Colchester is a pleasant enough place with plenty of History and it is a Garrison town. The shopping is on a par with most large towns but there are a few decent Independents too. The area has some outstanding places to visit, A personal favourite is Dedham a few miles up the road and the coastal towns are quite varied. You have Harwich and Felixstowe if you like big ships, Clacton is a typical resort while neighbouring Frinton specialises in the Aged. Colchester zoo is a good visitor attraction, the villages on the suffolk essex border offer interest especially Kersey, Lavenham, Hadliegh, Long Melford etc. There are regular rail services to Ipswich and Norwich if you really want to vary your shopping experience
