Jumbo Tower Tours
Our Autumn tours open for booking on Monday, September 232024, for weekend dates until Christmas. Numbers are strictly limited, but we are delighted to be welcoming visitors back into Jumbo for a guided tour.
Tickets are priced from £10 plus a booking fee and profits from ticket sales will go to The Jumbo Project, North Essex Heritage’s initiative to restore this Colchester icon and bring it back into sustainable use for everyone to enjoy. Once the restoration starts there will be very limited access, so this is your chance to walk inside the huge water tank before the experts get to work on the Grade ll* Listed building.
Please get in touch with the Mercury Theatre in person or by telephone if you cannot book online. The theatre’s box office is closed on Mondays.
Anyone who was on a waiting list from previous tours, or who was unsuccessful in the ballot for Heritage Open Day tickets will receive a priority code to book before September 23.
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