOT OFFER GUIDED TOURS. CTGA GUIDES OFFERING TOURS CAN BE ON OUR TOUR GUIDES PAGE.

Photo by Andrew Denison

Welcome to Colchester Heritage Tours

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Colchester and its surroundings with our themed walking tours. Whether you're an enthusiastic history buff or simply looking to explore the hidden gems of East Anglia, we have the perfect excursion for you.

We offer driver-guided day excursions for up to six people in a comfortable, modern, licensed London taxi, to destinations in North Essex, and Suffolk, ask for more details via our contact page.

Join our knowledgeable and friendly guides as they take you on a journey through time. Learn about the legends and folklore, uncover the architectural marvels, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Colchester Heritage Tours is a co-operative local business, and all our guides are accredited by the CTGA, Colchester Tourist Guides Association.

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• Attractions
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• Colchester Oysters
• Tiptree Jam
• Breweries & Vineyards
• Britain's First City
• Roman Colchester
• Norman & Medieval Colchester
• Tudor Colchester
• The Siege of Colchester
• Victorian Colchester
• Colchester City Centre
• Dedham Vale
• Mersea Island
• Colne Valley
• Roman River Valley
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Welcome to Colchester

Beyond the city centre  you can discover popular destinations including Mersea Island  and Constable Country in the Dedham Vale , as well as the highly regarded Colchester Zoo .

Poised at the gateway to East Anglia with  picturesque villages  on its doorstep, and only minutes away from the coast , the Colchester area is the perfect destination for a well-deserved  short break, day trip or family holiday .

• Accommodation
• Things to Do
• Food & Drink

Discover the City of Colchester

'Walking the walls' is a great way to explore Colchester's history. This circular walk takes you…

Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with children…

The Colchester Orbital  is a 15 mile picturesque walk and cycle route, which follows existing…

Follow our downloadable map along the The Wivenhoe Trail from Colchester town centre to the…

Take a walk through history, exploring key sites from the Siege of Colchester in 1648 and the scars…

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe and houses the town's main museum

World renowned gardens showcasing sustainable planting and 'the right plant for the right place'.…

Take a walk through the backstreets, lanes and alleys of Colchester to discover its secrets and…

The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a…

Colchester Zoo is set within over 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes and is home to over 155…

The Ancient Colchester App developed by Colchester & Ipswich Museums allows you to wander around…

Come and cheer on the cyclists in this year's Ride London Classique as stage one finishes in…

The official Visitor Guide to Colchester, packed with lots of information on places to visit,…

Firstsite is Colchester's contemporary art gallery.

Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…

80s Calling! is one of the most exciting events to join the city’s summer music calendar, featuring…

A highly respected regional theatre, home to the critically acclaimed Mercury Theatre Company,…

• 1 A Walking Tour of the Roman and Medieval Gates
• 2 WyvernWood
• 3 Colchester Orbital
• 4 The Wivenhoe Trail
• 5 The Siege of Colchester - Walking Trail
• 6 Colchester Castle Museum
• 7 Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
• 8 Hidden Colchester Walking Trail
• 9 Castle Park
• 10 Colchester Zoo
• 11 Ancient Colchester App
• 12 Ride London
• 13 Visit Colchester 2024 Visitor Guide
• 14 Firstsite
• 15 Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester
• 16 80's Calling: The Human League plus very special guests
• 17 Mercury Theatre

The Chappel Viaduct

Explore the Beautiful Borough

A Fresh Catch of Oysters on Mersea Island

Jumbo and The Balkerne Gate in Colchester City Centre

City Centre Shopping

Medieval Wall Paintings in Copford Church

Copford Church

The ruins of St Botolph's Priory

Discover what remains of Britain's first Augustinian priory.

Mersea Island Beach Huts

Explore West Mersea Beach

Wivenhoe Quayside

Enjoy a drink by the river

Discover Constable Country

The River Stour in The Dedham Vale

Walk through 2000 years of history at the Balkerne Gate

The Balkerne Gate

Le Talbooth Restaurant on the River Stour near Dedham

Enjoy a meal at this scenic location

The Colchester City Centre Skyline

Jumbo and The Town Hall in Silhouette

More Highlights

'In-between Us' seeks to examine identity and masculinities, challenging social constructs and…

Dive into the wonders of the animal kingdom this Easter with our Egg-Cellent Creatures fun…

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting world of puppetry with our exhibition,…

Join our characters on a quest to solve riddles and follow clues to help find the missing dragon…

It’s the perfect time of year to get out and about in the woods and take part in our ‘Signs of…

Over the past few months, you may have noticed some BIG new arrivals! This Easter, journey around…

Get creative at High Woods Country Park this Easter. Come and join our woodland craft session on…

Take a step back in time with our Dino Discovery Day filled with all things prehistoric, including…

Live comedy at the Mercury Theatre

Pick up a map from the Visitor Centre and find the best bluebell areas in the park to explore

Designed for children aged 2 1/2 to 4, along with their parents, grandparents, and carers, these…

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and 7-nights at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West…

Every month we now have a wonderful line up of nearly 30 stalls joining us selling a fantastic…

Handmade shopping day for gifts and crafts at Firstsite Art Gallery.

