Top 14 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Colchester, Great Britain

Catherine
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 7 min read

Want to explore a place where Roman Emperor Claudius once wielded power? Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town and former capital of England. Located in the county of Essex, where you can find lots of theme parks and amusement parks, this lovely town has plenty of amazing things to do. With a rich history that dates back 2,000 years ago, Colchester offers visitors ancient sites, like the Roman Theater and St. Botolph’s Priory. Visitors will admire mosaics from Roman households at the Colchester Castle, the town’s top tourist attraction. The thriving town center, bordered by the Roman Wall in the country, offers plenty of lively attractions, as well as the green oasis of Castle Park. A gateway to picturesque villages, mind-blowing historical sites, and minutes from the coast, Colchester is ideal for a long weekend excursion or a nice day trip with many glamping spots. Whether you are looking for houses for rent in Colchester or budget-friendly rooms, this historic town offers plenty of accommodation options. Enhance your Colchester adventure, and check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Colchester, Great Britain.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on December 17, 2024.

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1. Oaks Rest (from USD 609)

Situated among ancient oak woodland, this sanctuary provides stunning vistas and immediate proximity to the renowned English Heritage sites of Bluebottle Grove and Lexden Park. Complete with a well-equipped kitchen, a dedicated workspace, and a charming mature garden, this rental guarantees a tranquil and rejuvenating sojourn.

Encounter amiable feline companions and delightful chickens, indulge in smart TVs featuring popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and Disney Plus, and venture into the surrounding natural splendor. Positioned in the serene Prettygate area of Lexden, you’ll discover nearby local shops, an exceptional cafe, Colchester Zoo, and the vibrant city center all within easy reach.

Stayed at this property?
Essex, England, United Kingdom

2.57 km (1.6 mi) from Colchester Castle
63 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 2 Beds 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
emily is a brilliant host
the hosts were also extremely kind and very helpful
they were helpful gave us our privacy and made us feel more than welcome
fantastic accommodation and great hosts
emily and daniel are the perfect hosts - very welcoming but respecting yr privacy at the same time
Location:
a very good location for a lovely walk into colchester and very nice walks at lexden park
this house is located in a really nice neighborhood and usually rather quiet at night
located brilliantly to local shops and the town itself
excellent base for visiting colchester within walking distance of the city centre
the place is perfectly tidy and accomodated
Cleanliness:
very clean space
accomodation very clean and comfy
it was spotlessly clean with everything i needed for a few days away
good facilities and exceptionally clean with a well equipped kitchen perfect for breakfast and an easy dinner
a beautiful and spacious interior which had everything we required throughout
Amenities & Room:
a beautiful comfortable and tranquil stay surrounded by nature
roomy and comfortable not suitable for wheelchair use
the accommodation is comfortable and just as described
the bed is very comfortable; beautiful garden and lots of treats
Read more reviews

2. Beautiful condo with elegant furnishings (from USD 145)

Experience the captivating charm of Colchester at this newly renovated apartment, enticing and welcoming new guests. Immerse yourself in the luxurious comfort of a super king-size bed, a designated workstation, and elegant furnishings. The fully tiled bathroom invites relaxation with its rejuvenating bath and shower.

With its private entrance, the expansive lounge features an open-plan kitchen and beautifully adorned interiors. Conveniently situated, this stylish retreat offers easy access to buses, trains, and the nearby airport, making it an ideal base for exploring the town. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your stay.

Stayed at this property?
Essex, England, United Kingdom

339 meters (0.3 ft) from Colchester Castle
43 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE CONDO 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
martin is a great host and provided us with everything
martin was friendly and helpful
martin is very cooperative and helpful man
martin couldn’t have been nicer very lovely host
martin was really friendly and the check in was great
Location:
perfect location close to the town
fantastic and so close to castle park
great location for town (3min walk into the high st)
we really enjoyed our stay in colchester thanks to this ideally located flat (few minutes walk from town centre)
perfectly situated for walking to all the historic parts of colchester some great restaurants close by
Cleanliness:
flat was extremely clean and tidy
accommodation was clean well equipped and modern
spotless comfortable and beautiful spacious flat
the apartment is excellently equipped and spotlessly clean
everything at a great standard and very clean
Amenities & Room:
there is a kitchen and washing machine big and comfortable bed and two tvs
overall i really recommend this apartment and would come here again
Read more reviews

