Colchester Heritage Open Days to kick off this week
The event was held online in 2020 but returns to normal this year
After nearly two years, Colchester residents and visitors can visit all the heritage sites the city has to offer for free, as part of this year's Colchester Heritage Open Days.
It begins this Friday and runs until the following weekend.
The event took place virtually last year, with numerous venues closed off owing to Covid-19 protocols.
The sites were made accessible through short films or virtual tours.
This year, however, visitors can explore the city and its history in person.
Philip Wise is the Heritage Manager at Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service.
He said:
"There are a range of buildings being opened and events being organised this year.
"All these buildings can be visited for free, from Colchester Castle to St. John's Abbey Gate."
For those who are unsure about what sites they want to visit, Mr. Wise recommends that they collect a pamphlet from the Visitor Centre at Colchester High Street or look up the organiser's website:
"A visit to Colchester Castle is always a good idea to explore the town's heritage and history.
"But I think the secret is to grab a hold of a pamphlet or visit our website where you can find all the details and pick something that is of interest to you, whether it's an historic church or a guided walk around the town."
The purpose of holding these events, Mr. Wise says, is to make sites like the castle (which has an entry fee) or Holy Trinity Church (difficult to access usually), as free and open as possible for visitors.
The events and venues will follow Covid-19 protocol as per the UK Government's latest guidance and there are risk assessments in place wherever necessary.
For those who are still concerned, Mr. Wise says there are a number of outdoor events that visitors can attend to experience the town's heritage from the outside:
"If people are nervous about going to enclosed spaces, they can enjoy a guided walking tour of Gosbecks Archaeological Park or the churchyard at Holy Trinity Church among others.
"So hopefully, there is something for everybody."