The historic town of Colchester is said to be the oldest town in England and the first ever recorded Roman town. The culture and heritage attracts a huge amount of people there. However, the idilic and tranquil setting, in the countryside is what most tourists want. The town is home to the famous Colchester Zoo, two hospitals (general and Essex County hospital), a popular Institute for education and the Merville army barracks.
Stay for a night or weekend in a cheap hotel or affordable b&b in Colchester town centre. Many hotels feature free Wifi, some have family rooms and a swimming pool as well. When staying in a bed and breakfast, a full English breakfast is included in the room rate.
> B&B’s in Colchester (Popular)
> Cheap Hotels in Colchester
CO6 3QL, Colchester, Abbotts Lane - Eight Ash Green
In a quiet village setting, just off the A12, outside the ancient Roman town of Colchester, this modern hotel offers great value with free parking and an indoor pool. Close to junction 26 of the... read more
CO6 1DU, Colchester, London Road, Marks Tey
As part of our continued commitment to enhance our property and service, we are currently in the process of renovating our rooms and public areas, due for completion spring 2024. During the renovation period, work... read more
CO7 7QY, Colchester, A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction
This property is located a 10 minute drive from Colchester centre, next to the A12 motorway. There is an on-site restaurant and free parking. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the property. Each bedroom at... read more
CO1 1DJ, Colchester, High Street
Located in the town centre of Colchester, the Grade I-listed Brook Red Lion Hotel is 1.5 miles from the Merville Barracks and 2 miles from the University of Essex. Colchester Business Park is a 12-minute... read more
CO1 1TD, Colchester, 116 High Street
Set in the heart of Colchester, the 500-year-old George Hotel boasts an à-la-carte restaurant and a bar, and offers rooms with free WiFi access throughout. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk and spacious... read more
CO4 3SQ, Colchester, Wivenhoe Park
Set in the historic grounds of Wivenhoe Park, this 18th-century house is next to the University of Essex campus. It offers a unique brasserie restaurant, luxurious accommodation, free WiFi and free parking on site. The... read more
CO7 7BB, Colchester, Balls Farm Tye Road Elmstead Market
The Pheasant Retreat and Pheasant Lodge and Pheasant Suite are situated in the grounds of Balls Farm, a 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by fields and wildlife. The accommodation has a 5-star Gold Award from the British... read more
CO1 2TZ, Colchester, East Street
Situated within a 14th-century coaching inn, the award-winning Best Western Rose and Crown Hotel is located just a 15 minutes’ walk from the centre of historic Colchester. The Rose and Crown offers guests both modern... read more
CO7 6HX, Colchester, Birchwood Road
Located just off the A12, Holiday Inn Express Colchester offers air-conditioned, modern bedrooms with satellite TVs. There is a restaurant, a bar and free private parking. Each en suite room at Colchester Holiday Inn Express... read more
CO4 5AJ, Colchester, Bergholt Road
Offering affordable, clean & compact accommodation, the Railway Sleeper Lodge is just 5 minutes’ walk from Colchester Main Train Station. A convenient 24-hour self check-in service is provided. Each compact room has a microwave, fridge,... read more
CO1 1PY, Colchester, 51 North Hill
Colchester’s North Hill Hotel provides luxurious bed and breakfast in Britain’s oldest town. Just off the High Street and 4 minutes’ drive from the train station, its well-appointed rooms and suites are complemented by a... read more
CO1 1SB, Colchester, Anglia House ,75 North Station Road
Star Anglia Hotel is less than 10 minutes' walk from Colchester Train Station and town centre and offers variety of bright rooms which have free WiFi and a private bathroom. The hotel also boasts an... read more
CO1 1UG, Colchester, High Street
Situated in Colchester, 200 metres from Colchester Castle, this AA rated property features a garden. Located around 6 km from Colchester Zoo, the hotel is also 11 km away from Flatford. The accommodation features a... read more
CO1 1DZ, Colchester, 4-6 North Hill,
Colchester Boutique Hotel features a garden, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in Colchester. Located around 29 km from Hedingham Castle, the hotel with free WiFi is also 38 km away from Chelmsford Train Station.... read more
CO6 2NL, Colchester, 40 Halstead Road Earls Colne
Offering a children's playground and views of the garden, The Cartlodge B & B is set in Colchester, 12 km from Colchester Zoo. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and free private parking is... read more
