Summary
The United Kingdom is renowned for its ancient monuments and ruins, drawing international visitors eager to explore its rich history. Most people tend to flock towards popular destinations like the Roman baths in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, and the hidden Roman basilica in the crypt of York Minster. However, these celebrated sites are merely the beginning of the extensive Roman heritage found across England.
For nearly 400 years, the Roman Empire expanded from one coast of Britain to the other and endured until 410 AD. They constructed numerous remarkable sites which serve as windows into their world, showcasing their administrative prowess, daily lives, and cultural practices through well-preserved structures, baths, artworks, and artifacts. Below are ten often overlooked sites that will take you deeper into the fascinating Roman legacy of Britain.
1. Fishbourne Roman Palace
As the largest Roman villa in Britain, Fishbourne Roman Palace is known for its stunning mosaic floors and restorative original gardens, which are the oldest gardens discovered in the UK. The site boasts the largest collection of mosaics still in situ in the country, including a striking depiction of Cupid on a dolphin that features the artist’s signature. Additionally, visitors can see a variety of items such as coins, pottery, and jewelry that were discovered on-site, along with a temporary exhibition area that showcases recent finds and an engaging film that recreates life at Fishbourne 2,000 years ago.
Essentials
- Location: Fishbourne Roman Palace, Roman Way, Fishbourne, West Sussex, PO19 3QR
- Telephone: +44(0)1243 785859
- Opening Hours: February 1 to April 30, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March 1 to October 31, daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November 1 to December 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends from December 16. Holiday season hours may vary, and it is advisable to check the website for details.
- Admission: Various ticket options available for adults, children, families, discounts, and groups.
2. Chedworth Roman Villa
The Chedworth Roman Villa showcases a well-preserved Roman estate that belonged to a wealthy Briton situated within a National Trust site in the Cotswolds. Visitors will be fascinated by the remarkable mosaic floors, extensive Roman walls, bath houses, underfloor heating systems (an early form of central heating), and a water shrine. A recently renovated Victorian museum on-site offers insights into many artifacts excavated from the villa, ensuring that guests leave with a greater understanding of Roman domestic life.
Essentials
- Location: Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ
- Telephone: +44(0)1242 890256
- Opening Hours: Daily from February half-term to the end of November. Hours may vary seasonally, so it is recommended to check the Chedworth Roman Villa website for specific information.
- Admission: Ticket prices vary for adults, children, families, and groups. Entrance is free for National Trust members and holders of the National Trust Overseas Visitor’s Pass.
3. Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum
Arbeia Roman Fort, located on the banks of the River Tyne, offers an intriguing insight into life for a Roman legion stationed on the empire’s frontier. Serving as a garrison and supply base for 17 forts along Hadrian’s Wall, Arbeia features excavations and reconstructions of its original structures. Visitors can gain an understanding of the fort’s extensive history through archaeologists at work, watch reenactments, and explore an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including a full suit of ring mail and a remarkable assortment of jet-based Roman objects.
Essentials
- Location: Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum, Baring Street, South Shields NE33 2BB
- Telephone: +44(0)191 277 1410
- Opening Hours: Open from April 1 until the end of September; for specific hours, please check the Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum website.
- Admission: Free
4. Hadrian’s Wall
Many have heard about Hadrian’s Wall, yet few have experienced a walk along its magnificent expanse. Built during the first century, this monumental structure extended for 80 miles from the Cumbrian Coast in the west to Wallsend near Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the northeast. Standing at approximately 20 feet high, it took three years to construct. Throughout its history, the wall served as a fortified border for the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, remnants of the wall were repurposed for constructions of local significance. Nevertheless, much of the wall remains preserved across stunning landscapes, maintained by English Heritage and accessible to visitors.
While accessing some historical sites may require crossing private land, interesting attractions along the wall are available, and reasonable admission fees are enforced. Detailed information regarding prices and operating hours can be found through respective sites.
5. Antonine Wall
Although Hadrian’s Wall is more commonly recognized as the Roman border, it is important to note that the Romans ventured nearly 100 miles farther north into Scotland. The Antonine Wall, constructed under Emperor Antoninus Pius around AD 142, represents the initial northwest border of the Roman Empire. Spanning approximately 37 miles from Bowness on the Firth of Forth to Old Kilpatrick on the Clyde, the wall is an impressive earthworks project. Over time, as the empire contracted, this wall lost its strategic significance and was effectively abandoned in favor of Hadrian’s Wall.
In recognition of its historical importance, the Antonine Wall was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 as part of the “Frontiers of the Roman Empire.” An exhibit featuring artifacts from the western end of the wall can be found in the permanent gallery titled The Antonine Wall: Rome’s Final Frontier, located at the Hunterian Museum of the University of Glasgow.
