Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths

About the museum

Caerleon was the site of Isca, one of only three permanent legionary fortresses in Roman Britain, founded around AD 75. The baths are believed to have been the first stone building in the fortress, which was otherwise built of timber at first. Soldiers used them for washing, exercise and socialising, and they served as the main baths of the legion.

The bath complex later fell out of use and was thought to have been destroyed by the thirteenth century. It was excavated between 1977 and 1981 as a rescue dig, and important parts of it were kept in place under a protective building. The site first opened to visitors in 1980 and is now looked after by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

Today visitors walk on a covered route above the remains of the cold room, the hot room and the large open-air swimming pool. An exhibition, replica objects and a film bring Roman bathing life back, and a marble basin with a gorgon’s head is among the finds.

The legionary barracks, laid out in the open in Prysg Field, are the only Roman legionary barracks still visible in Europe. The nearby amphitheatre, excavated in the 1920s, is the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain. The National Roman Legion Museum, run by Amgueddfa Cymru, lies close by and is a separate site.

Highlights

• Remains of the legionary bath house under cover, with a walkway above
• The large open-air swimming pool of the fortress baths
• Marble basin carved with a gorgon’s head
• Exhibition, replica artefacts and a film about Roman bathing
• Legionary barracks, the only ones on view in Europe

Permanent exhibitions

• Roman Baths – The bath house remains seen from a covered walkway, with the swimming pool, hot and cold rooms, replica objects and a video presentation.
• Legionary Barracks – Footings of Roman legionary barracks laid out in Prysg Field, the only ones visible in Europe.

Operated by

Cadw

Admission & discounts

Prices apply from 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027. Cadw members enter free, and a Cadw £1 ticket is available to people receiving Universal Credit and certain other benefits. Blue Light Card holders, serving forces and veterans get 10 per cent off individual admission at the site, not online. Booking online saves 5 per cent but those tickets are non-refundable. An Explorer pass is also mentioned.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access is level and well lit, with an undercover decking route over the bath. A portable induction loop is available. Mobility scooter users should check that their scooter can cope with gravel paths and cobbles. The car park has no dedicated accessible bays. Only assistance dogs are allowed, and a full access guide is on the Cadw website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family tickets are available and children under 5 enter free. Seasonal family events and trails run in the school holidays, such as Monstrous Myths of the Roman Baths.

Getting there & parking

Take the B4596 to Caerleon; from the M4 use junction 25 westbound or junction 26 eastbound. National Cycle Network Route 88 passes about 165 metres from the site. Satellite navigation postcode NP18 1AE.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free public Wi-Fi is provided by Cadw. The gift shop sells products and guidebooks.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Cadw offers the site for events, filming and exhibitions.

Plan your visit