Parks & outdoor spaces

Lexden Park Local Nature Reserve at seven hectares is a relatively small reserve, with ancient woodland, a pond and meadow in the middle of the site. It is a haven for walkers and lovers of fauna and flora. Part of the site is designated a scheduled ancient monument which is the Lexden Dyke Middle.

Opening times: all day, every day.

Facilities and access:
-There... Read more

Lexden Springs Local Nature Reserve, known locally as 'The Loop', was declared a nature reserve in 1990 and was the first local nature reserve to be opened in Colchester, it is also designated as a local wildlife site.

Opening times: all day, every day.

Facilities and access:
-Walking routes: benches are located at intervals along the circular walk in the upper... Read more

ParkPlay is a two-hour long play session of fun and games for everyone starting at 9.30am every Saturday morning. You can read all about how we #MeetMovePlay and the types of activities we do here.

You can also head to the facebook page to find out more and like the page to keep up to date with news about Vange ParkPlay.

This river valley corridor covering 48 acres constitutes an important urban wildlife area and comprises a wealth of habitats including pasture, grassland, marsh, fishing ponds and the brook itself which runs the entire length of the reserve.

Opening times: all day, every day.

Facilities and access:
-A public right of way runs east-west through the site linking Greenstead... Read more

Dating from the 15th century this fine flint flushwork gatehouse just off St John's Green has a vaulted interior.

It was the entrance to St John's Abbey precinct (demolished during the 16th century Reformation).

The gatehouse is the only surviving structure above ground.

Welsh Wood is a piece of ancient woodland covering 6.5 acres. A pretty stream runs along its eastern edge on its way to join Salary Brook further downstream.

Opening times: all day, every day.

Facilities and access:
-Path network (main path is surfaced but other paths can be muddy in the winter).
-Pedestrian entrance from Woodlands Road and Barbel Road.... Read more

Westlands Country Park covers an area of approximately 16 hectares of woodland and grassland with a play area. Owned by Essex County Council (ECC) with day to day management by Colchester City Council under lease. The site is ex-landfill. Westlands Country Park officially opened to the public in August 2007.

Opening times: all day, every day.

Facilities and access:... Read more

Season7 Apr 2023 - 29 Oct 2023
* Ferry runs weekends and bank holidays. Visit the website for a full timetable


Weather, tide times and crew permitting, the ferry will run most weekends from April to October. It runs back and forth from Wivenhoe to Rowhedge with a stop at Fingringhoe by request. It usually starts running two hours before high tide and for another hour and... Read more