Name: Great Witcombe Roman Villa
Rating: 5.0

Great Witcombe Roman Villa

Great Witcombe Roman Villa, Brockworth, Gloucester, UK

1-90 Years

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Description

Great Witcombe Roman Villa is the remains of one of the largest and most luxurious Roman houses in Britain. Built around AD 250 and occupied until the 5th century, it once stood at the heart of a wealthy Cotswold estate. Today, visitors can explore the peaceful hillside ruins and imagine life in Roman Britain.

The site includes the remains of a bathhouse complex and what may have been a shrine to a water spirit. Beautiful mosaic pavements, including a famous design featuring sea creatures, are preserved within a protective modern structure. Set near the Cotswold Way, the villa also offers scenic views across the surrounding countryside.

Entry is free, and there is free on-site parking (limited to around 10 vehicles), followed by a short 300-metre uphill walk to the villa.

Overall, Great Witcombe Roman Villa provides a fascinating glimpse into Roman life in Britain. With impressive ruins and tranquil surroundings, it’s a rewarding visit for history lovers and walkers alike.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The remains of this large and luxurious Roman villa lie in a peaceful setting near the Cotswold Way. Once at the heart of a large country estate, the villa was built about AD 250, and lived in until the 5th century.
The remains include a bathhouse complex and perhaps the shrine of a water spirit. Mosaic pavements (preserved within a modern building) hint at the villa’s opulence in Roman times. There are beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.
Great Witcombe Roman Villa was one of the largest Roman houses in Britain, and was part of a cluster of very wealthy villas in the Cotswolds area.
A rich family lived here, together with their slaves and freedmen, for around 200 years, until the end of the Roman period in Britain. Their luxurious villa, discovered in 1818 by farm workers, included an exceptional mosaic depicting many sea creatures.

Facilities

Parking: Car parking (no charge) for approximately ten vehicles. A 300 metre walk uphill to the site. There is no access for coaches or minibuses. No parking is permitted in the lane next to or beyond the car park.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Visit the website for timing information.

Address: Great Witcombe Roman Villa, Brockworth, Gloucester, UK

Post Code: GL3 4TW

Council: Tewkesbury

County: Gloucestershire

By Car: Located 5 miles SE of Gloucester off A46; 1⁄2 mile S of reservoir in Witcombe Park; 400 metres (440 yards) from Cotswold Way National Trail. Car parking (no charge) for approximately ten vehicles. A 300 metre walk uphill to the site. There is no access for coaches or minibuses. No parking is permitted in the lane next to or beyond the car park.
By Bus: Stagecoach service 46 to Green Street then 1 mile walk, or Stagecoach 10 to Brockworth and 2 mile walk. Also infrequent Swanbrook service 852 serves Witcombe
By Train: Gloucester 6 miles