Colchester CO1 1NF

Jumbo Water Tower


Jumbo Water Tower is a water tower at the Balkerne Gate in Colchester, Essex. Charles Clegg, the Borough Surveyor and Engineer, designed the structure. The tower is 40.1m tall overall and contains 1.2 million red bricks.

Location

About



Colchester, a historic town in the county of Essex, England, is known for its rich history and charming architecture. One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the Jumbo Water Tower, also known as the Colchester Water Tower, located in the heart of the town. The tower stands tall at 45 meters and is an impressive sight to see. From a tourist perspective, visiting the Jumbo Water Tower is a must-do activity when in Colchester.

Built-in 1883, the Jumbo Water Tower served as the town's primary water supply until the 1970s. Today, the tower has been decommissioned and transformed into a museum that offers visitors an insight into Colchester's rich history. The tower's history and transformation are displayed through interactive exhibits and displays that are both informative and engaging.

As a tourist, the journey to the top of the Jumbo Water Tower is the highlight of the visit. Visitors can climb the 155 steps to the top of the tower, where they will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding countryside. The climb can be challenging for some, but the effort is well worth it. The panoramic views from the top are simply stunning and offer visitors a unique perspective of Colchester.

For those interested in the engineering and architecture of the tower, the Jumbo Water Tower offers an opportunity to learn more about the tower's construction and design. The tower was built by William Smith, an architect and engineer who was also responsible for the design of the London sewage system. Visitors can learn more about Smith's work and the tower's construction through informative displays and exhibits.

The Jumbo Water Tower also offers visitors a chance to learn more about the town's history. From the top of the tower, visitors can see many of Colchester's historic landmarks, such as the castle, the town hall, and the Roman walls. The tower's exhibits and displays also provide visitors with a glimpse into the town's rich and varied history.

Visiting the Jumbo Water Tower is an unforgettable experience that offers visitors a unique perspective on Colchester's history and architecture. The tower's climb may be challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. From the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding countryside. The tower's exhibits and displays provide an informative and engaging look into Colchester's history and engineering. Overall, a visit to the Jumbo Water Tower is an essential activity for any tourist visiting Colchester.

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Opening Hours

Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours
Monday Open 24 hours

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