CO1 1HE, Colchester, 62 West Stockwell Street
Situated in Colchester, within 1.5 km of Colchester Castle and 6 km of Colchester Zoo, Baye House provides accommodation with a garden, free WiFi. Featuring a shared lounge, the guest house is close to several... read more
CO1 1EY, Colchester,
Dutch Cottage is situated in Colchester, 30 km from Hedingham Castle and 38 km from Chelmsford Train Station, in an area where cycling can be enjoyed. The accommodation is 27 km from the Freeport Braintree... read more
CO2 7DE, Colchester, Whitewell Road
Set 28 km from Freeport Braintree, 31 km from Hedingham Castle and 39 km from Chelmsford Train Station, Corporate Accommodation, Contractor Housing & Leisure Stays at Abbeygate One offers accommodation situated in Colchester. This property... read more
CO6 2DY, Colchester, Colchester Road, Wakes Colne
Endymion Lodge is set in 500 acres of private grounds with woodland and fishing lake, 8 miles from Colchester. The holiday home offers a veranda with a hot tub and is less than a 21-minute... read more
CO6 2DY, Colchester, Colchester Road, Wakes Colne
Brook Lodge, a property with a veranda and a hot tub, is located 8 miles from Colchester, and Colchester Zoo. The house is set in 500 acres of private grounds and woodland, with a large... read more
CO5 7EW, Colchester,
Set 32 km from Freeport Braintree, 35 km from Hedingham Castle and 44 km from Chelmsford Train Station, Ivy Cottage offers accommodation situated in Colchester. Complimentary WiFi is featured throughout the property and private parking... read more
CO7 8AZ, Colchester, Plumptons Farm, Ford Lane Alresford
Set in Colchester in the Essex region, Plumptons Farm Holiday Lodges offers accommodation with free private parking. The lodge provides guests with a terrace, garden views, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped... read more
CO4 5GE, Colchester, 2 Trajan Close
Spacious 3-Bedroom Home is set in Mile End. Guests staying at this apartment have access to a fully equipped kitchen. The apartment consists of 3 separate bedrooms, 1 bathroom with free toiletries and a living... read more
CO5 8UA, Colchester, Fen Lane East Mersea
Situated in Colchester in the Essex region and Freeport Braintree reachable within 37 km, Mersea Island by Away Resorts features accommodation with free WiFi, a children's playground, a bar and free private parking. All units... read more
CO2 7GR, Colchester, 36 Sergeant Street
Detached Coach House in Colchester provides accommodation with free WiFi, 29 km from Freeport Braintree, 31 km from Hedingham Castle and 40 km from Chelmsford Train Station. The 2-bedroom holiday home is equipped with a... read more
CO1 1DN, Colchester, High Street St Nicholas Hotel
32 km from Hedingham Castle, St Nicholas Hotel is located in Colchester and offers free WiFi and express check-in and check-out. The property is non-smoking and is set 29 km from Freeport Braintree. At the... read more
CO5 8LJ, Colchester, 28 St Peters Road West Mersea
Situated in Colchester, 36 km from Freeport Braintree, The Blackwater Suite features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is located 44 km from Hedingham Castle, 16 km from Colchester Castle and... read more
CO4 6DU, Colchester, 21 Destination Drive
Offering inner courtyard views, North Colchester Homestay is an accommodation situated in Colchester, 29 km from Freeport Braintree and 32 km from Hedingham Castle. This homestay features free private parking, a shared kitchen and free... read more
CO5 9US, Colchester, Layer Marney Tower
Featuring garden views, Layer Marney Tower Canvas Hideaway external shower provides accommodation with a garden and a patio, around 22 km from Freeport Braintree. This property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.... read more
CO1 1AU, Colchester, 16 Imperial Court, Clarendon Way
Set in Colchester in the Essex region, Clarendon Heights - Stylish Two-Bedroom Apartment has a balcony. The accommodation is 26 km from the Freeport Braintree and features free WiFithroughout the property. The 2-bedroom apartment comes... read more
The town centre is full of historic architecture and original features. Colchester is just north of London and has appeared as the home town of many people in the reality series The Only Way is Essex. With a population of well over 100,000, Colchester really is quite large.
Cheap Accommodation in Colchester Town Centre
General Hospital – Essex County Hospital
Undoubtedly, the best place to stay in Colchester is in the town centre. You will find that unlike other places, the centre still provides a quiet relaxing setting and is not too loud. In addition, the center is located very close to surrounding areas that are ideal for long walks through the countryside and viewing the castle. The town has a diverse range of overnight accommodation, with a diverse range of guest rooms to let available.
