Colchester in Essex, England is often billed as Britain’s oldest recorded town, founded as the Roman capital Camulodunum; you can still see Roman walls and the impressive Colchester Castle, a Norman keep built on the foundations of a Roman temple. The town sits on the River Colne close to the east coast, with nearby green spaces like Wivenhoe Park, coastal spots such as Mersea Island and a characterful 17th‑century Dutch Quarter.
Today Colchester is a regional centre with a mix of retail, light industry and public services, plus good rail links to London, and the University of Essex brings a lively student presence. Cultural life is strong - from contemporary art at Firstsite and performances at the Mercury Theatre to family days out at Colchester Zoo - and local food and festivals still celebrate the town’s maritime and agricultural roots (Mersea oysters are a local speciality).