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Colchester Roman Walls

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Walk along Britain's longest surviving Roman walls, a powerful testament to the ancient capital of Camulodunum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Le mura presso Porta Tiburtina: lato esterno

Colchester Roman Walls

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk along Britain's longest surviving Roman walls, a powerful testament to the ancient capital of Camulodunum.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A remarkable journey back in time, these ancient ramparts offer a tangible connection to Roman Britain."

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TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Roman walls are extensive and the paths can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoying your walk.

🗺️ Download a Map

While signage is present, having a map helps you navigate the full circuit and locate key sections like the Balkerne Gate.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Balkerne Gate

The Balkerne Gate

North-West corner of the walls

The most impressive surviving section of the Roman walls, featuring a grand gateway.

Roe Street Section

Roe Street Section

Near the town center

A well-preserved stretch offering excellent views and a sense of the wall's original scale.

Castle Park Views

Castle Park Views

Overlooking Castle Park

Walk along the walls for panoramic vistas of Colchester Castle and the surrounding parkland.

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Planning Your Visit

Walk the Ancient Ramparts

Explore the longest surviving Roman walls in Britain. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. Check the weather as much of the experience is outdoors.

Colchester's Rich History

These walls are a testament to Roman Britain's power. Consider a guided tour or audio guide to fully appreciate the historical significance and stories behind the fortifications.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring/early autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for walking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Places to go in Essex!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Roman walls are extensive and the paths can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoying your walk.

🗺️ Download a Map

While signage is present, having a map helps you navigate the full circuit and locate key sections like the Balkerne Gate.

reddit.com

Want to visit Essex

reddit.com

Tourist in Essex perspective - It's not that bad...?

🏛️ Combine with Castle Visit

The walls surround Colchester Castle. Visiting both offers a comprehensive historical experience.

reddit.com

I'm going to be In Colchester next week visiting from the US. I'll be there all week what are some things that I can do?

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Roman walls are extensive and the paths can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoying your walk.

🗺️ Download a Map

While signage is present, having a map helps you navigate the full circuit and locate key sections like the Balkerne Gate.

🏛️ Combine with Castle Visit

The walls surround Colchester Castle. Visiting both offers a comprehensive historical experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Colchester Roman Walls for their historical significance and impressive preservation, offering a tangible link to Roman Britain. The Balkerne Gate is a standout feature, and the walls provide a unique perspective on the town's ancient past. Some find accessibility challenging in certain areas, and the experience is best enjoyed during daylight hours.

What People Like

Impressive Roman architecture
Historical significance
Free to explore

What People Dislike

Uneven terrain
Limited accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The walls are centrally located in Colchester town center, easily accessible on foot from the main train station. Several bus routes also stop nearby. Parking is available in town center car parks, though it can be busy.

Yes, Colchester town center is well-served by local buses, and the main train station is within walking distance of the walls.

You can drive to Colchester town center, where numerous car parks are available. The walls themselves are pedestrian areas, so you'll park and then walk to them.

Walking the full circuit is the best way to appreciate their scale. You can start at various points, with the Balkerne Gate being a popular starting or ending point.

While official guided tours might be seasonal, local historical societies or volunteer groups sometimes offer them. Check local listings or the Colchester Castle Museum for information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking along the public sections of the Colchester Roman Walls is free. Access to Colchester Castle, which is adjacent to parts of the walls, requires a separate ticket.

The Roman Walls are accessible at all times as they are part of the public realm. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.

There is no entrance fee to walk on or view the Colchester Roman Walls. They are a historic monument integrated into the town.

As there is no entry fee, advance booking is not necessary for the Roman Walls themselves. Tickets are only required for Colchester Castle.

The main restrictions are common sense: respect the historical site, do not climb on unstable sections, and be mindful of other visitors. Some areas might have limited access due to ongoing preservation work.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Walking the entire circuit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views and read information boards.

You'll see various sections of the wall, including the impressive Balkerne Gate, turrets, and bastions. The walls offer views of Colchester Castle and Castle Park.

Accessibility can be challenging. Some sections have steps or uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check specific routes beforehand, as not all parts are fully accessible.

The Balkerne Gate is a prime spot. Views from the walls overlooking Castle Park and the castle itself are also very photogenic.

