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In London
In London
The British Museum
The British Museum
English Heritage Site: No
Tickets: The British Museum encourages early ticketing, but these really don't do much (everyone cues up in the same line whether they have scheduled tickets or not). Since tickets are free (although donations are encouraged), expect crowding on busy days in London. Since most of the museum is un-air-conditioned, expect some rooms to be closed due to heat.
Carpark: No (Take public transportation to get there.)
Things to See:
The Parthenon Sculptures (also called the Elgin Marbles) have their very own gallery with lots of interpretation.
The Enlightenment Gallery honors the antiquarian beginnings of the museum with large, ceiling-high cases containing collections of Greek and Roman pottery, Roman statues, etc.
The Roman Galleries contain all the things you'd expect including the famous Meroe bronze head of Augustus and the Portland Vase.
The Romano-British Gallery contains the Vindolanda Tablets and other artifacts from Roman Britain.
Take a virtual tour of the museum through this Google Arts and Culture tour.
There are many other things to see at this museum including the Rosetta Stone, monumental Egyptian statues, etc. You may also want to have tea or lunch in the famous tea room, the Great Court Restaurant - make reservations!
Nathalie's pictures of the beautiful museum building, the Parthenon Sculptures, the Enlightenment Gallery, the Romano-British Gallery, the Greco-Roman Galleries, and random awesomeness
Legion: Life in the Roman Army ran from February to June of 2024. I was lucky to see this exhibition because it gathered together in one place artifacts from many different countries. My wow moment came when I finally got to see the Vettweiss Froitzheim dice tower that I wrote a Roman technology lesson on. Nathalie's Pictures
The Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum
English Heritage: No but it's FREE!
Tickets: There were few people here when I arrived at opening, and I was able to see everything without standing in lines or waiting.
Carpark: No, use public transportation.
I loved the mythological statuary, but the Cast Courts really blew me away. The museum was built to size to include a cut-in-half cast of Trajan's Column, and I was there for it!! Chef's kiss, and I didn't even get to see the Wedgewood Collection (next time). There is SO much at this museum!
The London Mithraeum
The London Mithraeum
English Heritage: No but it's FREE!
Tickets: Get FREE tickets early if you can. They only allow a small number of visitors per hour and day.
Carpark: No, use public transportation.
This site, in the Bloomberg Space, showcases the remains of a Roman mithraic temple. In the entrance gallery, you'll see artifacts including a Roman wax tablet containing the first instance of the name of Roman Londinium! Walking down into the actual temple, you'll see a short projection-based show that recreates a bit of the ceremony IN LATIN!
The City Wall at Vine Street
The City Wall at Vine Street
English Heritage: No but it's FREE!
Tickets: Get FREE tickets early if you can. They only allow a small number of visitors per hour and day.
Carpark: No, use public transportation.
This site showcases 2000 years of history in this one spot of the original Roman wall of ancient Londinium. Did you know that once the Romans left London, it wasn't occupied for nearly 400 years?! Neither did I, but I learned that here.
The Queenhithe Mosaic
The Queenhithe Mosaic
Take a look here.
English Heritage: No but it's FREE!
Tickets: No tickets are needed. Just take a walk!
Carpark: Use public transportation.
This mosaic tracks the history of London's dock culture. It features several scenes from the Roman occupation of London. Take a beautiful morning walk along the Thames to see it!
The Boudiccan Rebellion Statue
The Boudiccan Rebellion Statue
English Heritage: No but it's FREE!
Tickets: No tickets are needed. Just take a walk!
Carpark: No, use public transportation (right at the exit of a Tube station).
This Victorian-era bronze statue celebrates the spirit of Iceni queen Boudica and her daughters.
The London Amphitheatre
The London Amphitheatre
English Heritage: No, paid tours
Website
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at Guildhall or in person
Carpark: No, use public transportation
The remains of an amphitheater!! In the middle of London! Read about it here.
Nathalie's Pictures
The Billingsgate Roman House and Bath
The Billingsgate Roman House and Bath
Find information about this site here.
English Heritage: No but it's FREE!
Tickets: No tickets are needed, but it can only be viewed by private tour. It is rarely open and hard to arrange a tour. I've tried twice with no success.
Carpark: No, use public transportation.
The Crypt Museum at All Hallows by the Tower
The Crypt Museum at All Hallows by the Tower
Take a look here.
English Heritage: No but it's FREE!
Tickets: No tickets are needed. Just take a walk!
Carpark: Use public transportation, no carpark.
This tiny museum underground at this beautiful church contains the only plaster model of Roman London.
Roman Wall, Sundial, and Statue near the Tower of London
Roman Wall, Sundial, and Statue near the Tower of London
English Heritage: Yes but it's FREE!
Tickets: No tickets are needed. Just take a Tube ride.
