Colchester, England, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Colchester, England, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Colchester, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Colchester, England, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Colchester, England, United Kingdom, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Colchester, England, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Colchester, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Colchester, England, United Kingdom by month

January

January in Colchester is cold and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains about a third of the time and snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Colchester is cold, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to low 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Colchester during April, you will probably see that it is cold, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Colchester is relatively cool and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, Colchester is balmy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and regularly jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Colchester, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Colchester is balmy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August is mild and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Colchester is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Colchester is cool, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you go to Colchester in November, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Colchester is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Colchester, with several of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 90%. There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Colchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you get the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Hollytrees Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Colchester, England, United Kingdom

Colchester, the oldest recorded town in England, has been a settlement since the Roman era. It is located in Essex, which is a county in the east of England. This town offers both historic and modern-day attractions, which are bound to captivate visitors. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Colchester, England.

1. Colchester Castle: It's impossible to visit Colchester and not visit the iconic Colchester Castle. It is one of the most important historical landmarks in the town. The castle has a 900-year-old history and was built by Norman conquerors. It now houses the Colchester Castle Museum, where visitors can learn about the town's history and see artifacts like Roman coins, medieval artifacts, and even some Egyptian mummies. Visitors can walk around the castle's well-preserved walls and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the town.

2. Beth Chatto Gardens: These gardens were created by legendary plantswoman Beth Chatto over 50 years ago. The gardens are located six miles from Colchester and consist of several different theme gardens. There is a dry garden, woodland garden, scree garden, and water garden all on display here. Visitors can explore each of these gardens and enjoy the colorful flora that blooms throughout the year.

3. The Minories: The Minories is a stately Georgian building that now serves as a contemporary art gallery. It hosts various exhibitions showcasing both local and international artists. Inside, visitors can view a world-class collection of paintings, sculptures, and modern art pieces. The Minories is also home to a café, where visitors can grab a cup of coffee and a snack while enjoying the view of the gardens outside.

4. St Botolph's Priory: St Botolph's Priory is an impressive ruin of a Benedictine priory situated in the town center. It was originally founded in the early 12th century and was one of the most important religious houses in medieval England. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the priory and the monks who lived there.

5. Hollytrees Museum: Hollytrees Museum is a fascinating Georgian townhouse that tells the story of life in Colchester from the 18th century to the present day. The house is decorated in the style of the 18th and 19th centuries, and visitors can view collections ranging from antique furniture to period clothing. There are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience daily life during the time of the house's inhabitants.

In conclusion, Colchester is a town that offers an array of attractions for visitors of all ages. It has managed to preserve its rich history while still updating its amenities and offering contemporary experiences. A visit to Colchester is a memorable experience that will leave visitors with a greater appreciation for the town's unique heritage.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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