Heritage Open Days 2013: 12th-15th September

This year, the national Heritage Open Days run from today (12th September) to Sunday 15th September. Heritage buildings, institutions and sites which are participating in the HOD scheme are open to visitors, free of charge, for these four days. Some of these places may not usually be open to visitors or entry may not usually be free.

Colchester’s Roman circus site, centre, cafe and excavation site will be open as normal today and on Friday and Saturday (not Sunday), from 10.00am to 4.00pm; entry is free. The Trust is not participating in the Heritage Open Days scheme this year, as the circus heritage site and centre are already open to visitors on six days a week. Free guided tours of the circus centre, excavation site and starting-gates are available on Saturdays, on request.

In Colchester, places which are open for the HOD include the Town Hall, Colchester Cemetery, the town centre churches, the Colne Lightship at the Hythe, Colchester Royal Grammar School, and the remains of the Roman theatre in Maidenburgh Street. There are various events and guided tours, including a tour of the Roman town wall. (Colchester Castle is closed to visitors until Easter 2014.)

Please check details of buildings, institutions and sites, opening times, events, etc in the local press, at Colchester Borough Library, on site or on the HOD web-site at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

The Trust welcomes visitors to the Roman circus centre and site on every day that we are open. We look forward to seeing you!

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