Roman Circus Visitor Centre
Roman Circus Walk, Colchester CO2 7GZ, United Kingdom
4.4
147 reviews
8 comments
VVMW+MJ Colchester, United Kingdom
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Monday: Close
Tuesday: 11–15
Wedneasday: 11–15
Thursday: 11–15
Friday: 11–15
Saturday: Close
Sunday: Close
Tuesday: 11–15
Wedneasday: 11–15
Thursday: 11–15
Friday: 11–15
Saturday: Close
Sunday: Close
Cafe has a selection of drinks and a few cakes. Prices are not bad, and there is a small amount of seating inside the museum but more outside (which is nice if the weather is good!)
After myself and the kids had demolished a bit of cake between us we popped back in for a look around. It's very informative and the staff are more than happy to answer any questions but there is a lot to read - and possibly not as hands on kid friendly as you'd perhaps want a museum to be. They did however enjoy looking at the models and we tried a bit of spot this and that on the big pictures, which when they found what we was looking for we attempted to talk about! There is also a nice outside space for a small wonder, and if weather is good it's a really nice little area for a rest / chill.
In terms of facilities there is a small car park, and there is toilets. Admission to the museum is not expensive - it cost me £3 and the kids were free (kids up to 11 are free).
The visit was a nice diversion from a busy day in the town / city - it was quiet on our visit and we were there for just over an hour (but that included cake eating time). If you are keen on finding out about Colchesters roman past then this is a great place to come!
And we could well regress. That said, they were monstrous, oppressive people so maybe the UK is better out of Italy's influence (or not?)
Our stop a the Visitor's Centre was made by the staff on site. We arrived around 10.30 and were asked if we wanted the Guided Tour at noon. As time was tight, we were going to opt for the self-guided look a the displays. But the staff offered an immediate guided tour. Our guide, (Linda, I think) was one fo the best tour guides I have ever experienced. She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a great speaker. She really brought the history to live and was full of useful anecdotes, facts and information. She should be recorded and offered as a an audio package to bring the place to life.
The actual site is mainly buried but one gets a good idea of how large it was. Colchester should make every effort to ensure that the historical significance of this site is maintained and emphasised. Maybe sell a combined ticket to the Castel and the Circus!
There were negatives but these could and should be fixed. The signage and directions were almost non-existent. (The centre is at the back of a residential area and I nearly turned back when we popped round a corner and there it was - the City should fix this immediately!) The parking is barely adequate and should be cleaned up. The grounds are well-maintained, by volunteers, I think) but they could be so much better and integrated into the Circus remains. The Café is basic at best and could be a real money-maker for the Centre. The displays need a lot of work - again the Centre seems to rely on volunteers. This should be of the same quality and depth as the Castle.
The Roman Circus is a must visit site - and Colchester you should put way more effort into it! Well done the the staff who were clearly doing a great job with very limited support.