THE warm welcome visitors receive at Colchester Castle has been recognised in an annual awards- heralded as a ‘hello’ that even the legendary Boudica would have enjoyed.

Venues from museums to farm attractions across the country, have been praised by expert judges at Visit England.

And the former Norman fortress was awarded a gong for providing an outstanding welcome to visitors.

Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, Colchester Castle is the largest Norman keep in Europe.

The museum showcases the history of Colchester from Celtic kings, through the Roman invasion and Boudiccan revolt, to the Norman conquest and medieval life.

Julie Young, Colchester Council’s culture boss, said: “This is tremendous news.

“I am delighted that Colchester Castle continues to provide a highly rewarding museum experience and has again been recognised by VisitEngland for a Visitor Attraction Accolade.

“I am incredibly proud of the excellence of the customer care displayed by our staff.”

England’s attractions are awarded accolades based on the score they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland.

First presented to the castle in 2003, it is awarded to venues which show excellence in the experiences, service and stories they offer to visitors.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “England’s attractions provide visitors with amazing experiences and these accolades recognise the outstanding customer service and quality on offer across the country.

“From Best Told Story interpretation to Hidden Gem, these accolades show there is an attraction capable of capturing everyone’s imagination creating lasting memories and spreading the economic benefits from tourism.”

Last year, the castle hosted its special exhibition Adorn Jewellery: The Human Story which celebrated jewellery from Bronze Age torcs to modern bling.​

Visitors were able to learn about the inspiration and personal stories of love, friendship, loss and status behind the jewellery.

In excess of 23,000 people visited the exhibition between September and December, an increase of roughly 7.5 per cent on the year before.