Carpark: Use public transportation, no carpark.
For 1500 years, London was a walled city protected by a wall originally built by the Romans, and you can see the remains of that wall here. Nearby is a statue of Trajan that looks suspiciously like Claudius and an amazing bronze sundial, not ancient but with references to the Romans. Such a nice spot right across the street from the Tower of London.
Near London
Near London
Lullingstone Roman Villa
Lullingstone Roman Villa
In Kent (Southeast), about 1 hour from London
Roman Name: None
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage Site? YES!
Carpark: Yes
Learn more in Episode #163 of the English Heritage Podcast: "Feasts Through History: Dining and Reclining at Lullingstone."
See the sights in this video.
Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
In Hamshire (south), about 1 hour west of London
Roman Name: Calleva
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage? YES!
Carpark: Yes
Learn more in this episode of Digging Up Britain's Past: "The Lost Roman Town."
St. Albans
St. Albans
In Hertfordshire (central), about 30 minutes north of London
Roman Name: Verulamium
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
Things to See:
1. The Verulamium Museum of Roman Life - gorgeous mosaics and a wonderful collection of Roman artifacts.
2. The Hypocaust - stunning mosaic atop a Roman hypocaust in a covered building, a short walk from the museum in the adjacent park.
3. Roman Theater - still used by the local theater company for its Shakespeare festival and other productions, about a half-mile's walk from the museum.
 See the sights in this video.
Nathalie's Pictures of the museum, the hypocaust, and the theater.
Colchester
Colchester
In Essex (eastern), about 1 hour east of London
Roman Name: Camulodunum
Official Site and Significance ("Britain's First City")
English Heritage: No
Carpark: No, but parking is available on Priory Road.
Things to See:
Colchester Castle - The museum inside contains wonderful Roman artifacts.
Roman Theater - The remains of a Roman theater are near the castle. Since most is underground, they built the nearby street with darker bricks to outline the original foundations of the theater. Right next door to the church of St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.
Roman Circus Visitor Centre - The only remains of a Roman circus in all of Britain.
In Kent
In Kent
Canterbury Roman Museum
Canterbury Roman Museum
In the city of Canterbury in Kent (southeastern coast), about two hours east of London
Roman Name: Durovernum
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: No but parking available in numerous lots around the city.
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
In Kent (southeastern coast), about 2 hours from London
Called the "Gateway to Britannia," this spot is where Claudius landed his troops in 43 CE. Explore fort walls, a reconstructed gateway, a fabulous museum (with the remains of a Roman dice tower), and the mound foundations of an amphitheater (a short walk away through a field of friendly sheep).
Roman Name: Rutupiae
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: Yes
Learn more in Episode #128 of the English Heritage Podcast: "Uncovering the Secrets of Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre."
See the sights in this video.
Dover Castle
Dover Castle
In Kent (southeastern coast), about 2 hours from London
Roman Name: Dubris
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: Yes
See the White Cliffs of Dover while you're here, and imagine seeing them as a Roman sailor. The oldest structure on site is the remains of a Roman lighthouse or pharos.
View the site with this Google Arts and Culture virtual tour.
In Sussex
In Sussex
Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens
Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens
In Sussex (southern coast), about 2 hours from London
Roman Name: Noviomagus
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
It's all about the mosaics at this palace site - they are fantastic! Walk on elevated wooden platforms to see the mosaics, explore the extensive artifact collection in the museum, and then stroll around the remains of the gardens in the same space as the palace courtyard.
View the site's introductory video.
See Nathalie's pictures.
Bignor Roman Villa
Bignor Roman Villa
In Sussex (southern coast), about 2 hours from London
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
More fantastic mosaics that you can actually walk on! I didn't get to see this site in person.
Butser Ancient Farm
Butser Ancient Farm
In Sussex (southern coast), about 2 hours from London
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
This site acts as an experimental archaeological research center. They have recreated a working Roman kiln, hypocaust, and a floor mosaic from scratch.
In Wales
In Wales
Caerleon Roman Fortress Bath
Caerleon Roman Fortress Bath
In Wales (southwest coast), about 3 hours from London
Roman Name: Isca
Official Site and Significance
Cadw: Yes
Carpark: Yes, but belonging to the local pub
It's all about the giant heated swimming pool - one of my absolute favorite sites in all of Britain! NOT TO BE MISSED!
View a quick flyover video (by Cardiff University), and learn more here with this fantastic Time Team episode.
See Nathalie's pictures.
The National Roman Legion Museum
The National Roman Legion Museum
In Wales (southwest coast), about 3 hours from London
Cadw: No
Carpark: No, but walking distance from the Caerleon Roman Fortress Bath
This museum had a LOT of artifacts squeezed into a small space. I could have spent a LOT more time here. Highlights were the bathroom, cleverly painted to look like a Roman fortress latrine and seeing classes of young Brits visiting the museum.
