November 26, 2024
8 mins
Destination: The North
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7 of the Best Roman Sites in England
The Romans invaded England in 43 AD and they stayed for nearly 400 years, bringing roads, baths, and Latin which many languages around the world are derived from.
Imagine if the Romans had arrived in your town, built Starbucks-sized bathhouses, highways without potholes, and left before the council could file a complaint. Throw in some more swords and togas and that’s along the lines of what happened!
The Roman Empire’s influence on England is vast and it is fascinating to still be able to explore some of the Roman sites across England. Towns such as London (Londinium) were built by The Romans and are a lasting reminder of the legacy foundations they left across England.
How many Roman sites are there in England?
England boasts hundreds of Roman sites, from visible ruins to buried treasures still being unearthed. Major locations include forts, villas, towns, and roads. These sites reflect the Romans’ widespread influence during their nearly 400-year rule.
As we uncover below, some Roman sites show the grandeur of wealthy Roman life, whilst others give insight into everyday Roman existence and their habits and rituals. Many were involved in defence and fighting and the ruins in key locations reflect this.
7 of the Best Roman Sites in England
1. Hadrian’s Wall
Stretching 73 miles across northern England, Hadrian’s Wall marked the Roman Empire’s northern frontier. Built in AD 122, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features forts, milecastles, and museums showcasing Roman military life. Notable spots include Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda Roman Fort.
It has become popular with tourists or locals alike to walk or cycle the route that stretches East to West across the country. There are multiple stretches which are adjacent to the famous wall and allow you to travel on what would have been the original Roman Road.
2. Vindolanda
Located just south of Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda is one of Britain’s most significant Roman archaeological sites. Known for its remarkably preserved artefacts, including the famous Vindolanda tablets, this fort gives insight into daily Roman life.
When in use during Roman times it would have been a huge sprawling site with multiple communities living and functioning within its perimeter. Image villages within villages, operating smoother than an Amazon Warehouse!
3. Chedworth Villa
Nestled in the Cotswolds, Chedworth Roman Villa is a marvel of Roman luxury. This is where rich Romans showed off! Its intricate mosaics, underfloor heating system, and bathhouses showcase the opulence enjoyed by wealthy Romans.
Again Brits can thank The Romans for such ingenious inventions like underfloor heating that have evolved and are used in modern-day housing.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/chedworth-roman-villa
4. The Roman Baths
Situated in the city of Bath, this site is among England’s most famous Roman attractions. The well-preserved bathing complex and the Sacred Spring are highlights. Visitors can walk through ancient rooms and even sample the mineral-rich water.
Many of the objects housed in the museum tell you about the people who lived and worked in the area and those who visited the great Roman religious spa of Aquae Sulis – the Roman name for Bath.
5. Hardknott Roman Fort
Perched high in the Lake District, Hardknott Fort offers stunning views alongside a tangible connection to Roman military life. Its remote location reflects the challenging terrain Roman soldiers had to defend.
Dramatically sited on a spur above the Hardknott Pass, Hardknott Fort presides over the Esk Valley, offering spectacular views of Scafell Pike and as far as the Isle of Man. The fort was founded under Hadrian’s rule in the 2nd century but recent pottery artefacts suggest the fort was only used for approximately 20 years and was likely abandoned before the end of Hadrian’s Reign.
Well-marked remains include the headquarters building, commandant’s house and bath house. The site of the parade ground survives beside the fort, and the road which Hardknott guarded can be traced for some distance as an earthwork.
6. Wroxeter Roman City
Once the fourth-largest city in Roman Britain, Wroxeter (Roman name: Viroconium) offers ruins of a forum, baths, and reconstructed Roman townhouses. It provides a window into urban Roman life.
Wroxeter’s true size can best be judged by the scale of the surviving defences and ramparts. It was founded in the mid-1st century AD as a legionary fortress, and the city was established in the 90s AD.
Today Wroxeter is exceptionally well preserved. Its relatively remote location has meant that there has been little disturbance of the Roman remains by later occupation.
7. Billingsgate Roman Bath House
Hidden beneath the curious old pathways of the Square Mile in modern-day London, lies a rich Roman history, something which has survived over 2,000 years of building, fires and bombings. The Billingsgate Roman house and bath complex offers an intimate look at Roman domestic life. Guided tours reveal intricate mosaics and well-preserved bathing areas.
Explore the Billingsgate Roman House and Baths by descending into the basement of an office block on Lower Thames Street, and discover one of Roman London’s most fascinating remains. First built around A.D. 150 then extended a hundred years later, it was occupied right through to the end of Roman London in the early 5th century A.D.
thecityofldn.com/directory/billingsgate-roman-house-and-baths
Roman remains
England’s Roman heritage offers an incredible journey through ancient history. Whether you’re fascinated by military fortifications or the luxury of Roman villas, these sites provide a captivating look at life in Roman Britain.
By 410 AD, Rome was falling apart, so they abandoned Britain, leaving behind ruins, a few Latin words, and chaos amongst the many ruling forces for centuries to come.
That concludes our short guide to Roman ruins across Britain. If you’ve got a favourite to share, tell us in the comments below. Check out our walking tours, particularly in the North of England which visit some of the famous Roman ruins mentioned above such as Vindolanda and Hadrian’s Wall.
