Lullingstone Roman Villa

Mosaic floor in Audience Room
Mosaic floor in Audience Room: Belleropon riding Pegasus and spearing Chimaera (c) English Heritage Photo Library
Display of Roman Pottery - Display of Roman Pottery (c) Lullingstone Roman Villa - A Roman copper-alloy (bronze) flagon found in mausoleum (c) Mosaic floor in Audience Room - Mosaic floor in Audience Room: Belleropon riding Pegasus and spearing Chimaera (c) mosic floor - mosic floor: Detail showing figure of "Summer" wearing a garland of corn (c)

Emergency Information

Lullingstone Roman Villa is currently closed but will re-open on Thursday, 24 July 2008.

One of the few excavated villas fully open to visitors, Lullingstone provides a unique opportunity to trace Roman domestic life over three centuries. Begun in about AD 75, the villa was frequently altered to suit the tastes and beliefs of successive wealthy owners. Towards the end of the 1st century, they added a heated bath-suite and pagan 'cult-rooms': these display a rare and important treasure - a painting of two water-nymphs, by far the oldest wall painting in English Heritage care.

After a period of decline and more changes, a big new dining room was added in c. AD 350: this still retains outstanding mosaics, including Europa and the Bull and Bellerophon killing the Chimaera. Soon afterwards the villa-owners became Christians, creating a chapel: the painted symbols found there are among the earliest surviving evidence for Christianity in Britain. The villa was destroyed by fire soon after AD 400.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
24 July-30 Sep10am-6pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-30 Nov10am-4pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Dec-31 Jan10am-4pmWed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Feb-31 Mar10am-4pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£5.50
Children:
£2.80
Concession:
£4.40
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £13.80

How do I get there?

Address:
Kent - DA4 0JA
Road Access:
1/2 mile SW of Eynsford; off A225; off junction 3 of M25
Train Access:
Eynsford 3/4 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
01322 863467, Local Tourist Information: Clacket Lane 01959 565063

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
ParkingEducationGuidebooksNo dogs allowedAudio tours (included in admission price)ShopEventsFamily LearningAdmission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holdersMale ToiletsFemale Toilets
Facilities Details:
Shop: Easy access.
Toilets: Adapted WC, key available on request.
Refreshments: Snacks available. Picnic area.
Access:
Access to building: Ground floor accessible to wheelchairs, though some showcases may be rather high for easy viewing. Stairs to upper floor viewing area and showcases.
Grounds: On concrete and smooth grass. Benches provided (approach via steps).
Parking:
40m from entrance: loose gravel surface in car park. Disabled visitors can be set down by railing; slight slope to entrance.
Price: £2.50
£1.00 for English Heritage members
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Special audio tour included in admission price. Mosaic floor can be touched by prior arrangement with custodian. Flower borders in grounds.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Hearing impaired visitors: Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price. Script available.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1322 863467 as capacity is restricted
Group Booking:
Free parking for up to 3 coaches
Average Length of Visit:
1 1/2 hours

Further Info

Audio tour subject to availability (available for the visually impaired, those with learning difficulties, and in English, French and German