The Red Lion Hotel was built in 1465 and is in the centre of Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town. The historical building has original Tudor features, including wooden beams.
The Red Lion Hotel is one of the oldest inns in the area. The individually decorated en suite rooms mix traditional charm with modern comforts, including TVs, radios, trouser presses and tea/coffee.
The Red Lion's old banqueting hall is now the Parliament Restaurant. The restaurant offers classic dishes and still has the original wood-beamed ceiling. There is also a bar and 24-hour room service is available.
The hotel is a short walk from the shops and Colchester Town Rail Station is 500 metres away.
Parking is available at an additional cost in the public car park 700 metres away.
Hotel Information
The hotel has a long and rich history, with connections to Oliver Cromwell and the notorious death of Alice Miller, who was murdered in 1633 and is said to haunt the property.
Please note that there is an NCP public car park only 5 minutes' walk from the hotel (at an additional cost). You can stop in the loading area outside the hotel and offload your baggage first.
Surrounding Area
Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town and was the country?s first Roman capital. Today it is a thriving centre, full of attractions for residents, visitors and businesses. It has a unique place in Britain's history and is set for an exciting future.
Things to see and do include: Flatford Mill, the inspiration for John Constable's Hay Wain; Colchester Castle and Gardens; Colchester Zoo; Roller World; Leisure World and the Dutch Quarter.
Ghost Walks are available every week with guided tours of the town's most haunted sites. Another attraction in the town is oyster farming. The first charter of 1189 confirmed Colchester's legal rights over the River Colne and the oyster fishery. Colchester oysters are still famous today.
Slightly further afield, central London is only 55 minutes away by rail, with trains running regularly to London Liverpool Street.
Transport
By Air:
The hotel is approximately 30 miles (50 km) from London Stansted Airport.
By Car:
- Take the A12 to Colchester via the M11 or M25.
- Follow signs to the city centre, which bring you to the High Street, where the hotel is located.
Parking:
Please note that there is no car park attached to the hotel, however there is an NCP public car park only 5 minutes' walk away; parking is available here at an additional cost, paid directly to the NCP car park. The hotel suggests that you stop in the loading area outside the hotel and offload your baggage first. Prior to your stay, The Red Lion can send you full directions to the car park, which is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
By Rail:
Colchester North railway station is just 3 miles (5 km) from the hotel. Taxis are available from just outside the station
By Ferry:
Harwich International Port is just 13 miles (20 km) away and offers regular ferry services to the Hook of Holland (Hoek van Holland) in the Netherlands and Esbjerg in Denmark.
Important
Group Bookings:
Please note that for group bookings of 10 rooms or more, special terms apply. For group bookings, cancellations must be made at least 28 days before the date of arrival and full prepayment must be made 28 days prior to the arrival date.