A firm favourite with families, they're a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in…

Join us as we celebrate our charity, Colchester Zoological Society and the vital conservation work…

Classic cars, vintage motorbikes and modern head-turners, alongside the museum exhibits and FREE…

Did you know… the Aldabra Giant Tortoise can live up to 150 years! Join us as we share all things…

Join the festivities at the Colchester Roman and Medieval Festival.

A Mercury Original in co-production with HighTide and New Wolsey Theatre, in association with the…

Father's Day Steam Unlimited Steam Train Rides Come along this Father's Day for Steam Train Rides,…

Explore glorious Castle Park

Come and get up close and personal to a display of buses, trucks, military vehicles, fire engines,…

Join us in Colchester’s beautiful Castle Park for another year of our Food & Drink Festival. There…

• 1 David Lock: In-between Us
• 2 Egg-Cellent Creatures Worksheet
• 3 Thunderbirds and Co : The Joy of Puppetry
• 4 Golden Dragon Egg Hunt
• 5 ‘Signs of Spring Easter Trail’
• 6 St-EGG-osaurus Easter
• 7 Woodland Craft Day at Highwoods
• 8 Dino Discovery Day
• 9 The Comedy Network
• 10 Bluebell Map at Highwoods Country Park
• 11 Mini Museum Explorers
• 12 Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt at Charter Hall, Colchester
• 13 Colchester Farmers Market
• 14 Folk & Bespoke Craft Fair
• 15 Steam Days at the East Anglian Railway Museum
• 16 Love Your Zoo Week
• 17 Transport Extravaganza at the East Anglian Railway Museum
• 18 Reptile Weekend
• 19 Colchester Roman and Medieval Festival
• 20 Bindweed
• 21 Father's Day Steam & Supercar Show
• 22 Midsummer In Castle Park
• 23 Commercial, Emergency & Service Vehicle
• 24 Colchester Food and Drink Festival

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Customer Reviews

Ghosts and Witches Tour

8 pm EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

Starting from The Colchester War Memorial

E njoy a spine-tingling experience, delving into the

City’s eerie history of hauntings, executions, and witchcraft trials.

Explore its dark and mysterious past and hear chilling tales of the supernatural.

Just turn up and pay with Cash/ Credit/ Debit card on the night

Please inform us of your visit

Why not reserve a custom tour

designed specifically for you at your preferred time?

Victorian Colchester Tour

Every Saturday 11am

Starting from The Mercury Theatre Cafe

Step into the enchanting world of

Victorian Colchester.

Immerse yourself in the origins of our

modern world as we explore the historic streets of Colchester.

Roman Colchester Tour

Every Saturday 1pm

What did the Romans ever do for us?

That question and others will be answered as you are taken on a journey back in time to explore the

City’s impressive Roman era landmarks and rich cultural heritage.

this tour includes access to a

Roman Theatre

Colchester City Tour

Every Saturday 3pm

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, a Tour of Colchester offers a unique opportunity to

discover the City’s rich history, cultural heritage and architectural beauty.

Explore the past and present of this vibrant, ever changing City.

Gift Voucher

Giving a Colchester History Tours gift voucher is the perfect gift for history enthusiasts and curious explorers. It offers the recipient a unique and enriching experience, allowing them to dive into the captivating history of Colchester.

This voucher allows the choice one of 6 tours.

Gift Voucher £10

Discover Historic Colchester:

Because history deserves to be remembered..

Why not Book me for a

Bespoke custom tour at a time of your choosing.

I have over 30 years of public speaking experience and a passion for Colchester’s history as a authorised guide,

I aim to showcase the City’s past to residents and tourists alike through interactive, humorous and educational tours.

Join me on a journey through time to discover the people, places, and events that have shaped this remarkable and ever-changing City.

Ray McCarthy

Accessibility and Inclusivity information and Environmental Statement

THE 5 BEST Colchester Tours & Excursions

Colchester tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour

2. Tours of Colchester

3. Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

4. Historic Walking Tour of Colchester

5. Colchester Walking Tour + Farmers Market

6. Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

7. Colchester City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest

8. Zombie Scavengers Game - Colchester, UK

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Shared | Alumni-Led Cambridge Uni Tour w/opt King's College Entry

A Guided Public Tour of Historic Cambridge

Medieval Lavenham: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Shared | Cambridge University Ghost Tour Led By University Alumni

Cambridge University With Alumni: Optional Kings College Entrance

Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham

Shared | Cambridge Alumni-Led Walking & Punting Tour W/ Opt King's College Entry

Cambridge’s Colleges and Classic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Walking Tour of Cambridge

City Sightseeing Cambridge Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Cambridge with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Punting Tour in Cambridge

Famous Alumni Outdoor Escape Game in Cambridge

Cambridge Science Tour

Shared | Cambridge University Punting Tour

Guided Historic Walking Tour of Cambridge with Guide and Peek

Guided Half Day Behind the Scenes Newmarket Tour

Admission Ticket to Clacton Pier - Big Day Out Band

The Original Cambridge History Tour

National Express | Stansted Airport to London Stratford Transfer (Return)

National Express | Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street (Return)

Walking Tour of the Sights and Highlights of Cambridge

What travelers are saying.

