Discover Chedworth Roman Villa
Find out when Chedworth Roman Villa is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Chedworth Roman Villa
Chedworth Roman Villa is a fantastic place to visit with the family: play Roman board games, build mosaic-themed puzzles and enjoy a family picnic with incredible views over the Cotswold countryside. Several times throughout the year, you will be able to join fun-filled trails and engage in archaeological activities. You can also create your own mosaics, watch historical characters bring the past to life and dress up while your explore this ancient site.
Under Roman Skies: 14-22 February
This February half term, explore a cosmic trail at Chedworth Roman Villa. This family-friendly experience takes you through ancient ruins, uncovering the connections between Roman gods and the planets. Along the way, enjoy interactive activities and discover how mythology and astronomy intertwined in the ancient world.
Discover more about 'Under Roman Skies' half-term trail
Secrets of Roman Beauty: 14 & 15 March
Join us this Mother’s Day Weekend and indulge in the luxurious world of Roman beauty rituals. Discover how the Villa’s elite perfected the art of pampering, from head-turning hairstyles to fragrant oils sourced from far-off lands.
Discover more about our Roman beauty day
Easter Mosaic Madness: 28 March to 12 April
Join us this Easter for our mosaic-themed Easter egg trail and celebrate the Easter hoidays with a creative Roman twist? Pop on your bunny ears and hop off around the site to discover 10 mosaic‑inspired family games and activities. Try your hand at creating colourful magnetic mosaic patterns, explore real Roman designs around the villa, and meet the master mosaicist who'll bring this ancient art to life. Easter trails are £3.50 each and includes a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg.
*Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.
Discover more about the 'Mosaic Madness' Easter trail
Games & Puzzles
There are several Roman-themed activities to get stuck into during a visit. You can hone your strategic skills with a game of Nine Men's Morris, tackle our challenging mosaic-themed puzzles, test your knowledge of Roman numerals or create your own fun patterns with our magnetic mosaics. During holiday periods, a giant Nine Men's Morris board is in action on the lawns along with a large puzzle of Winter, the iconic figure from Chedworth's Grand Dining Room mosaic, which is sure to test each family's teamwork skills. Giant building blocks, skipping ropes, hoops and hopscotch are also available during the holidays to add to the fun.
Dress up
Volunteers have designed a spectrum of Roman outfits that families can wear while they tour the Villa. These are available at selected times during holiday periods and can create the perfect photo moment.
Exploring the collection
The museum contains a collection of historically significant items found at Chedworth including Roman hairpins, jewellery, coins and statues. There is something to interest every member of the family. A game of 'I spy' is hosted in the museum several times a year.
Free Tour Mondays
From March to October 2026, we will be offering free guided tours of the Villa every Monday. Join our tour guides and discover why the Villa was built here, who may have owned it, and how such a grand way of life was sustained. Hear about how the Villa was discovered and what recent excavations have revealed about life at Chedworth.
Seasonal Trails & Activities
During holidays periods, families can experience a fun-filled trail or dive into active learning activities. Easter, the Festival of Archaeology, the Summer of Play and Half Term breaks are particularly popular.
Historical Characters
Chedworth Roman Villa has a whole cast of historical characters to entertain visitors during half terms and bank holiday weekends, so keep an eye on the website for details. Censorinus, the Villa owner, shares what it was like to live in one of the finest villas in the country while Dr Quintus takes you on a journey into surgery and medicine during Roman times. Sabina shows you what it was like looking after the Lady of the Villa and Thomas Margetts and James Farrer tell the famous discovery and excavation story from 1864.
A highlight of the calendar is when the Gladiators take over the Villa for Father's Day Weekend. Get ready for Gladiators shows, military displays and the chance to take on the dads in 'combat'.
Special Events
Keep an eye on the website for family-friendly events from talks, crafts and demonstrations, to storytelling, archaeological activities and immersive experiences.
Planning your family visit
Here's all the information you need at a glance, to make the most of your family day out at Chedworth Roman Villa.
- Baby changing facilities are available in the Salway Learning Room and Visitor Reception.
- Buggies are welcome but please be aware that there are some uneven surfaces around the Villa.
- There is a range of wet weather activities in the Learning Pavilion
- Drinks, snacks and light lunches are available from the café
- Indoor and outdoor seating areas and picnic benches in the grounds
- As we are an active archaeological site, only assistance dogs are allowed on the property.
The mosaic floor at Chedworth Roman Villa
Chedworth Roman Villa has some of the most impressive in-situ Roman mosaics in the country and a close up look gives an insight into life in Roman Britain.
History of Chedworth Roman Villa
Discover 2,000 years of history at Chedworth Roman Villa. Find out about its construction, heyday and decline, and unearth the stories of a wealthy owner and a Victorian discovery.
Things to see and do at Chedworth Roman Villa
Discover the remains of one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain. See the spectacular Roman mosaics, hypocausts and bath houses and find out what treasures have been found here.
