Colchester Castle is to reopen within weeks and will include state of the art displays and virtual chariot racing.

The Castle Park attraction will officially reopen to the public on May 2 after it was closed more than a year ago for a £4.2million refurbishment.

It is hope the project will bring visitor numbers back to 100,000 per year, and they will be able to tour the site using tablet computers.

Councillor Tim Young, cabinet member for culture, said: “People will be given tablets, or iPad equivalents to go round with, it will be very interactive and very family friendly, we can’t wait for the public opening in May.

“I think the public will be blown away by the refurbishment and there will be repeat visitors.”

It is hoped with the refurbishment more than 15,000 children will also visit as a part of schools trips.

Ticket prices for the castle are also set to be increased but Colchester Council is yet to announce what they will be.