3. Compact coziness at Fawkes Perch (from USD 92)

About 24 minutes from Colchester lies the beautiful West Mersea seaside community and the lovely accommodation of Fawkes Perch. This studio apartment in Colchester on the ground floor boasts a comfortable double bed, large sofa bed, en-suite bathroom, and compact kitchen with a fridge and oven. Fresh flowers, tea, coffee, and milk are provided guests upon their arrival. Guests can relish strolls on gorgeous Monkey Beach, which is just a five-minute walk away. Explore the many restaurants, shops, and local pub scene from this rental.

Stayed at this property?
West Mersea, United Kingdom

12.92 km (8.1 mi) from Colchester Castle
261 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
thank you gareth and your local host shelley
gareth was a friendly helpful host made us feel very welcome
the host is very helpful and always responded to all my queries
unmatched hospitality and helpful tips aplenty
gareth whom we only met briefly was a lovely host
Location:
the location is great
excellent location walking distance to everything we needed
excellent short stay location for couples close to sea
very close to everything you’d want to be close to but also tucked away nicely
great place in a great location
Cleanliness:
clean and functional bathroom
very clean and nice big shower
the apartment was clean and well equipped
very clean everything what was needed
comfy clean and cosy
Amenities & Room:
the bed is very comfy and having a sofa and table and chairs is a nice addition
there is also an excellent choice of coffee shops serving great breakfasts within a 5 minute walk
lovely walk in shower en suite comfortable double bed and sofa bed for two
plenty of room for our two boys as well would definetly stay again
useful information book in apartment
Read more reviews

4. Stay in an 18th-century windmill! (from USD 70)

Looking for the best place to rent in Colchester? This spacious, cozy, and secluded home is located in the market town of Sudbury, Suffolk, which is a 29-minute drive from Colchester. Dubbed as “artist’s retreat,” this room is housed in the windmill’s base. Heated by a wood-burning stove, fully stocked with wood, this rental has many sleep options that include a double bed, sofa bed, and an airman’s cot. There’s even a caravan parked outside that can accommodate two people. Guests have access to a private garden that features a barbecue. This lodging only offers breakfast and snacks, but a variety of food choices are nearby. A full-service bathroom, with a power shower, is located in the main house. The room itself offers a basic bathroom area for emergencies. Additional features include a galley kitchen with kettle, fridge, mini-stove, and microwave. Other amenities include WiFi, Bluetooth HiFi, HDTV, DVD, and Chromecast.

Stayed at this property?
Sudbury, Suffolk, United Kingdom

20.7 km (12.9 mi) from Colchester Castle
828 reviews   Wifi Available
Windmill 5 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
owner is very nice and friendly
perfect hosts great local tips and immediate responses to communications
our hosts were accommodating approachable and knowledgeable of local area such as great walks and cycle routes
theodore is a friendly and attentive host and supplier of excellent flapjacks
a very charming little mill with welcoming hosts
Location:
such a great location
the location is good especially for walking
a real unique gem of a find great location
gorgeous location and a truly quirky place to stay
really different and interesting place to stay
Cleanliness:
very charming clean well organised
sumptuous pillows and bedding really clean smelling crisp linen
clean and tidy with a roaring wood burner lit for our arrival
friendly hosts clean and peaceful place great stay
bike storage is excellent and kept our tandem dry
Amenities & Room:
the wifi is very good in the mill
great wifi connection for using the chrome cast meant we could watch a film (without our kids ) easily
the boys loved the outdoor space and the chickens as well as the delicious breakfast at the cyclist
they have a pub nearby too where we had a lovely dinner and great breakfast and coffee
we loved the roaring wood burner and breakfast included was a nice extra
Read more reviews

5. Unique flat in a converted Victorian schoolhouse (from USD 90)

With high ceilings and lots of storage space, this two-room vacation rental in Colchester, located in a former schoolhouse, is ideal for the adventurous traveler. Lovely hardwood floors and wood accents distinguish this self-contained flat near many of the town center’s attractions, like restaurant, shops, and galleries. Free WiFi is on hand along with complimentary coffee/tea. The kitchen is well-equipped with microwave, mini oven, fridge, and basic cookware. A TV set with a Blue-Ray video player is available in the bedroom/common area. The nicely tiled bath offers a great walk-in shower. The Roman Wall/Castle can be seen from across the road, and next door is the St. Botolph’s Priory ruin, so guests can get a taste of both the ancient and modern ambiance of Colchester.

