'What stars of distance can hold for us isn't written in fortunes, nor is it inscribed in the wrinkles of your forehead. It's being written in science books as we speak, and one day, god willing, we will know more about ourselves by learning more about stars!
George Biddell Airy, one of the most notable astronomers of all time, was a staunch supporter of learning things scientifically than resorting to make believe games of soothsayers and fortune tellers. Bringing up radical changes in the way astronomy was looked at in Britain, he was solely responsible for the popular fascination about the science of the skies “ a trend that we still observe today, even after two centuries of his death.
Biddell was born and raised in Colchester, and that connection implicitly tells us the role the city has played in the scheme of things in England. Located on a snug south eastern corner of mainland England, Colchester is the most populous city in the Essex County, and one of the most visited tourist places in the region.
The reasons for this popularity are clear to visitors the moment they set a foot in the city. The present structure of the city may defy its past history, but the fact remains that Colchester is among the last of walled cities in England. Its streets flanked by buildings that seem older than the time itself are standing witnesses to this fact.
A trip to Colchester may not be as entertaining in ˜fun' sense of the word, but for history buffs and culture vultures, it is a must-visit place, especially when they are visiting the S-E corner of England.
All we can do, however, is motivate you to get back on the road. Nothing better, in our opinion, works in that regards than helping our readers know more about various lodging options in the city being discussed. That's precisely why, if you have Colchester as a potential tour destinations, you are going to find this article about various Colchester hotels immensely handy!
Affordable Lodging Options in Colchester
Colchester, being such a tourist friendly city, houses a number of affordable lodging options and cheap hotels that tourists can make use of so as to spend as little as they can and yet get a good night's sleep. Money saved, as the hard fighters of olden times have often put on record, is money earned. Hence, saving as much as you can ensures that you can explore more places in the future.
Talking about cheap hotels in this city of castles and museums, a name that deserves the first mention is that of Wivenhoe House. The name sounds as if it's borrowed straight out of storybooks, and the building of this hotel compliments that fact quite brilliantly. Comfortable stay, cheap prices and good food “ it's all there at Wivenhoe House!
George Hotel of Colchester is the next in line candidate for the tag of the best among affordable hotels in Colchester. It is a classic English apartment styled hotel that offers no frills, but extreme comfort and value for money.
A very different entry is presented by Travelodge Colchester Feering “ a country cottage style lodge that is perfect for short stay at cheap prices.
Luxury Hotels in Colchester
On account of its status as a prime tourist destination in Essex, it is quite an obvious observation that Colchester houses its fair share of luxury resorts and similar opulent establishments. Prices here are too steep “ at times rivalling with those of London resorts “ but the luxury accorded, if one is to take the word of frequenters, is definitely worth all the big bucks one pays.
Prested Hall Hotel stands proudly in the serene greenery on the outskirts of the old city of Colchester, marking its presence in the luxury category quite solemnly but very strongly. It is a definitive luxury property that can offer all sorts of comforts and facilities to its patrons “ of course, at prices that match!
If you are a fan of no-nonsense, modern and minimalistic resorts, the North Hill Hotel is the best choice for you, among dozens of posh hotels in Colchester.
Maison Talbooth is the next entrant in the same line, boasting of a very 21st century outlook that appears in a stark contrast with the rest of the city.
What to Do/See in Colchester?
There's a lot to see in and around Colchester, and we would find it tough to include all of that in this short guide.
Colchester Castle should be your first stop, though. It is a historic castle that the city was built around. It also features a beautiful public park and a very well maintained museum.
Colchester Zoo can also be visited if you want to take a short break from all the onslaught of history and tradition. This becomes a must-do activity, if you are travelling with children “ because they will definitely love zoo better than museums and castles!
To experience rustic English way of life, you can drive down to the town of Wivenhoe, famous for its cosy buildings and tightly knit community life that's nowhere else to be found anymore!
What You Need to Know Before Sightseeing in Colchester
There are only a few things you need to know before embarking on sightseeing journeys in and around Colchester:
- Be sure of your tour objectives.
- Plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Arrange the sights in priority orders.
- Take some time off to accommodate unplanned activities.
- Do not overlook the local culinary scene.
Local Transportation in Colchester
The local transport in Colchester is fairly efficient. Buses are frequent and punctual, while private cabs and rental cars are easily available.
App based taxi services are prominent here, and can be easily availed without breaking any sweat. Many Colchester hotels have insider-arrangements with local car renting companies. So, enquiring about the same with your hotel manager can help you save some money.
Travelling out of town is best undertaken with privately rented cars, for the sake of convenience.