Yes, Colchester town center has numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants located very close to the Roman Walls and Castle Park.

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but also good for capturing architectural details.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the walls and gates. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details and wider shots.

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historical sites. It's best to check local bylaws and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.

The Balkerne Gate, sections with prominent turrets, and panoramic views from the walls looking towards Colchester Castle are highly recommended.

Photography policies vary inside Colchester Castle. Check with the museum staff upon arrival for their current rules regarding interior photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Colchester Roman Walls offer an exciting way for families to connect with history. Kids can imagine themselves as Roman soldiers guarding the town or as citizens entering through the grand gates. The Balkerne Gate is particularly impressive and provides a great spot for imaginative play. While some sections might be challenging for strollers due to uneven surfaces, many parts of the walk are manageable. Pack snacks and drinks, and make it a fun adventure by turning the walk into a 'Roman quest' to find different parts of the wall.

Consider visiting Castle Park, which is adjacent to the walls, for a break. It offers playgrounds and open spaces for children to run around. Combining the wall walk with a visit to Colchester Castle (which has interactive exhibits) can create a full day of historical exploration that appeals to all ages. Look for information boards that might have child-friendly facts to keep them engaged.

🚶 History Buffs & Enthusiasts

For those passionate about Roman history, Colchester's walls are a treasure trove. As the site of Camulodunum, Britain's first Roman capital, the walls represent a crucial piece of the Roman Empire's expansion. Focus on understanding the construction techniques, the strategic importance of the location, and the evolution of the fortifications over centuries. The Balkerne Gate is a prime example of Roman civic architecture and a must-examine feature.

Delve into the details by researching the different phases of construction and the impact of events like the Boudican revolt. Visiting Colchester Castle, built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, provides further context. Engaging with local historical societies or guided tours can offer deeper insights and uncover lesser-known facts about the walls and the Roman town they once protected.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Roman Colchester

The Colchester Roman Walls are a significant remnant of Camulodunum, the first Roman capital in Britain. Constructed in stages, the earliest parts date back to the 1st century AD, with major rebuilding and expansion occurring after the Boudican revolt in 60/61 AD. These formidable fortifications were designed to protect the thriving Roman town from further uprisings and served as a symbol of Roman power and permanence. Walking along them today offers a tangible connection to this ancient past, allowing visitors to trace the footsteps of Roman soldiers and citizens.

Key sections like the Balkerne Gate stand as impressive testaments to Roman engineering and architectural prowess. This gate, once a grand entrance to the town, is one of the most substantial surviving Roman gateways in Britain. The sheer scale and preservation of the walls provide invaluable insights into Roman urban planning and defensive strategies. For history enthusiasts, understanding the context of Roman Britain and Colchester's role as its capital enriches the experience of exploring these ancient ramparts.

While the walls themselves are the main attraction, their integration into the modern townscape is also fascinating. They weave through parks and public spaces, offering a unique blend of ancient history and contemporary life. Many visitors find that combining a walk along the walls with a visit to Colchester Castle, built on the foundations of the Roman temple of Claudius, provides a comprehensive understanding of the town's Roman heritage.

Exploring the Walls: Practicalities and Perspectives

When planning your visit to the Colchester Roman Walls, comfort is key. The terrain can be uneven, with some sections featuring steps or slopes, making sturdy footwear a must. While the walls are accessible year-round during daylight hours, the best experience is often had on a clear day, allowing for unobstructed views and a more pleasant walk. Many visitors recommend dedicating at least an hour to explore the most significant stretches, such as the Balkerne Gate and the sections overlooking Castle Park.

For those seeking deeper historical context, consider utilizing local resources. Information boards are placed at various points along the walls, offering details about their construction and history. Some travelers suggest looking into local historical walking tours or audio guides, which can bring the ancient stones to life with stories and facts. The proximity to Colchester Castle also means that a combined visit is highly practical, offering a fuller picture of Roman and Norman history in the area.

Community discussions often highlight the value of exploring beyond the most obvious sections. While the Balkerne Gate is a must-see, venturing further can reveal quieter, equally impressive parts of the wall. Remember that these are ancient structures, so while they are robust, respecting their age and condition is important. Enjoy the journey through history as you traverse these remarkable Roman fortifications.

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