Officers' Quarters

The Officers' Quarters stand just outside Colchester, a rare survivor from the town's Roman garrison days. What you're looking at are the actual remains of where officers lived nearly 2,000 years ago - not a recreation, not a museum reconstruction, but the genuine article sitting in the landscape.

It's a fairly low-key visit, to be honest. Don't expect a visitor centre or elaborate displays. What you get is the footprint of the building itself, enough to give you a sense of scale and layout if you've got even a passing interest in Roman Britain. The site works best if you know a bit about what you're looking at beforehand - otherwise it reads as a few old foundations and not much more.

History enthusiasts will find it worthwhile, especially if you're already exploring Colchester's considerable Roman heritage in town. Walkers won't get much out of lingering long, but it makes a reasonable stop on a circular walk. Young children will likely lose interest after ten minutes, unless you're particularly good at bringing archaeology to life.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Colchester Country Park is closest at just over a mile away, or you've got Swallows Field Glamping Pods and Ardleigh Caravan & Camping Park within easy striking distance - the Officers' Quarters slot in as part of a broader Roman Colchester itinerary rather than a destination in itself. Allow twenty minutes, longer if you're the type to sit and imagine what life was like here.