Newport Roman Villa
Reconstructed Romano-British farmhouse from about AD 280 with a preserved bath suite, mosaic remains, Roman kitchen and herb garden.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Newport Roman Villa is a Romano-British farmhouse built around AD 280, probably the centre of a wealthy estate. It was made of local stone and roofed with heavy Bembridge limestone slabs. The site was found in 1926, when a nearby homeowner uncovered Roman remains while garage foundations were being dug, and excavation then revealed the villa's ground plan.
A protective building was put up over the remains, and in 1960 the site was given to Isle of Wight County Council, which took over the deeds in 1961. It is now a scheduled monument and is cared for by Isle of Wight Council. A new roof was fitted in 2009 to reduce the damp that had let algae grow on the mosaics.
The best-preserved part is the bath suite, which has underfloor heating: a furnace outside the back wall sent hot air through an arch and under the raised floors of three rooms. Fragments of window glass and painted plaster show that the house had glazed windows and brightly coloured walls. Alongside the original remains, visitors can see a reconstructed Roman kitchen and a Roman herb garden, and an education room is used for family activities and school visits.
Highlights
- Well-preserved Roman bath suite with underfloor heating
- Remains of mosaic flooring
- Reconstructed Roman kitchen
- Roman herb garden
- Free activity pack, quiz sheet and family trail
Permanent exhibition
- The Roman villa and bath suite – The preserved ground plan of a third-century farmhouse, its heated bath suite and mosaic remains, with a reconstructed Roman kitchen and herb garden.
- Operated by
- Isle of Wight Council
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5Students and visitors aged 65 and over |
| Children & teens | £3free up to age 4 · Price for ages 5 to 17; children under 5 enter free. |
| Seniors | £5Aged 65 and over |
| Students & apprentices | £5 |
| Groups | –Groups are welcome by arrangement; guided tours are available. |
| Families | £142 adults and 2 children; a ticket for 1 adult and 2 children costs £10. |
| Family ticket, 1 adult and 2 children | £10 |
Visitors who arrive by bicycle or show the Southern Vectis app receive 10% off. Payment is by cash or card; contactless payment is not accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Guide dogs are permitted. No further accessibility details are published; visitors with specific needs should contact the villa before visiting.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 30 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
| Family ticket | £14 · 2 adults and 2 children; a ticket for 1 adult and 2 children costs £10. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Free quiz sheet for children, a free activity pack and family trail, and an education room with family activities. Activity days are held through the year.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
On-street parking only.
The villa is on Cypress Road in a residential area of Newport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Gift shop. Garden and grounds for visitors.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are available for groups by arrangement; group and school bookings go through museums@iow.gov.uk. The villa is an indoor, all-weather attraction. Dogs on a lead are welcome. |
