Lexden Earthworks — Ancient Colchester Defences

Where Iron Age History Meets Woodland Calm

Hidden among trees on the western edge of Colchester, the Lexden Earthworks mark one of Britain’s most significant Iron Age sites.
Built more than 2,000 years ago to protect the settlement of Camulodunum, these ramparts once enclosed the capital of Celtic kings — long before the Romans arrived.

Today, they form a tranquil landscape of ditches, embankments, and woodland known as Bluebottle Grove, perfect for quiet walks and exploration.

From Tribal Stronghold to Roman Frontier

The earthworks were constructed by the Trinovantes, one of the most powerful Iron Age tribes in southeast Britain.
Their ruler, Addedomarus, made Camulodunum his seat of power around 25 BC, surrounding it with massive banks for defence and prestige.
However, when the Romans invaded in AD 43, they took the same site for their first British capital.

Therefore, Lexden’s landscape connects two worlds — Celtic independence and Roman rule — visible in every contour of the soil.

Exploring Lexden Earthworks and Bluebottle Grove
1. The Ramparts and Ditches

The tree-lined mounds you walk today were once towering barriers, reinforced with timber and chalk.
Follow the circular paths to see clear sections of the bank and outer ditch, now softened by moss and ferns.

2. Bluebottle Grove

This quiet woodland forms the heart of the site.
Birdsong and filtered sunlight make it ideal for reflective strolls, while signboards describe the archaeological discoveries found here — coins, pottery, and burial remains dating to the first century BC.

3. The Lexden Tumulus

Nearby lies the Lexden Tumulus, believed to be the grave of a powerful Iron Age chieftain, possibly Addedomarus himself.
Gold jewellery and fine imports from the Mediterranean were unearthed here, revealing international connections even before Rome’s conquest.

Learn more at the English Heritage website

A Natural and Historical Haven

Though shaped by ancient warfare, the site feels serene today.
Oak, beech, and hazel now cloak the old ramparts, while spring flowers carpet the ditches.
Furthermore, the blend of archaeology and nature makes it an engaging stop for both history lovers and walkers.

It’s heritage alive in the landscape — peaceful yet powerful.

Visiting Lexden Earthworks
How to Get There

Address: Lexden Road, Colchester CO3 3QP

By Car: Signed from the A1124; limited street parking nearby

By Train: Colchester Station (1.5 miles)

By Bus: Regular town services along Lexden Road

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, dawn to dusk

Free entry

Facilities

Woodland footpaths and information panels

Benches near the entrances

Step-free access via main paths; uneven ground on slopes

Nearby Attractions

Colchester Castle Museum — Roman artefacts and interactive exhibits

Balkerne Gate — Britain’s oldest surviving Roman gateway

High Woods Country Park — Lakes, trails, and wildflower meadows

Layer Marney Tower — Tudor gatehouse with panoramic views

Together, they form the Colchester Heritage Trail.

Why Visit Lexden Earthworks?

The Lexden Earthworks and Bluebottle Grove experience offers:

Rare Iron Age ramparts within walking distance of Colchester town

Peaceful woodland walks and wildlife spotting

Free, open-air access year-round

Links to Britain’s earliest urban history

Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Celtic kings or enjoying a quiet woodland escape, Lexden combines nature and deep time effortlessly.
It’s not just earth and trees — it’s Colchester’s oldest story, written in the ground.