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Fun Things for Free!

In Colchester we are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities for our kids but it isn't always feasible to spend out daily on an activity.  So we've put together a list of fun places to visit that wont cost you a penny!

Castle Park

To visit the castle itself there is a small cost however it is totally free to sit, walk, enjoy music, play games or picnic in any of the green space that surrounds the castle.  

Highwoods Country Park

A friendly space for walkers, cyclists and families, Highwoods Country Park includes woodland, open green space perfect for picnics, a lake and wildflower meadows.  It also has marshy areas, hayfields and scrubland perfect for different species of brids and mammals - why not see how many different types you can spot?

Cudmore Country Park

Located in East Mersea (so check the tide times before you travel) Cudmore Country Park really is a great place to visit.  You'll find a kids play area, beach, bird hides & refreshment kiosks.  There's tons of nature to see, on certain days in the summer you can spot up to 15 different types of butterfly! The beaches are full of shells and on some occasions people have found various fossils and old artefacts.  

Colchester Natural History Museum

Free entry and no advance booking required, simply turn up and get ready to learn about the rich natural history of north-east Essex. Check out our 'Whats On' page for other events the museum put on!

Firstsite

Firstsite is Colchester and the East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery, it is both a gallery and community hub showcasing a wide variety of impressive artworks.  It has an in-house cinema, cafe, and shop as well as meeting room and other spaces for hire. Firstsite is completely free to enter although donations are encouraged.  Check out our 'Whats On' page for other events held at Firstsite.

Jonathan Penrose Chess Park

Located on the Roman Wall side of the Mercury theature you will find some benches are equipped with chess boards, you are able to borrow chess pieces from the café bar.