Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester: A Victorian Giant Standing Proud

Introduction

Rising above the rooftops of Colchester, the Jumbo Water Tower is more than a striking piece of Victorian engineering—it’s a symbol of the town’s history and resilience. Officially named the Balkerne Water Tower, this red-brick giant was built in 1883 to supply Colchester with clean water during a time of rapid industrial growth. Locals, however, quickly gave it the affectionate nickname “Jumbo” after a famous London Zoo elephant of the era, thanks to its sheer size and strength.

Today, Jumbo dominates the Colchester skyline and is one of the largest remaining Victorian water towers in England. Though no longer in use as a water supply, the tower continues to inspire visitors with its impressive scale, rich history, and unique character. Whether you’re interested in architecture, industrial heritage, or simply exploring Colchester’s landmarks, Jumbo offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past. Standing at over 130 feet tall, it’s hard to miss—and even harder to forget.

What is Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester famous for?

Jumbo Water Tower is famous for being the largest surviving Victorian water tower in Britain. Its nickname, “Jumbo,” reflects its sheer size and was inspired by the world-famous elephant at London Zoo in the 1880s.

Why should you visit Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester?

You should visit Jumbo Water Tower because it:

Represents Colchester’s Victorian engineering and innovation.

Offers a striking photo opportunity with its towering red-brick design.

Tells a story of civic pride, public health, and community resilience.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit Jumbo Water Tower?

Opening Hours: Currently, Jumbo is not open for regular public tours inside, but you can view and photograph the tower from the outside any time of day.

Best Times to Visit:

Morning or evening light creates dramatic shadows on the red brickwork.

Pair your visit with a walk through nearby Balkerne Hill and Colchester’s Roman sites for a history-packed trip.

How much does it cost to visit Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester?

Visiting the exterior of Jumbo is free. If special tours or events are arranged in the future, there may be a small admission fee.

What can you see or do at Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester?

At Jumbo Water Tower, you can:

Admire the Victorian architecture, including decorative arches and ironwork.

Learn about the tower’s role in improving public health in 19th-century Colchester.

Take memorable photos of one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.

Explore the surrounding area, which includes pubs, Roman ruins, and walking routes.

What is the history behind Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester?

Built in 1883 by architect Charles Clegg, the Balkerne Water Tower was constructed to provide Colchester with a modern water supply. Standing at 131 feet tall with a capacity of 230,000 gallons, it was one of the biggest of its kind in Britain.

The tower’s nickname, “Jumbo,” came from its resemblance to the massive elephant at London Zoo, which had become a national celebrity at the time. While some locals initially opposed the tower, considering it too imposing, it quickly became a defining feature of the town.

Though it ceased functioning as a water supply decades ago, Jumbo has remained a beloved Colchester landmark and has been the focus of restoration and preservation efforts.

Where is Jumbo Water Tower located and how do you get there?

📍 Location: Balkerne Hill, Colchester CO3 3AA, United Kingdom

By Train: A 15-minute walk from Colchester Town Station.

By Bus: Several local buses stop near Balkerne Hill.

By Car: Public parking is available nearby in Colchester town center.

On Foot: Easily reached from Colchester Castle and the Roman Wall.

Insider Tips for Visiting Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester

📸 Best photos can be taken from Balkerne Hill and nearby streets—look for angles that capture its scale against the skyline.

🏛️ Pair your visit with Colchester’s Roman landmarks, just a short walk away.

🍺 Stop by one of the nearby pubs, such as the Hole in the Wall, for a pint with a view of Jumbo.

Nearby Attractions to Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester

Colchester Castle – Explore Britain’s largest Norman keep, built on Roman foundations.

Balkerne Gate – The grand Roman gateway, standing close to Jumbo.

Hollytrees Museum – A free museum showcasing Colchester’s social history.

Firstsite Art Gallery – A modern gallery with rotating exhibitions.

Colchester Natural History Museum – Family-friendly and packed with local wildlife stories.

Discover Jumbo Water Tower with Questo

The Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester is more than just a Victorian relic—it’s a story of engineering, resilience, and community pride. Standing tall for over 140 years, it remains a must-see landmark for anyone exploring Britain’s oldest recorded town.

With Questo, you can make your visit even more exciting. Embark on an interactive quest that guides you through Colchester’s Roman walls, Norman castle, and Victorian treasures like Jumbo—solving clues and uncovering stories along the way.

👉 Download the Questo app and explore Colchester like never before—one clue at a time.