School visits to Chedworth Roman Villa

Chedworth Roman Villa is one of the grandest Roman villas discovered in Britain. It offers curriculum-linked learning for school groups through guided tours, hands-on activities and opportunities to explore nearly 2,000 years of history. From original mosaic floors and hypocaust systems to interactive challenges, pupils can discover what life was like in Roman Britain while learning outside the classroom.

A school visit to Chedworth Roman Villa supports learning about Roman Britain through first-hand experiences at one of the country's most significant Roman archaeological sites. Pupils can explore original Roman remains, discover how people lived and worked, and investigate evidence from the past through guided tours and practical activities.

Curriculum links

Chedworth Roman Villa provides a curriculum-linked learning experience for schools studying the Romans in Britain. 

Eg. Key Stage 2 History

Our visits support the National Curriculum topic:

• The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain
• Roman settlement and daily life
• Archaeology and historical enquiry
• Using evidence to understand the past
• Similarities and differences between Roman and modern life
• Activities encourage observation, questioning, discussion and problem-solving through hands-on learning.

Learning outcomes

By the end of their visit, pupils will be able to:

• Identify key features of a Roman villa, including bathhouses, dining areas and mosaic floors.
• Explain how archaeological evidence helps us understand life in Roman Britain.
• Describe similarities and differences between Roman life and life today.
• Understand why Chedworth Roman Villa was an important and luxurious home.
• Explore the lives of different people who lived and worked at the villa.
• Recognise how Roman engineering, design and technology influenced everyday life.
• Interpret evidence from the site to make informed observations about the past.
• Create and evaluate their own Roman-inspired mosaic patterns and designs.

Cross-curricular learning

Activities can also support:

• Art and Design through mosaic design and pattern making.
• Design and Technology through engineering and problem-solving challenges.
• Mathematics through shape, symmetry and pattern.
• English through listening, questioning, discussion and storytelling.
• PSHE through teamwork, communication and collaborative learning.

Learning outside the classroom

Through guided exploration and hands-on activities in the Learning Pavilion, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, investigate evidence and develop a deeper understanding of life in Roman Britain while learning outside the classroom.

What does a school visit look like?

A typical school visit takes place 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 characters 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 here.
• Teacher-led activities that provide opportunities for curiosity and creativity. Pupils 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 card game 'Roman - Not Roman'.
• Exclusive use of the Learning Pavilion for the duration of your visit.