SOUTHAMPTON’S first ever ‘Festival of Heritage Walks’ comes to the city this month.

Run by Southampton Tourist Guides Association, the June guided tours will be a chance for history fans to delve into Shirley’s past, the story of Netley Abbey and hospital, or the forgotten suburb of Woolston.

You can go “around the walls in 80 minutes,” or do a medieval town “double bill”. Or maybe you’d like to know more about Swaythling and the remount depot.

Diana Callaghan, publicity officer for STGA said: “We love sharing our knowledge about our patch of Hampshire to those who come along on our walks.

“We are very excited and hope that this is just the first of many festivals. As guides we are passionate about bringing history to life and making it accessible to everyone.

“As individuals, we are accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, either at a local, or local and regional level. We have recently run a training course for new guides and they are keen to share their knowledge in an interesting and fun way with everyone that comes on our walks.”

A full list of walks, times and locations can be found online.

All tours are 90 minutes and cost £5 per person. Accompanied children are free.

Booking is recommended.