Colchester & East Essex Cricket Club

The cricket ground at Colchester & East Essex Cricket Club sits in the heart of Essex cricket country, and if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Colchester Country Park is barely two miles away - it's worth timing your visit around a match day. The club has been a proper fixture in local sport for years, hosting everything from league matches to friendly fixtures throughout the season.

What you get depends entirely on when you visit. On match days, you'll find yourself among genuine cricket enthusiasts, watching everything from senior league cricket to younger age groups. It's a working sports ground rather than a tourist attraction, so don't expect grandstands or facilities geared toward casual visitors. The atmosphere is straightforward and unpretentious - fold-up chairs, cups of tea, and people who actually know their cricket.

For families with cricket-mad kids, this is gold. They'll get to see local players in action and soak up the club culture in a way you simply can't at bigger venues. Anyone on a caravan holiday in the area and keen on sport should check the fixture list before arriving - an afternoon watching a match beats sitting in the caravan by miles.

The ground is accessible from Colchester town centre, making it an easy addition to a broader day out exploring the town and Essex countryside. Ring ahead or check their website to confirm match times and whether spectators are welcome that particular day.