Stayed at this property?
Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom

399 meters (0.3 ft) from Colchester Castle
205 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Host:
jo is a wonderful host
jo is a great host
excellent host situation changed quickly and she was adaptable and understanding
jo has been really helpful and accommodating throughout our stay and a really kind host
an excellent host jo was extremely helpful polite and considerate from start to finish
Location:
excellent location very close to the castle
great location close to the train station and hardly 5/10 mns walk from restaurants/pubs close by
close to colchester town railway station so easily accessible
nice place and good location
really beautiful building great location in town
Cleanliness:
it was clean and very well equipped
the flat is amazing and clean with everything that's needed
the flat was clean well organised and very well stocked
jo was very flexible with arrival times and everything was clean and well organised
comfy bed nice shower very clean
Amenities & Room:
the apartment was equipped with all necessary equipment which makes your stay easy and pleasant
if you are a fan of grand designs you will love this place
had all of the amenities one would require very comfortable clean and spacious
the apartment was stunning with its private kitchen and bathroom
beautiful array of breakfast items left for us and communications great
Read more reviews

6. Quaint shepherd's hut with free parking (from USD 51)

This affordable quaint shepherd’s hut has one bedroom with a cozy double bed, easily accommodating up to two guests. The rental has a dedicated workspace for guests who need to catch up on some work. The spacious outdoor area boasts comfortable seating, where you enjoy some lovely views while you have your morning coffee. WiFi is also available for those who want to stay updated on social media.

Stayed at this property?
Colchester , England, United Kingdom

7.69 km (4.8 mi) from Colchester Castle
446 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Shepherd's hut 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
great hosts quick response to messages
the host was really friendly and helpful
welcoming and friendly hosts
andrew was a great host
andrew is a lovely host
Location:
a good location for walkers
good location close to the coast and nearby countryside walks
by far the best location in essex to stay
great quiet location in garden next to andrew's house
lovely little place right around the corner from the bus stop
Cleanliness:
place is clean and cosy
the pod was sparkling clean with towels and toiletries provided
clean comfortable bed nice area to sit outside
nice and clean slept well
very comfortable and clean place for a good stay
Amenities & Room:
all facilities you need good wifi and washing machine and dryer
everything was very straightforward and the ‘kitchen‘ facilities were a pleasant surprise
lovely breakfast courtesy of andrew for a small charge
don't worry about storage because there is loads of room under the bed
comfortable bed and nice hot shower
Read more reviews

7. Double room with private en suite

Located in a remote area of Colchester, this private room is within walking distance of the town’s center, where guests will find many great bars, local shops, and other fun diversions. A good restaurant pick is The Noodle House. If you’re in the mood for a nice steak, Beefeater is a great choice. The locale allows guests access to bus routes and the mainline station, so it is easy to get around. This room is simple, yet very cozy and comfortable. There’s a clean and tidy en-suite bathroom, offering a top-notch shower. Guests are allowed the use of the fridge and a kettle to make drinks, but full access is reserved for long-term visitors.