The Caerleon Amphitheatre and Fortress
The Caerleon Amphitheatre and Fortress
In Wales (southwest coast), about 3 hours from London
Roman Name: Isca
Cadw: Yes
Carpark: Street parking is available, but walking distance from the Caerleon Roman Fortress Bath
This amphitheatre was part of the large fortress in this area.
The Caerwent Roman Town
The Caerwent Roman Town
In Wales (southwest coast), about 3 hours from London
Roman Name: Venta Silurum
Cadw: Yes
Carpark: Yes, near the little museum
This ancient Roman town is hidden within this tiny little modern town. Big Roman walls are visible, but most of all, it was so wonderful to see people tossing tennis balls to their dogs amidst the ruins of ancient Roman houses.
In Somerset
In Somerset
Bath
Bath
Bath (about 2.5 hours from London)
Roman Name: Aquae Sulis
English Heritage: No
Carpark: No, but lots of parking on the perimeter of the modern city. In addition, Bath is one of the easiest bus tours to jump on from London, often combined with a stop at the other World Heritage Site in this area, Stonehenge.
This ancient healing site with its natural hot springs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fact that makes this a super busy visit. Expect crowds, and for that reason, plan extra time here to navigate all the people, enjoy the amazing artifacts, and chat with knowledgeable re-enactors!
In Gloucestershire
In Gloucestershire
Chedworth Roman Villa
Chedworth Roman Villa
Cheltenham (about 2.5 hours from London)
Official Site and Significance
National Trust: Yes
Carpark: Yes
Take a winding ride on a tiny road to this large Roman villa with beautiful blue and rust-colored mosaics, hypocausts, and a tiny museum.
Learn more about the villa from this excellent video.
In Shropshire
In Shropshire
Wroxeter Roman City
Wroxeter Roman City
about 3 hours from London
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: Yes
I nearly missed this amazing site of an old town with a large bath complex, city center, and a reconstructed Roman townhouse. Spectacular!
Learn more about the villa from this excellent video, and listen to this podcast episode by English Heritage.
In Cheshire
In Cheshire
Chester Roman Amphitheatre and Gardens
Chester Roman Amphitheatre and Gardens
Chester (about 4.5 hours northwest of London)
Roman Name: Deva
Official Site (amphitheater) and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Official Site (gardens)
Carpark: No, but a very convenient one right next door
These two sites are right next to each other. The gardens have charming modern mosaics, and the amphitheater is nicely interpreted (on your own).
Learn more about the city of Deva from this excellent video.
On Hadrian's Wall
On Hadrian's Wall
A note about visiting Hadrian's Wall...it's only 86 miles long from end to end. Many of the important sites are concentrated along a short stretch in the center; thus, most visitors can see the sites with ease by car. The AD122 bus (public transportation) runs on the major nearby road and stops at all of the major sites.
Senhouse Roman Museum
Senhouse Roman Museum
In Maryport on the western coast of the Wall
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
This museum has the largest collection of Roman dedicatory altars in England. I didn't get to visit it but wanted to badly!
Tullie House Museum
Tullie House Museum
In Carlisle near the western coast of the Wall
English Heritage: No
Carpark: No, but public parking is located nearby.
I missed visiting this museum. Next time...
Birdoswold Roman Fort
Birdoswold Roman Fort
Roman Name: Banna
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: Yes
This fort has some of the best preserved lengthy sections of Hadrian's Wall. Take a walk, and see the views.
Learn more about this fort from this excellent video.
Listen to this podcast about the site.
Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum
Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum
Roman Name: Vindolanda
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
This site includes the remains of the fort and town, an impressive museum, a modern reconstruction of a Roman gate, an experimental Roman kiln, and an archaeological center. Archaeologists actively work at the site year-round. Among other artifacts from Roman daily life, the museum houses the most famous finds: leather shoes and some of the Vindolanda tablets, both preserved so well due to the anaerobic quality of the soil. If you can only do ONE site on Hadrian's Wall, this is it!
Learn more about this site from this short documentary.
Watch this webinar about the Vindolanda leather shoe collection.
Dr. Beth Greene, a Roman shoe expert and archaeologist
Roman Army Museum and Magna Fort
Roman Army Museum and Magna Fort
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
This museum just blew me away! Its collection centers the Roman army, but its weapon technology displays were exceptional, including a station where visitors could test their pull strength on a bow used by ancient archers.
Learn more about the new excavations at the nearby fort in this excellent article.
Corbridge Roman Town
Corbridge Roman Town
Roman Name: Coria
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: Yes
 This ancient trade post has an amazing Roman road through the center of it. Its claims to fame are a giant silver tray called the Corbridge Lanx and this carved stone lion.
Learn more about this site from this film short.
