Get back to what you love

Want to get back to what you love? Here’s what we’re doing to help.

We’ve all been missing the joys of being out and about, and it’s hard to know when’s the right time to get back to what you love doing. Colchester City Council is making it easier for you to decide by offering improvements so you can step out with more confidence.

What would make your day?

It’s different for everyone - if you want to get back to what you love, why not try:

• Quieter shopping times. Monday and Tuesday mornings in the town centre tend to be less busy. Check the opening hours of local businesses.
• Outdoor markets to sample local delicacies or browse handicrafts in the fresh air.
• A walk or cycle in the park, around the castle grounds or one of our many parks.

We want to help you get back to the things that make you smile.

Prefer to shop at quieter times?

You can still make the most of a warm welcome by using quiet hours to do your shopping. Businesses throughout the city have committed to opening quiet hours for those who want to enjoy a warm welcome with less people around. Contact your favourite places and see if they’ve signed up.

Hand sanitisers

We want to make it easy for everyone to follow hand hygiene recommendations, so we’ve installed hand sanitisers in high footfall areas such as parks and at car park paying machines.

Enjoy fresh air

We’ve increased cycle and footway widths, reduced traffic speed limits and set restrictions on vehicles that can access the High Street. This means you’ll have more room to wander and enjoy some fresh air.

Meet up / Eat out / Shop around / Be active / Bargain hunt / Work away / Get it wrapped / Watch it live

Share a photo or video of how you’re enjoying life in the local community, from Colchester, Dedham, Wivenhoe, Mersea and Tiptree, anything from a selfie in your favourite place to a close-up of your coffee, and we’ll select two of the best photos to each win a £250 Colchester Gift Card. Simply tag #ColchesterMakesMyDay

Read the competition terms and conditions.