Stayed at this property?
Colchester, United Kingdom

789 meters (0.5 ft) from Colchester Castle
459 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN CONDO 1 Bed 1 Guest 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Host:
good room nice host
elaine was an excellent host
elaine is a great host
elaine is a very kind and helpful host
elaine was more than helpful to accommodate my requests
Location:
place is great and location is very central
what a great place the location is a short walk from both the train station and town
the location is really good not far from the town center and the north station
location is great too and quiet
good location can easily walk into town quiet location and comfortable bed
Cleanliness:
a nice clean room with attached bathroom
very clean and tidy place to stay
nice and clean i had a very good and deep sleep
clean smart friendly and peaceful
a clean space with all needs met
Amenities & Room:
good size bed and extremely comfortable
elaine's place is lovely quiet and comfortable with a nice view and close to the town centre
the room is good and the privat en-suit is great
excellent stay lovely comfortable room
comfortable private and cosy room with en-suite
Read more reviews

8. One-bedroom apartment for four

This lovely apartment features one bedroom that can easily fit up to four guests. It is situated only 10 minutes away from the town center, allowing guests to explore with ease. There is free parking on the premises, so if you are planning to drive, you need not worry about where to park your vehicle. A washer and dryer unit is also available for your laundry needs.

Stayed at this property?
Colchester, England, United Kingdom

784 meters (0.5 ft) from Colchester Castle
109 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
host friendly and helpful
any questions were answered quickly and efficiently by hosts
lovely flat helpful hosts couldn't ask for more than that
we had a lovely stay at flatfive tracey was a perfect host with quick responses
excellent host - proactive thoughtful and considerate
Location:
good location in colchester
in a good location
great location short walk to shops and restaurants
a lovely flat in a quiet area within walking distance of the main street
location is perfect for walks to town and the flat is in impeccable condition
Cleanliness:
lovely clean and bright flat
and very clean flat
clean stylish well appointed flat
very tidy clean immaculate flat
clean cozy and spacious
Amenities & Room:
excellent apartment - calm peaceful serene relaxing ambience
lovely spacious apartment with scenic views and close to town
warm and comfortable and well enough equipped that you could cook full meals
Read more reviews

9. Colorful double bedroom with private bath

This accommodation is located in a peaceful neighborhood. It is just a five-minute walk to the train station and a 20-minute stroll to the town center, where guests can find plenty of fabulous shops and eateries. This homey, nicely furnished, and well-maintained home offers a lovely room on the ground floor, with a comfortable bed, sturdy desk, and pretty floral accents. Microwave, kettle, toaster, and refrigerator are the only appliances guests are allowed to use in the kitchen. No cooking or use of the washing machine is permitted.

Stayed at this property?

1.54 km (1.0 mi) from Colchester Castle
130 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 2 Guests

10. Seamstress' bright and breezy room near train station

Clothing design fans will love this accommodation near the Colchester train station. The host is a seamstress and the room is also a space used for wedding dress fittings and the storage of showpieces, so expect to admire some beautiful dresses. The bed provided is a nice futon, and the room is bright and breezy. Roam the rest of the home with ease. The living room has a cozy sofa and there’s a TV, though it only plays DVDs. The renovated kitchen has everything you need for cooking. A dishwasher and washing machine are also available. The outdoor garden is a pretty highlight, and guests are allowed to smoke in this area.

Stayed at this property?

788 meters (0.5 ft) from Colchester Castle
88 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 2 Guests

11. Middle of the action: High Street Colchester

This simple, yet comfy room in a modern apartment of a classic building offers a quiet atmosphere. Even though it is situated in the heart of Colchester’s High Street, in proximity to shops, evening venues, coffee houses, and restaurants, you can still get a good night’s rest here. The Castle and the bus and train stations are within walking distance. There are bus stops just across from the apartment. This spacious room has a splendid soft bed, and the fireplace is a relaxing and toasty highlight. Just like a nice, affordable hotel room, this rental also includes tea/coffee-making amenities and a mini-fridge.

Stayed at this property?

290 meters (0.2 ft) from Colchester Castle
19 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 2 Guests

12. Snug room in lovely home near many local attractions

Overlooking a garden, this compact, private room in a detached family home is provided with free WiFi, tea/coffee-making facilities, breakfast biscuits, and bottled water. This cheerfully decorated room is comfortable, offers a lot of sunlight, and has blackout blinds if needed. The large tiled bathroom is shared, and guests are welcome to explore the kitchen but can only use the microwave/oven and fridge. Eat at your leisure in the dining room and lounge in the lovely garden. If you’re allergic, be aware that this is the home of two cats. This accommodation is a five-minute walk to many fast food spots and a nice pub/restaurant. Local attractions in the area include the Castle, Colchester Zoo, and the Dutch Quarter, where the remains of the Roman Theater can be found, along with a pleasant array of Tudor structures.

