HISTORY lovers can follow in the footsteps of Romans and discover facts about the Siege of Colchester through new walking trails.

Visit Colchester is launching two self-guided walking trails which will take ramblers on a journey back in time to the Siege of Colchester and the construction of the town's famous Roman walls.

Colchester is renowned for having the earliest and best-preserved Roman walls in Britain and its rich Roman heritage attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Walkers will be able to discover more about the historic town walls which were built in AD65 to protect the town from attack.

col roman walls rodger tamblyn.

col roman walls rodger tamblyn.

The second walking trail transports strollers back to Colchester in the 1600’s and one of the most dramatic events in Colchester’s rich history: the Siege of Colchester.

The trail takes the modern visitor on a tour of 12 key sites across the town to discover what happened in 1648, and how the 11-week siege left its mark on both the people of Colchester and many of its buildings.

The Balkerne Gate is part of Colchesters Roman Wall.

The Balkerne Gate is part of Colchester's Roman Wall.

Julie Young, portfolio holder for culture and performance and deputy leader of Colchester Council, said: “Visit Colchester’s new trails take the public on a journey back in time and are a fun way to discover more of the town’s rich history.

“Walk like a Roman and imagine what life may have been like for someone living in Colchester through the Siege. Colchester’s history continues and lives on.”

Download the two trails via visitcolchester.com/walks.