landmark
Flatford Mill
The mill and surrounding Dedham Vale that inspired John Constable's most famous paintings including The Hay Wain, largely unchanged since the 1820s.
11 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Colchester
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Colchester
Colchester is worth a stop: 10 minutes from West Bergholt, 11km from Flatford Mill.
Colchester is in England, United Kingdom, with about 130,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is West Bergholt, about 5 km away.
Colchester ( KO(H)L-chest-ər, -chist-) is a city in north-eastern Essex, England. At the 2021 census the built up area had a population of 130,245, making it the second-largest settlement in Essex, after Southend-on-Sea. It gives its name to the wider Colchester local government district which also covers anRead more
extensive surrounding area. The demonym is Colcestrian.
Colchester occupies the site of Camulodunum, the first major city in Roman Britain and its first capital. Colchester therefore claims to be Britain's first city. It has been an important military base since the Roman era, with Colchester Garrison currently housing the 16th Air Assault Brigade.
The city is on the River Colne, and lies 50 miles (80 kilometres) north-east of London. It is connected to London by the A12 road and the Great Eastern Main Line railway. Colchester is less than 30 miles (50 km) from London Stansted Airport and 20 miles (30 km) from the port of Harwich.
Attractions in and around the city include St Botolph's Priory, Colchester Zoo, and several art galleries. Colchester Castle was constructed in the eleventh century on earlier Roman foundations; it now contains a museum. The main campus of the University of Essex is located between Colchester and Wivenhoe. Local government is the responsibility of Colchester City Council and Essex County Council.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Colchester?
Within an hour or so of Colchester: Flatford Mill (11 km), Lavenham (25 km), Johnsons Cafe (44 km).
Are there any good drives near Colchester?
The nearest famous roads are Crystal Palace Circuit.
Where is Colchester?
Colchester is in England, United Kingdom, about 5 km from West Bergholt.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 130,245
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.8892, 0.9042
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Colchester
3 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Lavenham
Exquisitely preserved medieval wool town with over 300 listed buildings, including crooked timber-framed houses and a magnificent church.
25 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
Johnsons Cafe
A well-known biker cafe on the A127 in Essex, serving as a gathering point for London and Essex riders for generations.
44 km · about 50 min drive
Driving roads near Colchester
- 65 kmThe Backs, CambridgeThe famous riverside meadows behind the Cambridge colleges, offering iconic views of King's College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs and punts on the Cam.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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