Roman Town Walls
Explore Britain's first Roman town, featuring the largest Roman gateway in the UK and remnants of ancient defensive walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Roman Town Walls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Britain's first Roman town, featuring the largest Roman gateway in the UK and remnants of ancient defensive walls.
"The Balkerne Gate is a must-see, the largest Roman gateway in Britain, offering a glimpse into ancient history."
🚶♀️ Walk the Wall Route
Follow the designated path to see various wall sections, but note it's not a continuous elevated walk.
🍺 Visit the Hole in the Wall
This pub is built over part of the Balkerne Gate, offering a unique historical connection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balkerne Gate
Colchester
Britain's largest surviving Roman gateway, a monumental arch dating back to the 2nd century.
Remains of the Town Walls
Colchester
Explore fragmented sections of the ancient Roman defensive walls, offering glimpses into the town's past.
Saint Botolph's Priory Ruins
Colchester
Impressive ruins of an Augustinian priory, damaged during the Civil War, showcasing medieval architecture.
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Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Roman Walls
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Wall Route
Follow the designated path to see various wall sections, but note it's not a continuous elevated walk.
🍺 Visit the Hole in the Wall
This pub is built over part of the Balkerne Gate, offering a unique historical connection.
🏛️ Appreciate the History
Understand the context of Boudica's attack and Roman defenses for a richer experience.
📸 Capture the Gate
The Balkerne Gate is a significant landmark, perfect for historical photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Wall Route
Follow the designated path to see various wall sections, but note it's not a continuous elevated walk.
🍺 Visit the Hole in the Wall
This pub is built over part of the Balkerne Gate, offering a unique historical connection.
🏛️ Appreciate the History
Understand the context of Boudica's attack and Roman defenses for a richer experience.
📸 Capture the Gate
The Balkerne Gate is a significant landmark, perfect for historical photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Balkerne Gate impressive as Britain's largest Roman gateway, appreciating its historical significance and free access. However, some express disappointment that the town walls are fragmented and not a continuous, walkable circuit like in other Roman cities. The 'Hole in the Wall' pub adds a unique touch.
"The Balkerne Gate is a roman gateway into Colchester. The grade l listed scheduled monument is the largest surviving roman gateway in Britain and dates back to the second century. It was the main gateway into Colchester. It is free to visit and is well worth seeing."
Andrew Nell
"We visited Colchester last weekend 5th sept. Agree with some of the previous comments ie that if you were in Colchester the gate is worth a look at but probably not worth a specific visit for. We walked the route of the wall I envisaged walking on an elevated wall around the city. It’s not like that at all. It’s very patchy and you don’t actually walk on the wall itself. If you’ve been to York or Chester you ll be disappointed (accepting that the bulk those walls were built later by the normans albeit on Roman foundations ). I know some people may think I’m being disrespectful to Colchester, I’m not as we had a great time and the people were lovely. But just being honest about the wall itself."
Scott Wood
"The Romans built a monumental arch here in AD 49 to mark the foundation of Roman Colchester.
In AD 60 Boudica and her followers burnt Colchester to the ground. Following this disaster the Romans enclosed the town with a stone wall to protect it from further attack.
The monumental arch was incorporated into the new
west gate which gave access to the main road to London.
Around two hundred years later the town defences were strengthened against the threat of Saxon raids.
During the Middle Ages the wall radually ceased to be used for defence although it was repaired at various times.
After the siege of Colchester in 1648 sections of the wall were pulled down and others were built over. A house,
now the 'Hole in the Wall' pub, was built on top of theremains of the Balkerne Gate.
A reconstruction painting showing the Belkerne Gate as it might have appearedThe largest Roman gateway in Britain
The Romans built a monumental arch here in AD 49 to
mark the foundation of Roman Colchester.
In AD 60 Boudica and her followers burnt Colchester to
the ground. Following this disaster the Romans
enclosed
the town with a stone wall to protect it from further attack.
The monumental arch was incorporated into the new
west gate which gave access to the main road to London.
Around two hundred years later the town defences were
strengthened against the threat of Saxon raids.
During the Middle Ages the wall radually ceased to be
used for defence although it was repaired at various times.
After the siege of Colchester in 1648 sections of the wall
were pulled down and others were built over. A house,
now the 'Hole in the Wall' pub, was built on top of the
remains of the Balkerne Gate.
A reconstruction painting showing the Belkerne Gate as it might have appeared
around AD 40. The surviving part of the gate is shown in grey.
o Peter Froste
Vi
We do not know the origin of the word Balkerne or why
it was used for this gate.
around AD 40. The surviving part of the gate is shown in grey.
o Peter Froste
Vi
We do not know the origin of the word Balkerne or why
it was used for this gate."