Essentials
- Location: University of Glasgow, The Hunterian, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ
- Telephone: +44(0)141 330 4221
- Opening Hours: April to October, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. November through March, open until 4 p.m. Closed December 23 – 26 and January 1.
- Admission: Free
- Visit the Hunterian Museum website to learn more.
6. Corinium Museum
Located in Cirencester in the Cotswolds, the Corinium Museum resides in what was once the lively Roman city of Corinium. During Roman Britain, this city held a substantial population, being the second-largest city outside of London. The surrounding region continually yields archaeological treasures, many of which are showcased within the museum. The Corinium Museum houses one of the most significant collections of Romano-British artifacts, including impressive displays and interactive showcases targeted at families and children.
A standout exhibit is The Seasons, a 2nd-century mosaic floor beautifully laid in a replica of a Roman villa—a must-see for visitors! However, the quirky mannequins depicting a middle-class Roman couple lounging on their wicker furniture may induce a smile.
Essentials
- Location: Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2BX
- Telephone: +44(0)1285 655611
- Opening Hours: Open all year; Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission: Various ticket options are available for adults, children, families, seniors, students, and the unemployed. Please check the Corinium Museum website for ticket prices and information on temporary exhibitions.
7. Wroxeter Roman City
The recent excavations at Wroxeter, once known as Viroconium, reveal potent glimpses of Roman daily life, including social settings like gyms and baths, and communal areas such as civic centers and market places. This notable English Heritage site features a well-curated museum of local finds, a reconstructed Roman villa for exploration, and excellent informational displays throughout the area. Visitors can marvel at the remnants of crucial structures, including the basilica and hypocaust heating system—testaments to Roman architectural innovation.
Essentials
- Location: Wroxeter Roman City, Wroxeter, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 6PH
- Telephone: +44 (0)1743 761330
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, with seasonal hours—check the website for specific details.
- Admission: Ticket options available for adults, children, families, and concessions.
8. Vindolanda
Recently, the UK public hailed the Vindolanda Tablets as Britain’s greatest treasure. These remarkable wooden tablets, dating back to Roman times, contain the earliest known examples of writing discovered in Britain. They narrate various aspects of daily life, including communications regarding beer payments, requests for warm socks, and more. The ongoing excavations at Vindolanda position it as one of Europe’s most significant Roman archaeological sites, yielding substantial finds, including over 500 metric tons of pottery.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with working archaeologists at the site. Additionally, those with a keen interest in archaeology can volunteer for excavations through dedicated programs. The site is complemented by both the nearby Roman Vindolanda museum and the Roman Army Museum.
Essentials
- Location: Vindolanda Trust, Chesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7JN
- Telephone: +44(0)1434 344 277
- Opening Hours: Open from mid-February to March 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April to end of September, it extends to 6 p.m.
- Admission: Ticket options available for adults, children, families, concessions, and groups. Combined tickets for Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum offer excellent value.
- Visit the Vindolanda website.
9. Dolaucothi Gold Mines
The Dolaucothi Mines, located in Wales, are the only known Roman gold mines in the UK, showcasing the industrious nature of the Romans who extensively searched the landscape for precious metals. Through the diversion of natural resources to wash away the lighter soils, they successfully extracted gold, which was shipped to the Imperial Mint in Lyon for coin production. Notably, extensive mining activities continued well into the 1930s.
This National Trust site, positioned just northwest of the Brecon Beacons National Park, invites visitors to explore the various mining operations, including those from the Victorian era and the 20th century. Underground tours enable guests to don miner’s gear for an immersive experience.
Essentials
- Location: Dolaucothi Mines, Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Wales SA19 8US
- Telephone: +44(0)1558 650177
- Opening Hours: The mines are open from late March to the end of October, while the grounds and farmland stay open year-round. Check the Dolaucothi Gold Mines National Trust website for current hours.
- Admission: Various pricing available for adults, children, families, and groups.
10. Caerwent Roman Town
Situated between Newport and Chepstow in southeast Wales, this settlement served as the capital and market town of the Silures, a Roman British tribe. Known as Venta Silurum, significant remnants from the time of Hadrian, including building foundations of homes, a forum, and a basilica, survive to this day. Interestingly, during its early years, the town was left undefended until the construction of its impressive 17-foot walls in the 4th century. Recent excavations have also uncovered a row of shops and a Roman villa.
The site is free to visit and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To fully appreciate the historical context, it is advisable to visit when facilitators are available on Tuesdays or Thursdays to answer questions and provide guided tours.
For more information, interested visitors can contact Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, at +44 (0)1443 336000.