Housesteads Roman Fort
Housesteads Roman Fort
Roman Name: Vercovicium
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: Yes
An absolutely STUNNING site, set dramatically on a hill! You can see for miles and miles in all directions. A stark reminder of what a cold, windy, beautiful place the Wall was, the fort boasts an awesome set of toilets in the most complete Roman fort on the Wall.
Learn more about this site from this episode of the English Heritage Podcast.
The drone footage in this video gives you an idea of the site's truly amazing location.
Chesters Roman Fort and Museum
Chesters Roman Fort and Museum
Roman Name: Cilurnum
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: Yes
This cavalry fort boasts a lovely set of Roman baths right next to a gorgeous river. Even better is the museum, a traditional antiquarium with a large collection of Roman dedicatory altars, some as small as my hand!
Learn more about this site from this English Heritage postcard video.
Hadrian's Wall Gallery at the Great North Museum
Hadrian's Wall Gallery at the Great North Museum
In Newcastle Upon Tyne on the east coast of the Wall
English Heritage: No
Carpark: No, but public parking is available nearby.
This museum has an amazing model of the Wall! I didn't get to visit it but wanted to badly!
Wallsend
Wallsend
Roman Name: Segedunum Roman Fort
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: Yes
Most hikers end their wall walk here due to a sign that proclaims "I WALKED HADRIAN'S WALL!" The site is the last fort on the wall at the eastern end in a very industrial part of Newcastle upon Tyne with a full view of the busy shipping harbor. Visit a rebuilt part of the wall right across the street and an excellent museum!
Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort
Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort
Roman Name: Arbeia
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: No
This fort guarded the river entrance to Hadrian's Wall. The one that got away...we didn't get to visit because the day we planned to, it was closed for a fund-raising concert. And yes, the concert was sold out! Next time...
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
York
York
Roman Name: Eboracum
The city of York boasts the site of Constantine the Great being declared emperor by his soldiers in 306 CE. As the placard on his statue says, "His recognition of the civil liberties of his Christian subjects, and his own conversion to the faith, established the religious foundations of Western Christendom."
There is a TON of Roman bits and pieces scattered all over the city.
Nathalie's Pictures
Yorkshire Museum
Yorkshire Museum
Official Site and Significance
English Heritage: No
Carpark: No, but many car parks all around the city.
Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, this museum had a wonderful Roman collection including parts of the famous Ryedale Hoard. One really fun area of this museum allowed visitors to walk on actual ancient mosaics!
Nathalie's Pictures
Aldborough Roman Site
Aldborough Roman Site
Roman Name: Isurium Brigantum
Official Site and Another and Significance
English Heritage: Yes
Carpark: No, but free parking 1 mile away.
This site was the capital of the Romanised Brigantes, the largest tribe in Britain at that time. One corner of these Yorkshire defenses is laid out amid a Victorian arboretum, and two mosaic pavements can be viewed in their original positions. The site's museum has an outstanding collection of Roman finds.
In Scotland
In Scotland
There was quite a bit of the Romans to see in Scotland, but I simply didn't have the time. Just a few sites follow...
The Hunterian Museum in Glasgow
The Hunterian Museum in Glasgow
Official Site and Significance
Carpark: No parking on site, but a carpark nearby.
This museum is located at the University of Glasgow (motto: VIA VERITAS VITA), a very old school with the Gothic architecture to prove it. Since my school is named after Glasgow, I had to check out their shop. The museum contains a stunning collection of milestones/distance slabs which were erected by soldiers who built the Antonine Wall. They are unique in the Roman world. In addition to the Roman gallery, the Hunterian houses a medical gallery (more like a house of horrors although some items have been ethically removed from public viewing.)
Nathalie's Pictures
Rough Castle Roman Fort in Falkirk
Rough Castle Roman Fort in Falkirk
Official Site and Significance
Carpark: Accessible parking onsite near the Falkirk Wheel.
One of the many Roman forts along the Antonine Wall, this one was easy to get to by public transportation due to its proximity to the Falkirk Wheel, a marvel of engineering and a popular tourist site. It is the world's only rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal - so fun to watch!! The fort can be walked to from this site in about 30 minutes up a winding path. Unique to this fort is its LILIA pits, a defensive mechanism.
Visiting or walking the Antonine Wall? Check out its official World Heritage Site Website here.
Nathalie's Pictures
Roman Fort and Annexe in Doune
Roman Fort and Annexe in Doune
Official Site and Significance
Carpark: Parking right outside Doune Castle.
On a visit to this castle, I spied this Roman fort site just a walk away. A lovely path took me to a high flat field that used to be a fort. I enjoyed seeing Doune Castle, where the coconut scene from Monty Python's Holy Grail was filmed. (The gift shop actually sold shelled half coconuts - I got a good laugh at that.)
Nathalie's Pictures
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