Vincent Oliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colchester has two main stations: Colchester station and Colchester Town station. The Roman Town Walls and Balkerne Gate are accessible from Colchester Town station, which is closer to the town center.
There are several car parks in Colchester town center, which is a short walk from the main Roman sites. Check local parking apps for availability and pricing.
Yes, from Colchester Town station, it's a manageable walk into the town center where you can find the main Roman remnants.
Colchester is well-served by public transport. Buses frequently run through the town center, making it easy to reach areas near the Roman sites.
Start with the Balkerne Gate and then follow the marked routes for the town walls. Consider visiting Colchester Castle for a more comprehensive historical experience. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Roman Town Walls and the Balkerne Gate are free to visit and explore.
As outdoor historical sites, the Roman Town Walls and Balkerne Gate are accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better visibility.
The Balkerne Gate is a public monument and can be viewed freely without any admission charge.
While official guided tours might be limited, local historical societies or walking tour groups may offer them. It's best to check local listings closer to your visit.
The town walls are largely fragmented, and you cannot walk along them continuously like in some other cities. You can walk the route of the walls and see the remaining sections.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Balkerne Gate is the most significant, being the largest surviving Roman gateway in Britain and a key part of the town's original defenses.
You'll see various sections of the Roman walls, some more intact than others, and the impressive Balkerne Gate. It's a patchy experience, not a continuous wall walk.
If you've seen York or Chester, you might find Colchester's walls less extensive. However, the Balkerne Gate is unique and historically significant.
Yes, there are usually information boards at key points, including the Balkerne Gate, providing historical context.
The 'Hole in the Wall' is a pub famously built on top of the remains of the Balkerne Gate, offering a unique historical setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The Balkerne Gate itself offers the most striking photographic opportunities. Look for vantage points that capture the scale of the gateway.
Due to the fragmented nature of the walls, capturing the entire circuit in one photo is difficult. Focus on individual sections and the gate.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful light for historical structures like the Balkerne Gate, creating dramatic shadows.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private property and any specific signage.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in the UK. Always check current aviation authority guidelines and local bylaws before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendation: Combine your visit with Colchester Castle. Its museum has exhibits that are often engaging for children, and the castle itself is a fascinating structure to explore. Pack snacks and water, as exploring the outdoor sites can be tiring for little ones. Consider a short, focused visit to the Balkerne Gate to keep younger children interested.
🏛️ History Buffs & Roman Enthusiasts
Recommendation: Dedicate ample time to explore the Balkerne Gate and walk the route of the town walls. Visiting Colchester Castle Museum is essential for a deeper dive into the Roman period, with extensive artifacts and information. Consider researching the history beforehand to fully appreciate the sites.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Recommendation: Pack a picnic to enjoy near the historical sites. Utilize public transport to get around town, and focus on exploring the outdoor remnants. While Colchester Castle has an entry fee, it's a worthwhile investment for history enthusiasts on a budget, offering immense value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Balkerne Gate: A Roman Marvel
Today, the Balkerne Gate is a Grade I listed scheduled monument and the largest surviving Roman gateway in Britain. While much of it is in ruins, its scale and presence are still awe-inspiring. The adjacent 'Hole in the Wall' pub, built over part of the gate's remains, adds a unique layer to its history, blending ancient and modern. Visitors can appreciate the sheer age and importance of this structure, imagining the bustling Roman life that once passed through its arches.
Pro Tip: While the gate is free to view, consider visiting the nearby Colchester Castle Museum for a deeper understanding of Roman Colchester and its history, including artifacts and exhibits related to the town's Roman past.
Colchester's Fragmented Roman Walls
However, the town's history, including the siege of Colchester in 1648, led to sections being pulled down or built over. This means that exploring the walls today involves walking a route and observing various remaining sections rather than traversing an unbroken rampart. While this might be a point of disappointment for some expecting a complete circuit, it offers a unique perspective on how historical sites evolve and are integrated into modern urban landscapes.
Community Insight: Travelers often note that the experience of walking the walls is 'patchy' and not comparable to other Roman wall sites. However, they still emphasize the value of seeing these historical remnants and appreciating Colchester's deep Roman roots.
Beyond the Walls: Other Roman Legacies
Colchester Castle itself, while a Norman construction, is built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. Visiting the castle provides a comprehensive look at the town's layered history, from its Roman origins to its medieval and later periods.
Traveler Tip: For those fascinated by Roman history, dedicating time to explore Colchester Castle and its museum is highly recommended, as it offers a wealth of information and artifacts that bring the Roman era to life.
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