• Historic Walking Tour of Colchester
• Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester
• Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester
• Tours of Colchester
• Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour
• Colchester History Tours
• Essex Days Out
• Essex Wine School
• Questo App | Colchester Walking Tours & City Exploration Games
• Mersea Island Watersports
• Lady Grace Boat Trips
• Estuary Rib Tours
• Reflective Adventures
• MV Ross Revenge - Home of Radio Caroline

East of England

The East of England Region covers the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

East of England Blue Badge & Green Badge Tourist Guides are qualified to guide throughout the region. They will have first gained a qualification in one of the following towns/cities: Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Colchester, Ely, Ipswich, Norwich or St Albans.

The region covers a varied landscape from the Chiltern Hills in the West to the unique Cambridgeshire fens, the Norfolk Broads and the pretty, rolling Suffolk countryside.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Bury St Edmunds Association

Contact: Bury St. Edmunds Association of Registered Tour Guides E: [email protected] W: www.burystedmundstourguides.org

City and District of St Albans Tour Guides

Contact: Elizabeth Walden E: [email protected] W: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Colchester Tourist Guides Association

Contact: Glyn Barritt

E:  [email protected] W: www.colchestertouristguidesassociation.co.uk

Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides

Contact: Gerald Smith E: [email protected]

W: https://sctg.org.uk 

FREE Colchester Through Time tours

Page last reviewed: 9 May 2023

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Colchester Walks and Talks

Explore britain's oldest city with colchester walks and talks.

Discover Colchester's Unique  Heritage

Colchester Tourist Guides Association

Fully Qualified Yellow Badge Guide

I offer a range of talks which can be offered at your venue if is within 50 miles of Colchester.

I can bring my own equipment which includes projector, projector stand, screen laptop, sound, leads etc. Alternatively, I can use your equipment if you have it, or mix and our equipment as required.

I can also give talks at a venue which I can arrange in or near Colchester or via Zoom or another online video conference platform if you prefer.

Subject to my availability I can usually do talks at short notice.

Colchester and History Talks My Colchester Talks include: Virtually Colchester

Colchester in Essex is Britain's oldest and newest city. Come with me on a tour of the historic city centre without the need to actually go there!

I will tell you stories that include tales of Celts, Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans, the Wool trade, the Civil War, the Georgians, the Victorians, the last century and right up to the present. I will show you the places where they lived, were entertained, fought and worshiped over the last 2000 years.

(Approximately 60 minutes in length) A History of Place Names

Place names. We see and use them every day, but how often do we stop and wonder what they mean?

When we do , we normally find that they largely make no sense.

This talk goes through their origins and meanings as well as the fascinating history behind them.

(Approximately 90 minutes in length for the full version, 60 minutes for a partly abridged one)

A Short History of Place Names

A short version of my A History of Place Names talk.

(Approximately 45  minutes in length)

Astronomy Talks

My other interest is Astronomy and I offer talks to Astronomy Clubs or any other audience on the following: The Astronomers' Guide to Strange Things in the Sky

Have you ever seen something odd in the sky that you can't identify?

Has someone else described such a thing to you and asked if you can workout what it was?

This talk which includes a lot of audience interaction, goes through many strange phenomena that can appear in the sky, both natural and artificial, and explains how they may be mistaken for something apparently inexplicable.

Please note this talk is NOT about flying saucers, plates, soup bowls or any other form of airborne crockery!

(Approximately 60 minutes in length)

Earth - Mostly Harmless

A complete guide to our nearest planet. By looking at how it works, we can also see how we can use this knowledge to understand how other planets work.

(Approximately 90 minutes in length)

Did they go? - Moon Landing Hoax "evidence" debunked

In an age of rampant conspiracy theories, this talk discusses the "evidence" that is often put forward that the Moon landings were fake and how they can be debunked.

(Approximately 60 minutes in length and includes audience interaction) Titan Travel Guide

Titan would be considered a planet if it orbited the Sun. Instead it is a giant moon that goes around the planet Saturn. In some ways it is very Earth like, in others, very alien. In the style of a travel guide, this talk explores one of my favourite objects in the solar system.

(Approximately 60 minutes in length) How long is a day?

This talk uses astronomy, history and a bit of physics to show that the answer to this question is nowhere near as straightforward as it may appear!

(Approximately 60 minutes in length) Radio Waves

What are radio waves? How do they behave on Earth and in space? This talk will help you to understand this fascinating subject.

(Approximately 60 minutes in length) Quick tour of the Solar System

Aimed at anyone as an audience, this talk does exactly what it says on the tin!

(Approximately 30 minutes in length) Astronomy Basics

An introduction to the fascinating topic of astronomy for those that know nothing about it, but would like to!

Cont act me to book a talk  or to ask for further information