Roman Britain's Legacy
The Romans occupied Britain for nearly 400 years (43-410 AD), leaving behind roads, buildings, baths, and a wall that still marks the border between England and Scotland. Here are the best Roman sites to visit today.
The 10 Best Roman Sites
1. Hadrian's Wall
The most famous Roman structure in Britain. This 73-mile wall stretched from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. The best-preserved sections are in Northumberland, where you can walk along the wall for miles.
Best section: Steel Rigg to Housesteads (3 miles, moderate)
2. Roman Baths, Bath
The best-preserved Roman bathhouse in the world. Walk on ancient Roman pavaments beside natural hot springs that have been in use for 2,000 years.
Entry: £20 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
3. Vindolanda, Northumberland
A Roman fort and museum near Hadrian's Wall. Home to the famous Vindolanda Tablets — the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain.
Entry: £11 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
4. London's Roman Wall
Fragments of the Roman wall that once surrounded Londinium can be seen near the Tower of London and in the Barbican area. The Museum of London has excellent Roman exhibits.
5. Fishbourne Roman Palace, West Sussex
The largest Roman residential building ever found in Britain. Stunning mosaics and a beautiful garden reconstructed from Roman plans.
Entry: £11 | Time needed: 1-2 hours
6. Chester Roman Amphitheatre
The largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, with seating for 8,000 spectators. Located right in the city centre, you can walk onto the arena floor.
Entry: Free | Time needed: 30 minutes
7. Housesteads Roman Fort, Northumberland
The best-preserved Roman fort in Britain, with intact granaries, a hospital, and the earliest known toilet block. Stunning views along Hadrian's Wall.
Entry: £8 | Time needed: 1-2 hours
8. Corinium Museum, Cirencester
The museum of Roman Cirencester — once the second-largest city in Roman Britain. Home to the famous Hare Mosaic and incredible Roman artefacts.
Entry: £7 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
9. Segedunum, Newcastle
The eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, with a 35-metre viewing tower offering panoramic views along the wall's route. Excellent museum and Roman bathhouse.
Entry: £5 | Time needed: 1-2 hours
10. Portchester Castle, Hampshire
A Norman castle built within the walls of a Roman "Saxon Shore" fort. The Roman walls are among the best-preserved in northern Europe.
Entry: £8 | Time needed: 1-2 hours
Planning a Roman Trip
- Combine sites — Many Roman sites are close together in Northumberland.
- Get an English Heritage pass — Covers most Roman sites.
- Read up before — Understanding the history makes the visits much more rewarding.
- Allow time — Most sites need 1-3 hours to explore properly.
Explore more history in our castle guides and hidden gems.
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