Home / Days Out & Events / Properties / Find a property by map / West Midlands / Shropshire / Wroxeter Roman City
Sign up for our email newsletter
Unusual Gift Ideas from the English Heritage Shop
Weather Forecast
Upcoming Events
Day Planner. Download Pdf
Find a Hotel with Active Hotel

Wroxeter Roman City

Aerial view reconstruction drawing
Aerial view reconstruction drawing of the baths in the 2nd century AS by Ivan Lapper (c) English Heritage Photo Library
Aerial view reconstruction drawing - Aerial view reconstruction drawing of the baths in the 2nd century AS by Ivan Lapper (c) Aerial view reconstruction drawing - Aerial view reconstruction drawing of the city as it may have appeared in the early 3rd Century AD by Ivan Lapper, (c) General view - General view (c) General view - General view (c) General view - General view (c) View across the site to the north wall of the Frigidarium - View across the site to the north wall of the Frigidarium (c) Wroxeter Roman City - View across the site to the north wall of the Frigidarium (c) Wroxeter in the Snow - Wroxeter in the Snow (c)
2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the re-discovery of Wroxeter Roman City, a momentous event for British archaeology. In February 1859 workmen began excavating the baths complex, and by April much of the present site was exposed and thronged with fascinated visitors, including Charles Dickens. Donated by the landowner for public viewing, Wroxeter thus became one of the first archaeological visitor attractions in Britain.

Wroxeter (or 'Viroconium' ) was the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. It began as a legionary fortress and later developed into a thriving civilian city, populated by retired soldiers and traders. Though much still remains below ground, today the most impressive features are the 2nd-century municipal baths, and the remains of the huge wall dividing them from the exercise hall in the heart of the city. The site museum and audio tour reveal how Wroxeter worked in its heyday, and the health and beauty practices of its 5,000 citizens. Dramatic archaeological discoveries provide a glimpse of the last years of the Roman city, and its possible conversion into the headquarters of a 5th-century British or Irish warlord.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-1 Nov 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-28 Feb 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.20 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.40 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.10 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.20 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.60 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.70 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £10.50 until 31 Mar 2010 / £11.00 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Shropshire - SY5 6PH
Road Access:
Located at Wroxeter, 5 miles E of Shrewsbury on B4380
Train Access:
Shrewsbury 5 1/2 miles; Wellington Telford West 6 miles
Bus Access:
Arriva 96 Telford - Shrewsbury (passes close to Telford Centralrailway station)
Map Location:
Telephone:
01743 761330

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Museum Education Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Hazardous Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: wheelchair Accessible toilet .
Shop/museum: Level access.
Refreshments: Snacks available. Picnic area.
Access:
Access to site: Wheelchair access to shop and site via ramp. Site mostly accessible, except some areas within walls, via smooth grass, cobbles and loose and impacted gravel paths. Some slopes and bumpy areas; strong pusher for wheelchairs recommended. Secondary viewing platform has level access.
Parking:
8m from entrance, with uneven surface; setting down point at entrance gate
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Education Centre (may be booked in advance) has pottery, fabric and armour to touch. Bird song, lilac blossom. Basilica is laid out in contrasting colours.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Free coach parking
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
1 1/2 hours.
Newsletter