Welcome
A visit to Colchester Castle is better than ever before with interactive displays and star exhibits, like the Colchester Gladiator Vase and Fenwick Hoard of Roman treasure.
Have a go at building a Norman archway, dressing as an Iron Age Briton, steering a Roman chariot or firing our replica ballista at the east wall.
Tours, led by expert guides, are offered daily and can take you down into the Roman vaults and up onto the Castle roof.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Times
Monday – Saturday
10am – 5pm
Suggested last entry 4.30pm
Sunday
11am – 5pm
Suggested last entry 4.30pm
Children
Children must be accompanied by an adult. There should be at least one adult for every ten children.
Please note we do not currently have space for leaving buggies or scooters.
Tickets*
Adult (inc. Seniors): £12.75
Child (aged 4-16): £7.50 (first child)
£3.75 (all additional children)
Student: £8.50
Qualifying concession: £8.50**
Booking not required
New prices as of 1 April 2024
Directions
*Note: These prices are for general visitors, for groups of 12+ please make a booking via 01206 282937 or museums@colchester.gov.uk
**Visitors who are registered D/deaf or disabled, welfare benefit recipients, and serving Military personnel—proof of reduced entrance fee status is required and may be requested on entry.
Disabled visitors may be accompanied by a companion free of charge.
The museum is typically quieter in the afternoons, particularly after 2.30 pm on weekdays once school groups have left for the day.
Prices are valid until 31st March 2025.
Museum Pass
Upgrade your ticket to a Museum Pass and keep coming back for a whole year, it’s great value!
For Colchester residents, this is simply a one-off admission for both the Castle and Hollytrees Museums. Non-residents pay just a few extra pounds.
Simply talk to one of our team at the Welcome desk and they will be happy to help.
Tours
Our guide will take you down through 2,000 years of history to the Roman Vaults, the foundations of the Temple of Claudius. You will then travel up the Great Stairs before seeing the unrivalled view of Colchester from the Castle roof.
Tours run throughout the day and can be booked on arrival, subject to availability. Tickets cost £4.25 per adult and £2.50 per child after admission to the Castle.
Please note our tours are suitable for those aged 4+ due to the content and nature of the building.
Interactive Tablet
Our interactive tablets are packed with goodies from mini games, to photos and augmented reality showing how some of the Castle spaces might have originally appeared. Simply look out for our tablet signs throughout the Castle for bonus content.
Tablets can be hired from our Welcome desk for just £1.
Shop
Our museum shop offers a wide range of products, from activity books for children to jewellery inspired by the Fenwick Hoard, games and fancy dress to replica Roman objects. Whether you’re looking for a memento or the perfect gift, we have something for all tastes and budgets.
What You Can See
Get Involved
After Hours
Be guided around the displays on a private tour, or crack the clues in our escape experience to break THE SERPENTS CURSE!
Whether you have big kids or little knights in mind, we have something for everyone!
Birthday Parties
Have a special day coming up? Colchester Castle offer themed birthday party packages and celebrations for children aged 5-11.
These include arts and crafts, a guided tour and a private space for you to host your own activities.
Subscribe
Keep up to date with our latest exhibitions, events and projects by subscribing to our museum mailing list. You’ll receive regular emails with the latest news from Colchester Castle, as well as Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum.
Access
Access At The Castle
Whether you want to know when the museum is quieter, what to expect when you arrive or what facilities we have, simply follow the link below to find out more.
If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please contact us on 01206 282939 or email museums@colchester.gov.uk and our team will be happy to help.
