Jumbo Tower Tours
Scale Colchester’s towering Victorian masterpiece and see your city like never before!
Step inside Jumbo, the magnificent water tower that has been watching over Colchester for generations! This incredible opportunity lets you climb through a piece of living history while giving the opportunity to see Colchester like never before.
What awaits you
- Ascend all 157 thrilling steps through this engineering marvel
- Reach the cupola at the summit, 40 metres above the ground
- Enjoy completely uninterrupted panoramic views across the entire city of Colchester
- Discover how this Victorian giant once supplied life-saving water to our growing community
A tower with purpose – Jumbo isn’t just an impressive landmark, it’s a testament to Victorian innovation that brought clean, fresh water to every corner of Colchester. This towering achievement helped build the thriving city you’ll see spread out below you.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY! North Essex Heritage is offering these special guided tours before Jumbo temporarily closes for essential preservation work. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore one of Colchester’s most iconic structures from the inside out.
From Jumbo’s heights, you’ll witness unobstructed views stretching across our historic city – from ancient Roman walls to modern developments, all laid out like a living map beneath your feet.
Every ticket supports vital restoration efforts to preserve this architectural treasure for future generations.
Tours are now sold out.
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What to expect
Current access to Jumbo’s Engineers’ Room and the water tank is via a single very steep spiral staircase. Please note there are strict health and safety rules in place which restrict who can be admitted. Everyone must wear suitable footwear. Children under 8 years of age will not be permitted access to the tower. All children 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Please study the full rules before booking and be aware that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of children in your care. Colchester Jumbo Limited, as the owner of Jumbo, and Colchester and North East Essex Building Preservation Trust (North Essex Heritage), as the Lessee, together with the Trustees and any supporting volunteers, cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage to person or property as a result of your presence at Jumbo, or any aspect of your visit to it, including in particular as a result of any slips or falls while climbing or descending the stairs.
Private Tours
You can use the button below to get in touch about bespoke tours for your community group or school. If you are looking for a unique venue for a team-building corporate visit, we would be happy to discuss your needs. Please be aware that there is a high demand for tours so we may be unable to immediately service your request.
Request Tour