Premier Inn Colchester

Yes, Colchester is absolutely worth a visit! It’s a brilliant mix of ancient history, cultural experiences and modern charm. As Britain’s oldest recorded town, it has plenty for history lovers, but also ticks the boxes for families, couples and solo travellers with attractions like Colchester Zoo, galleries, castles, park, shops and restaurants.  

Colchester is most famous for being Britain’s oldest recorded town, dating back to Roman times. It was once the capital of Roman Britain, and you can still see remnants of Roman walls and ruins today. It’s also well known for Colchester Castle, Colchester Zoo (one of the best in the UK) and its strong military connections. The town has a thriving arts scene, too, with galleries, theatres and music venues dotted around. 

What makes Colchester special is its deep historical roots combined with a lively atmosphere. Where else can you walk Roman walls, tour a Norman castle and then shop at stylish boutiques or sip cocktails at a riverside bar? The town is packed with character – from its cobbled streets and historic buildings to its vibrant cultural festivals and family attractions.  

Colchester is over 2,000 years old! It’s officially recognised as the oldest recorded town in Britain, first mentioned by the Roman historian Pliny the Elder in AD 77. Before the Romans, it was a major Iron Age settlement and then became the capital of Roman Britain. 

Colchester itself doesn’t have a beach, but you’re not far from the coast. West Mersea Beach, known for its pretty beach huts and seafood, is about 30 minutes away by car. Frinton-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea are also close by and great for a day out by the sea. 

Definitely – loads! History buffs will love Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Roman walls. Families can spend the day at Colchester Zoo, one of the UK’s best-loved animal parks. Art and culture fans can check out Firstsite Gallery or the Mercury Theatre, while nature lovers can head to Highwoods Country Park or stroll the Castle Park gardens. There’s also a great food and drink scene to enjoy in the town centre. 

Yes, Colchester is great for shopping. The town centre has a mix of high street favourites, independent boutiques and markets. Culver Square and Lion Walk shopping centres offer well-known fashion and lifestyle brands, while the Eld Lane and Sir Isaac’s Walk areas are full of quirky independent shops.  

Castle Park is free to enter and perfect for a scenic walk or a picnic. You can wander the historic streets, see the Roman walls or pop into Hollytrees Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits and free admission. Art lovers should visit Firstsite, a contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions – also free. Plus, the town has lots of lovely public spaces and walking routes, especially in Highwoods Country Park. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.