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Grey Friars (now Greyfriars Luxury Hotel and Restaurant)

Greyfriars Luxury Hotel and Restaurant, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

  • Multiple dates available
  • In person
  • Pre-booking required

The present Grey Friars building dates back to 1755, but its site has a much older history which is revealed via a guided walk and displays of old photographs and documents in The Salon, one of the hotel's meeting rooms.

The name Grey Friars refers to the medieval Franciscan Friary, which was established here by 1237. No trace of this survives today and the present building is an 18th-century townhouse which was considerably enlarged in 1904 when the building was used as a convent. For over a hundred years, Grey Friars was used for educational purposes, first as a school and later as an adult education college.

The rear of the building, which once faced a large garden, dates to 1780 and will be seen as part of the guided tour of the north-east corner of the historic city centre which is bounded by the Roman Wall. Visitors are welcome at any time to come in and browse the displays.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 14 September:
Tours: 1100 & 1400
Sunday 21 September:
Tours: 1100 & 1400

Location & directions

Greyfriars Luxury Hotel and Restaurant, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Directions:
The 'What Three Words' location is ///head.hurry.swear
Contact on day:
Hotel Reception
Telephone number:
+441206575913

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking required
Booking conditions:
Please book places on the guided tours via email or phone.
Booking contact name:
Hotel reception
Booking telephone number:
+441206575913
Booking email:
[email protected]

Accessibility details

The exhibition in The Salon is open between 1030 and 1600 on each day that Greyfriars is open for the festival.

Additional information

Paid car parking available, access to car park is via Roman Road. Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on Sunday 14 September are Roman Theatre (Maidenburgh St), 7 Queen Street (The Brewhouse) and Peake's House (East Stockwell Street). Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on Sunday 21 September are The Minories (lecture at 1200), Gray's Summerhouse in Castle Park, St Helen's Chapel, St Martin's Church, Roman Theatre (Maidenburgh St) and 7 Queen Street (The Brewhouse).

Est. tour duration:
1 hour(s)

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