Step back into ancient history and uncover the haunting ruins of Roman Britain’s abandoned towns and forgotten settlements. Journey through the silent remains of once-vibrant communities, from mysterious ghost towns to remote frontier outposts, exploring stories of conquest, prosperity, and eventual decline.
Silchester – Calleva Atrebatum
Begin your exploration at Silchester, once the prosperous Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, now eerily quiet and overgrown. Walk along ancient streets, explore the remains of an amphitheater, and witness foundations of buildings frozen in time. Silchester’s deserted streets offer a poignant insight into Roman urban planning and daily life.
Wroxeter – Viroconium Cornoviorum
Continue to Shropshire’s Wroxeter, once Britain’s fourth-largest Roman city, known as Viroconium Cornoviorum. Here, visitors can wander amidst impressive ruins, including vast public baths, forum foundations, and city walls. The site offers a powerful glimpse into the scale and sophistication of Roman urban life.
Caerwent – Venta Silurum
Travel westward to Caerwent in Wales, where the remarkably preserved remains of Venta Silurum stand as testament to a thriving Roman market town. Walk among impressive defensive walls, house foundations, and temples, enjoying the quiet contemplation of this remarkably preserved settlement.
Hardknott Fort – Remote Frontier Outpost
Journey north into Cumbria’s rugged Lake District to find Hardknott Roman Fort. This isolated frontier post, high on a mountainside, guarded Roman Britain’s remote northern boundaries. Its stark remains evoke the harsh realities faced by Roman soldiers stationed at the edge of civilization, surrounded by dramatic panoramic vistas.
Caerleon – Isca Augusta
Venture west into Wales to Caerleon, home of the well-preserved Roman settlement known as Isca Augusta. Explore substantial ruins, including an amphitheater and barracks, and visit the Roman Legion Museum to discover artifacts and insights into the lives of soldiers stationed far from Rome.
Richborough – Gateway to Roman Britain
Travel to Kent and explore Richborough, where Romans first landed in Britain. Here stand the impressive remains of defensive walls and triumphal arches marking Roman conquest and expansion. This evocative site symbolizes the dramatic entry and eventual exit of Roman forces from Britain.
Hadrian’s Wall – Rome’s Northern Boundary
Conclude your tour along Hadrian’s Wall, stretching across northern England. Walk sections of this iconic structure, discovering abandoned forts, milecastles, and turret ruins, each offering a window into the everyday lives of those tasked with defending the edge of the empire.
Rediscovering Roman Britain’s Forgotten Settlements
This journey through Roman ghost towns and abandoned settlements offers travelers the chance to reconnect with Britain’s ancient past. Each ruin holds silent stories of ambition, struggle, and eventual abandonment, providing an evocative and memorable experience of Roman Britain’s enduring legacy.