WHETHER you are looking for the best place for a family day out or just a new spot to take the dog, we have got you covered.

Colchester is spoilt for choice when it comes to nature parks, trails and gardens.

The following nature and park attractions are on the list of best beauty spots in Colchester, according to TripAdvisor reviews.

1. Colchester Zoo

Where: Maldon Rd, Stanway, Colchester

Rating: 4.5

Unsurprisingly, Colchester Zoo is top of the list.

The award-winning zoo has more than 270 species and is set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes.

One reviewer who visited this month and gave it a five-star review said: “What a lovely day out today, I have never been to the zoo before but what a good choice.

“Well presented all around the zoo, even the new dinosaur bit that is under construction. Lots of different animals to see up close and personal and the high raised viewing platforms give an added bonus to seeing the animals around the zoo.

“Went on the train which took us to see the Lemurs, we all got off train and went into the walkthrough part to get a closer look.

“Prior to going in the train driver gave us a briefing about how to act when in amongst them, which proved valuable as a couple of people had Lemurs on their shoulders during the time in walkthrough.

“On route we saw wolves, flamingos etc. Well worth getting on the train, The enclosures look all well kept and animals looked healthy and cared for.

“Food outlets are plenty and priced about the same as any other park I’ve visited. Lots of picnic opportunities as well and a lot of sheltered areas if weather takes a turn.

“Plenty of clean well-kept toilet facilities, handwashing/hand gel available. All in all a lovely day out for our family from 2 years old to 59 years old. On the way out there is a gift shop with an abundance of different products to purchase. It was a thoroughly good day and I shall visit again.”

2. Castle Park

Where: High Street, Colchester

Rating: 4.5

The park in the centre of Colchester holds evidence of 2,000 years of history.

The large park is the site of Colchester Castle, a boating lake and a fish pond.

One reviewer who visited in May said: “This area is full of beauty and amazing! You must visit if coming to Colchester!

"I loved the fish pond and going to the castle as it had history and some Roman remains!”

Another reviewer said: “Love this park, there is a castle, remains of castle walls, a boat pond, lovely flower garden, especially in summer, a café and of course the castle museum itself.

“Located just behind the town centre, two minutes on foot. There are loads of grey squirrels, very funny to watch their antics, not shy at all. The boat pond has swan boats running in summer. Near the weir kingfisher do their hunting.”

3. Green Island Gardens

Where: Park Road, Ardleigh, Colchester

Rating: 4.5

The RHS partner garden is listed as the third-best place to go in Colchester.

The garden has 20 acres of professionally designed gardens and woodlands destroyed by the 1987 hurricane.

One reviewer who visited this month said: “A beautiful area filled with plants, shrubs, flowers and trees.

“Everything is coming into bloom so a good time to visit. The rhododendrons, acres, bluebells and buttercups were magnificent and ablaze with colour.

“There is a lovely tearoom serving homemade sandwiches and delicious cakes as well as a nursery selling plants.

“Lovely wooded areas too and a children's playground. A perfect place for all ages.”

4. Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens

Where: Elmstead Market, Clacton Road, Colchester

Rating: 4.5

World-renowned gardener Beth Chatto and her team created a 7.5 acres garden using sustainable planting methods.

They used difficult terrain to grow plants suited for the area.

There are more than 2,000 different kinds of plants and bulbs.

One visitor said: “Beautiful landscape garden. Lovely cafe. Gift shop and wide range of plants for sale. The garden is very inspirational. Good for relaxing and getting some ideas.”

5. Cudmore Grove Country Park

Where: Bromans Cottage, Mersea Island, Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Colchester

Rating: 4.5

The historic country park has links to the Second World War, with pillboxes still remaining at the site.

There is children’s play equipment, sea views and miles of land to walk.

One visitor said: “Lovely place to go for a walk, even better it is dog friendly. Nice to get an ice cream on site. Parking reasonably priced. Good play area for the kids.”

6. Markshall Estate

Where: Marks Hall, Marks Hall Road, Colchester

Rating: 4.5

Markshall Estate is a conservation landscape with more than 1,000 years of history.

One reviewer said: “We visit here a lot in both summer and winter and I still don’t think we’ve covered it all. It’s beautiful in all seasons.

“I have two small children and there’s always a fun trail for them to do with different themes. Lovely forest school in school holidays. Cafe is really lovely too.”