The city center is fairly busy, with a large hospital and a university nearby. The general hospital is located fairly close to the town centre and The University of Essex isn’t far away, which makes it quite busy.
That being said, the busy hustle and bustle of the time does not mean any of the character is lost. It is still not too busy for a relaxing 1 night or 2 nights (weekend) short stay away, in cheap hotels or reasonably priced b&b rooms. There are plenty of cheap, but high quality hotels there, which are set in beautiful gardens with great views of luscious green fields.
There are also many Roman ruins in surrounding areas that are simply fascinating to go and visit. Learn about how Colchester was once a Roman stronghold and how they used to live. To add to the learning experience and embrace the culture of the city, there are also a plethora of award-winning museums so you can really soak up the Roman heritage that once existed in the beautifully old town of Colchester.
The surrounding buildings really do provide a beautiful setting for you to enjoy the central market or any restaurants nearby. There are plenty of other things to do. There is a fantastic zoo nearby,Colchester zoo, where there are many fantastic animal experiences you could have.
Since the Roman era, it has been an important army base, and there is still an institute located nearby today. There has always been army barracks near the town centre, since the Romans. Colchester Institute includes the Centre for Music and Performing Arts, Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies, and the Professional Training Centre.
There are nice, posh, yet cheap hotels available, the type that are ideal for weddings. There are also b&b’s and guest houses that are even cheaper. The personal service in a bed and breakfast is like no other hotel. You may have to book in advance, the rooms go quick in the best bed and breakfast accommodation.
A hotel in the heart of the town is the place to be as it gives you the best of both worlds, a thriving town within a short walk to the magnificent countryside.
If you want to stay in the center of town nearby the train station and the Castle, check out our cheapest rates for Premier Inn Central. This 3 star hotel offers great value, spacious, comfortable and modern en suite guest rooms and free car parking. Some family rooms can take 2 adults and up to 2 children (under 16 years). The 2 children also get a free full breakfast when accompanied by an adult eating a full breakfast.
Also located in the heart of town is very popular 3 star rated George Hotel. This property offers beautiful, individually decorated, spacious, bedrooms equipped to a high standard.
Find your budget friendly property
Address of General Hospital : Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JL
There is a frequent bus service (8, 8a, 5, 84 and 65) from the town centre and North Station (4 minutes) to the general hospital complex. Alternatively it’s only a 15 minute walk from North Train Station.
Address of Essex County Hospital : Lexden Rd, Colchester, Essex CO3 3NB, United Kingdom
The Essex County hospital site can be reached by bus numbers 65, 5 and 71/71c.
Huge discounts for hotel and bed & breakfast in Colchester England near the Institute and army bases.
The Institute provides further and higher education and includes the Centre for Music and Performing Arts, Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies, and the Professional Training Centre.
Address Colchester Institute : Sheepen Rd Colchester, Essex CO3 3LL, United Kingdom
Address of the Zoo : Maldon Rd, Stanway, Essex CO3 0SL, United Kingdom
The award-winning Colchester Zoo is rated as one of the finest zoos in Europe. Guests can enjoy over 260 species of animals and reptiles, along with 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes.
Accommodation near Colchester Zoo
Colchester Garrison is a major garrison and is currently home to the British Army’s 16th Air Assault Brigade. The Merville Barracks are situated on the south side of Colchester, 1.5 miles from the town centre.
Address of Army Barracks : Colchester, Essex, CO2 7UT
Location : this ancient town is located in eastern part of England in the heart of Essex, about 50 miles from central London, which is to the south-west. Central London can be reached in just over an hour by train, while Ipswich is around 18 miles away. Very near is Chelmsford, the county town of Essex and the seafront establishments and beaches of Clacton on Sea.
Stansted international airport (see accommodation), can easily be reached.
Region : East of England
County : Essex
Colchester Zoo
(Maldon Road, Stanway, CO4 3RH England UK)
Great zoo offering a large variety of animals. The zoo is well laid out and nicely maintained.
Castle Park
(High Street, CO1 1UG Essex England)
Victorian Park boasting a children’s play area, putting green and boating lake. The museum and Castle are also located within the park.
The Beth Chatto Gardens
(Elmstead Market, CO7 7DB United Kingdom)
Wonderful gardens with many different types of plants, some are quite unusual. A lovely little cafe serves good value food and drinks.
Hollytrees Museum
(High Street, Colchester CO1 1UG, England)
Hollytrees Museum is home to a fine collection of clocks and antiquities. The museum is housed in a stylish Georgian building.