Chedworth Roman Villa
The remains of one of Britain's grandest Roman villas in a Cotswold valley, with in-situ mosaics, bath-houses and a small museum of finds.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Chedworth Roman Villa lies in a sheltered combe above the River Coln, close to a natural spring and to the Roman road called the Fosse Way. Soon after the Roman conquest of AD 43 the first buildings appeared on the site, three simple detached structures in Roman style. Over the next two centuries they were joined into a larger residence, and in the 4th century the villa grew into a lavish complex designed to impress guests. Its owners were probably among the wealthiest people in Roman Britain; a silver spoon found in the 19th century names a Censorinus, who may have built or lived there.
After the Romans left Britain around AD 410 the villa declined and was abandoned. It was rediscovered by the Victorians more than 160 years ago. The National Trust has cared for Chedworth since 1924, and archaeologists still work there, adding to what is known about late Roman Britain.
Today visitors walk on raised walkways inside a modern conservation building, looking down on well-preserved mosaics, including the figure of Winter in the Grand Dining Room, and on the heating system (hypocaust) and bath-house rooms. The Victorian lodge houses a small museum of finds such as jewellery, hairpins, coins and statues. Outside, the Nymphaeum water shrine is still fed by water that filters through the limestone.
Highlights
- Some of the best in-situ Roman mosaics in Britain
- Bath-house rooms and hypocaust heating system seen from raised walkways
- Museum of finds in the Victorian lodge
- Nymphaeum water shrine still fed by a natural spring
- Free guided tours on Mondays from March to October 2026
Permanent exhibitions
- Mosaics, bath-house and hypocaust – Well-preserved Roman mosaic floors, bath-house rooms and under-floor heating systems seen from raised walkways in the West Range building.
- Museum of finds – A small museum in the Victorian lodge showing objects from the excavations, such as jewellery, hairpins, coins and statues.
- Operated by
- National Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £15 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £7.50free up to age 4 · Child ticket for ages 5–17. |
| Groups | £14.25 per personGroup adult price; group child ticket (5–17) £7.13. |
| Families | £37.50Two adults and up to three children; one adult with two children costs £22.50. |
Prices are for the outdoor features and the West Range building without Gift Aid; with Gift Aid the adult price is £16.50, the child price £8.30 and the family price £41.30. National Trust members and children under 5 enter free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site has some uneven surfaces, steps, narrow corridors and ramps, and the roads to the villa are narrow. A lift, seating and loan wheelchairs are available. Blue Badge parking and a drop-off point are provided, and there are accessible toilets. Mobile phone signal is poor. A full access statement and an AccessAble guide are published. Only assistance dogs are allowed on site.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £37.50 · Two adults and up to three children; one adult with two children costs £22.50. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Families can dress up in Roman costumes, play board games and mosaic puzzles, and follow seasonal trails; in autumn 2026 a Ghosts of Roman Britain programme with a half-term ghost investigator challenge is included in admission. In school holidays and on bank holiday weekends costumed Roman characters appear and the lawns have giant games.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
There is no public transport from the nearest railway stations: Cheltenham Spa is 11.6 miles away, Kemble 15.5 miles and Moreton-in-Marsh 17.5 miles, so visitors arriving by train are advised to book a taxi. Bus services to the villa are very limited.
By car
Parking available · 20 m to the entrance
Parking for 35 cars within 20 m of the visitor centre, space for 10 to 12 cars in the lay-by on the lane 50 m away, and a woodland car park about 250 m away from March to October that is recommended on busy days and has an uneven surface. One pre-booked coach space is 30 m from the entrance, Monday to Friday only.
- Accessible parking
Follow the brown signs for 'Roman Villa' from the A429, not the signs for Chedworth village; there are no signs from other directions. The what3words address is gravy.luggage.emulated. Cyclists can use National Cycle Network route 48 through Northleach, 4.8 miles away, and park bikes near the café.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The café sells drinks and snacks. The shop offers Roman-themed souvenirs, books and games, and seasonal plants and gifts.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Audio guides can be borrowed at visitor reception. Free guided tours with admission run every Monday from March to October 2026. School visits include a tour with a costumed Roman character and teacher-led activities in the Learning Pavilion, and groups can book in advance. Only assistance dogs are allowed on site. |
