Anytime Events | Colchester Museums
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From Birthday Parties to Bespoke Tours!

 

Create your very own private event at Colchester Castle!

From escape experiences to sleepovers, we offer a range of packages all year-round, which can be tailored to your group’s needs. Find out more and enquire today!

Two children in silhouette, dressed as wizards with capes and raised wands, appear to duel in front of a dramatically lit stone castle at dusk. The castle is illuminated in warm hues of yellow, orange, and purple, with a turret on the left and arched windows visible. A projection of a dragon’s head and wings is cast onto the castle wall, enhancing the magical atmosphere. The foreground is dark, with hints of garden flowers and a bench barely visible.

Group Knightzzz At The Museum

If you’ve ever wondered what Colchester Castle is like at night, this is your chance to find out. Join the team for a sleepover experience like no other. Set up camp in your chosen spot and prepare for a fun-packed overnight adventure where you have the option to enjoy a tour of the Castle (including spaces not normally open to the public) and participate in some fun activities. Perfect for schools, groups, or clubs with children over the age of 5. 

“The activities before bed were great; sleeping in the prison was amazing. We all had lots of fun, the staff were brilliant! Thank you!” 

Prices from £17.50 per person.

This event is suitable for ages 5+; an adult must accompany all children.

For useful information, such as how to find us and what facilities Colchester Castle has, we recommend reading our Access information: Access at the Castle

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To raise an initial enquiry please call 01206 282939. Our phone line is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm, and Sunday 11am-4.30pm. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via email by the link below.

Enquire Now

Dark Tours

Inspired by our 2022 blockbuster exhibition, Wicked Spirits? Witchcraft and Magic at Colchester Castle, our Dark Tours are perfect for anyone looking to explore the Castle’s more gruesome side.

Due to the nature of the tour, we recommend it for ages 12+.

Our Dark Tours will take in the bottom of the Great Stairs and the Castle Prisons, both of which have slightly uneven flooring. For useful information, such as how to find us and what facilities Colchester Castle has, we recommend reading our Access information: Access at the Castle

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Dark Tours cost £95 for 1 – 5 people and £125 for 6 – 8 people. To raise an initial enquiry please call 01206 282939. Our phone line is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm, and Sunday 11am-4.30pm.

On the left is a woman, trapped in a prison and calling out. On the right is a close up photo of a set of keys

Escape Experiences

Can you break the Serpents Curse? Set in Europe’s largest Norman keep, come and explore the unexplained goings on that have caused several members of the Castle team to disappear!

In this thrilling, fast-paced game you’ll have to work as a team to solve the mysterious puzzles and crack the clues! Running for 45 minutes and designed for players aged 10+, you will encounter a mixture of mental and physical challenges.

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Or why not try our Family Quest, which is great for the little ones. In this fun and interactive experience, the whole family will need to solve the clues to free one of the Castle’s famous residents, who is trapped in our prisons!

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Each experience costs £95 for 2 – 5 people and £125 for 6 – 8 people. To raise an initial enquiry please call 01206 282939. Our phone line is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm, and Sunday 11am-4.30pm.

Minimum group size 2 persons, maximum group size 8 persons.

For useful information, such as how to find us and what facilities Colchester Castle has, we recommend reading our Access information: Access at the Castle

Colourful cartoon illustration featuring a smiling girl in a party hat standing beside a boy dressed as a Roman soldier, seated on a red and gold throne. A green dragon wearing a blue spotted party hat flies nearby. They are positioned in front of a castle-like building with arched doors and windows, surrounded by confetti and a burst of blue rays in the sky, evoking a festive and playful atmosphere.

Birthday Parties

Our birthday party packages are aimed at children aged 5-11.

Work with a member of our team to choose the best themed party for your child. Packages include a bespoke tour, getting messy with some Castle arts and crafts and a private space for you to host games and pass out the birthday cake.

All you’ll need to do is bring your own food and drink and get ready for heaps of Castle kids fun!

For useful information, such as how to find us and what facilities Colchester Castle has, we recommend reading our Access information: Access at the Castle

 

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Parties start from just £195 for 10 children and can be booked by calling 01206 282939.

Bespoke Tours

Book one of our Private Tours out of hours to have Europe’s largest Norman keep all to yourself! Explore Colchester Castle with one of our expert guides and hear remarkable stories of what has happened beneath your very feet.

We’ll tailor these bespoke tours to what you’d like to see. Simply let us know what you’d like when you book, and we’ll match one of our team to your visit.

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There’s plenty more options too. Why not sniff at the highs and stinky lows of Colchester’s history on a family-friendly History Stinks Tour.

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Private tours cost £95 for 1 – 5 people and £125 for 6 – 8 people. To raise an initial enquiry please call 01206 282939. Our phone line is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm, and Sunday 11am-4.30pm.

A historic brick building with multiple windows and chimneys stands at the end of a paved pathway, bordered by vibrant flower beds in full bloom. A large tree dominates the foreground, casting shade over part of the garden. One person sits on a bench near the flowers, while another walks toward the building. The scene is bathed in clear blue skies, suggesting a warm, pleasant day.

Guided Walking Tours

Colchester was Britain’s first city and is now its newest after regaining city status in 2022. With a story stretching back over 2000 years, join one of our official city guides on a guided walk and explore the dramatic events that have shaped the city, from the destruction of Roman Camulodunum to the Civil War Siege of 1648 and beyond.

The Camulodunum to Colchester Tour runs weekly and is led by our experienced and fully qualified city guides, meaning your tour is guaranteed to be well paced, entertaining, and factually accurate.

You can book online, by calling the Visitor Information Centre on 01206 282920, or by turning up on the day. Places are limited so advance booking is recommended, particularly during the peak season.

Tickets are £9.50 per adult and children up to age 15 are free but must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Book Here

Escape At The Castle Reviews

“It’s brilliant”

“This is unique”

“Enjoyed the challenge having never done one before”

“Really enjoyed this experience! Would love to come again”

Where will your adventure start?