Stayed at this property?

3.41 km (2.2 mi) from Colchester Castle
15 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 2 Guests

13. Room close to Essex University, town center

Surrounded by lots of greenery in a quiet neighborhood near the river, this top-floor room with a private and spacious bath is an ideal lodging for solo travelers, couples, and students. Essex University and Colchester’s center are easily reached on foot. The area provides fantastic views of the surroundings, particularly the beautiful sunsets. This cozy room has a bed that is comfy, and, upon request, a homemade breakfast is served every morning in the simple, but stylish dining room. Many guests have given high marks for the host’s generosity, helpfulness, and friendliness. The location and the comfort level of this accommodation have also received excellent marks.

Stayed at this property?
Colchester, United Kingdom

878 meters (0.6 ft) from Colchester Castle
316 reviews  
Private room in house 1 Bed 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly host and family
michaela is a lovely host too
michaela is really a great host
1) michaela is such an amazing host
michaela was a great and willing host
Location:
excellent location for the university
amazing location close to train station and town centre
it’s really well located for castle park - just a short walk along the river
michaela's place is in the perfect location
what a fantastic place in a great location
Cleanliness:
excellent communication and sparkling clean
clean and tidy would recommend
the bathrooms are clean and tidy
a great palce to stay very clean and made to be welcomed
everything was clean and the family were friendly and welcoming
Amenities & Room:
the wifi is great and the room is very cosy
the room was really comfortable private and a nice view over the river
great location and a lovely view out my room window over the river
bathroom for guest only use is large and generous
very comfortable clean bedroom in beautiful house in quiet close with lovely view of the countryside from the bedroom
Read more reviews

14. Centrally located and cozy room in Victorian house

This single-bedroom rental in Colchester is perfect for a solo or business traveler. The Victorian terraced house is found in the Cultural Quarter of Colchester, near art galleries, museums, shops, park, and the Castle. The beach is only 15 minutes away. Along the river, biking enthusiasts can enjoy the off-road cycle route to Wivenhoe, that’s also close by. Along with the lovely, quiet room, guests have free reign over the house’s bathroom, living room, kitchen, and courtyard garden with barbecue. Additional amenities include WiFi, linens/towels, and bicycle. Older travelers or those with limited mobility should be aware that the stairs of this classic Victorian house are quite steep and narrow.

Stayed at this property?
Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom

418 meters (0.3 ft) from Colchester Castle
187 reviews   Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 1 Guest 1 Bedroom 0 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Host:
first class hospitality very good host
host is lovely and friendly
thanks to sarah for being a fantastic host
very good hospitality sara is a perfect host
sara was a great host
Location:
great location walking distance from all the attractions
very responsive and the location was ideal
great location at the heart of the town yet very quiet
excellent location close to the coach station shops restaurants attractions (some) all within walking distance
comfortable and pleasant surroundings great location for the town centre all in easy walking distance
Cleanliness:
bedroom is very clean
room very clean indeed good facilities
sara's place is lovely - clean comfy and well located
the room is clean and has all the required amenities
the room was cozy and clean
Amenities & Room:
beautiful room with garden view
the room was a comfortable warm space to be in
room is perfect for commuters bed is lovely
great location for town centre and comfortable room with stylish furniture
the room is sara's place is nice and comfortable true to the pictures and description
Read more reviews

Cheers, Colchester!

Located in Essex, where there are plenty of interesting things to do, this quaint town can captivate the hearts of many. With quite a few of England’s most important historical events taking place in and around Colchester over the past two millenniums, it’s easy to believe that Colchester is only about history. But Colchester is more than that. It has something for everyone, from top-notch speciality shops on High Street to a rare white rhino on display at the Colchester Zoo, to beautiful woodland gardens, and to top-rated museums and galleries. With plenty of homes for rent in Colchester, this town can offer lots of amazing destinations you can explore. Plan your next escape and book a stay at one of these best house rentals in Colchester for the experience of a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb vacation rentals in Colchester, Great Britain

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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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