Group visits to Chedworth Roman Villa

View of Chedworth from above - National Trust — View of Chedworth Roman Villa from above - National Trust | © National Trust

Chedworth Roman Villa was rediscovered by the Victorians over 160 years ago. Leading the way in archaeology and conservation, Chedworth provides a unique insight into life during the Roman period in Britain. If you're planning to visit with a group, we've designed a range of tour options to help you get the most out of your trip.

When to visit?

We welcome pre-booked groups during the open season between February and November, with the exception of bank holiday and special event weekends.

School groups usually visit from 10am - 1:30pm during term time.

Fragment of glass from a fish shaped perfume bottle | © National Trust

Group visits

Whatever your level of interest or budget, our three-tier tour programme offers something for everyone. All tours last approximately one hour and can be complemented with lunch or refreshments afterwards (booking required).

1. Classic Tours

Discover one of Britain's finest Roman villas on our guided Classic Tour. Explore why the Romans chose this remarkable site and learn about the wealthy individuals and servants who may have called it home. The tour showcases exceptional surviving features including intricate mosaics, bathhouse complexes and hypocaust heating systems, revealing both the daily rhythms of Roman life and the sophisticated engineering that sustained a high-status household.

£3 per person (Minimum group fee £20)

2. Insider Tours

For those wanting to delve deeper, we offer two specialist Insider Tours:

Recent Discoveries

Discover the stories behind major finds at Chedworth that have made headlines around the world. These include a grand reception room, Britain's only known 5th-century mosaic, and luxury imports such as marble from the Emperors' Quarry in the eastern Mediterranean. The tour also examines smaller treasures, including a rare Roman glass fragment that reveals ancient trade networks. Gain insight into how archaeological discoveries are uncovered, interpreted and brought to life for visitors.

Behind the Scenes

Go beyond the public spaces to discover the conservation work that protects Chedworth Roman Villa. See how fragile Roman remains are preserved within a working historic environment, from protecting the pillars of an underfloor heating system from frost to safeguarding delicate mosaics with specialist techniques. The tour also highlights the discovery of internationally significant Roman wall plaster in the cold plunge pool, demonstrating how ongoing care and research continues to enrich our understanding of the site.

£6 per person (Minimum group fee £40)

3. Signature Tours

These exclusive tours offer something quite special. On request, groups can explore Chedworth with either renowned archaeologist Dr Martin Papworth or Laura Mountford, Chedworth's Head of Conservation and Keeper of the Monument.

Dr Martin Papworth will share insights from excavations that have taken place at Chedworth over the years and the discoveries he has made, including the unearthing of Britain's only known 5th-century mosaic—a find that is transforming our understanding of the end of Roman Britain.

Laura Mountford will show you how her team cares for one of Britain's most important Roman sites, including a rare opportunity to view wall painting fragments from the Chedworth collection.

Price: £20 per person (Minimum group fee £200)

Archaeologist revealing a mosaic floor in the northern wing at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire — Archaeologist revealing a mosaic floor at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire | © National Trust Images/Stephen Haywood

School visits

Whatever your age, Chedworth Roman Villa is full of exciting discoveries and unforgettable learning experiences. From 'What do you use a sponge on a stick for?' to 'What's a Nymphaeum?', we're sure you'll learn something new every time you visit.

A typical school visit lasts between 10am and 1.30pm to allow for travel time within the school day.

A visit includes:

A guided tour of the site, led by one of our costumed interpreters dressed in traditional Roman Dress. The tour gives children the chance to explore one of the grandest villas found in Roman Britain and hear stories about the people who once lived and worked there.
Teacher-led activities providing opportunities for curiosity and creativity. Children learn by having fun with activities ranging from designing patterns with magnetic mosaics and playing the Roman board game rota to taking on engineering challenges and trying the quick‑fire card game 'Roman - Not Roman'.

Bringing history to life

From Roman history to archaeology, use this amazing site to bring history to life for your school group.

Education Group Access Pass

Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year.

To visit Chedworth you must have an Education Group Access Pass. Room hire, tours and activity sessions are priced separately, please contact us to discuss your needs. Booking is essential.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk

Get in touch

If you would like to plan your visit, please call us on: 01242 890256 or email us at: chedworth@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss your individual requirements.

We look forward to welcoming you to Chedworth Roman Villa.