Jewry Wall & Roman Baths, Leicester

Explore one of Britain’s largest Roman masonry structures and immerse yourself in Leicester’s ancient Roman baths and heritage museum.

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Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

Jewry Wall is one of Britain’s largest surviving Roman masonry structures, dating from around AD 160. It formed part of the public baths complex in Roman Leicester (Ratae Corieltauvorum). The site includes the towering wall with its characteristic arches and the excavated foundations of the baths, alongside a museum showcasing Roman artefacts and immersive exhibits that bring the city’s ancient past to life.

A brief summary to Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

156-140 St Nicholas Walk, Leicester, LE1 4LB, GB
+441162254971
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit the Jewry Wall Museum to see over 100 Roman artefacts and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring Roman Leicester to life.
Take time to view the towering Jewry Wall itself, noting its massive arches and stonework, which once formed part of the Roman baths.
Check opening hours before visiting, as the museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm (5pm on Saturdays) but may close for maintenance.
Enjoy a break at the museum café overlooking the Roman bathhouse ruins, which is accessible without a ticket.
Explore the surrounding area for additional Roman Leicester sites and the historic St Nicholas Church nearby.

Getting There

Bus

Several bus routes serve St Nicholas Circle in Leicester city centre, with journey times from Leicester Railway Station of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Tickets cost around £2-£4 depending on the operator.
Train and Walk

Leicester Railway Station is about 1.5 km from Jewry Wall. A 20-minute walk through the city centre on mostly flat terrain leads to the site. Suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility.
Car

On-street parking is available near St Nicholas Circle, with additional parking at the Holiday Inn NCP car park across the road. Parking fees typically range from £3 to £6 for a few hours. Note that city centre traffic restrictions may apply.

Jewry Wall & Roman Baths location weather suitability

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Discover more about Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

Monumental Roman Architecture in Leicester

The Jewry Wall stands as one of the tallest and most significant surviving Roman masonry structures in Britain, reaching over 9 metres high. Constructed circa AD 160, it once formed the west wall of the palaestra, or exercise hall, of the Roman public baths complex in the town of Ratae Corieltauvorum, now modern Leicester. The wall’s two large arched openings and additional alcoves mark the entrance to the baths, a central social and cultural hub for Roman citizens. The baths were a place not only for bathing but also for socialising, exercising, and conducting business, reflecting the Roman lifestyle’s emphasis on communal leisure and civic life.

Unearthing Leicester’s Roman Heritage

The remains of the Roman baths were discovered in 1936 during demolition works for a new swimming baths facility. Archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon led extensive excavations from 1936 to 1939, initially interpreting the site as the forum before identifying the bath complex. Her pioneering work revealed the scale and complexity of Roman Leicester’s civic architecture, uncovering stone foundations, furnaces, mosaics, and artefacts such as coins and pottery. Subsequent excavations confirmed the Jewry Wall’s role as part of the baths, and the site is now a scheduled ancient monument protected as a Grade I listed structure.

The Jewry Wall Museum Experience

Adjacent to the ruins, the Jewry Wall Museum offers a rich, immersive experience of Roman Leicester’s history. The museum features over 100 artefacts excavated locally, including mosaics, painted wall plaster, and bronze figures. Modern digital technology and interactive displays recreate life in the 2nd-century city, enhanced by vivid artwork depicting Roman citizens. The museum building itself boasts glass walls providing views of the archaeological remains and includes a café overlooking the bathhouse ruins, allowing visitors to relax amid historical surroundings.

Historical Layers and Later Use

The Jewry Wall’s survival is partly attributed to its reuse in the Anglo-Saxon period, possibly as part of a church or cathedral, which protected it when much of the Roman baths were demolished in the Middle Ages. The name 'Jewry Wall' is thought to derive from the medieval term 'jurats,' referring to local officials, rather than any direct Jewish connection. The site stands near St Nicholas’ Church and is a focal point for understanding Leicester’s layered history from Roman times through the medieval era.

Preservation and Public Access

Managed by Leicester City Council’s Arts & Museums Service on behalf of English Heritage, the Jewry Wall and its museum underwent an extensive refurbishment completed in 2025. The site is now accessible to the public with regular opening hours, offering educational programs and events that celebrate Leicester’s Roman heritage. While the museum provides indoor exhibits, the ruins themselves are an outdoor experience, allowing visitors to explore the monumental scale and craftsmanship of Roman engineering firsthand.

Significance and Legacy

The Jewry Wall & Roman Baths site is a nationally important archaeological and historical landmark. It exemplifies Roman urban planning and public life in Britain and serves as a vital link to Leicester’s ancient past. The combination of archaeological remains, museum collections, and modern interpretive technology makes it a compelling destination for those interested in Roman history, archaeology, and cultural heritage.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

23 St.Nicholas Pl

0.1 km

Leicester's oldest place of worship, where Roman foundations meet medieval splendour and 1,100 years of history.

Leicester Roman West Gate site

0.1 km

Explore Leicester’s monumental Roman baths and the iconic Jewry Wall, a testament to ancient urban life and architecture.

Welford Place

0.6 km

Explore the historic John Biggs statue at Welford Place, a Victorian landmark celebrating Leicester’s reformist legacy and civic pride.

Museum Development East Midlands

3.9 km

Supporting East Midlands museums with expert guidance, grants, and training from County Hall, Leicester.

King Lear

5.0 km

Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.

Earl Shilton Castle

12.8 km

Discover the Norman motte and bailey earthworks of Earl Shilton Castle, a historic hunting lodge and fortress near Leicester.

Memorial Clock Tower

18.7 km

A towering Gothic-revival memorial in Coalville honoring 354 fallen WWI soldiers with a commanding clock and rich community history.

Westmorland Drive

27.2 km

Experience seamless travel in Nuneaton at the Westmorland Drive bus stop, your gateway to local attractions and vibrant community life.

Bedworth Water Tower

28.9 km

A towering Romanesque water tower blending industrial heritage, architectural charm, and urban wildlife in the heart of Bedworth.

Rushton Triangular Lodge

32.7 km

Explore the architectural wonder of Rushton Triangular Lodge, a unique heritage building steeped in history and stunning design.

Old Trent Bridge

33.6 km

A historic river crossing in Nottingham blending medieval origins with Victorian engineering and enduring local heritage.

Wollaton Park Lake

34.6 km

Discover the tranquility of Wollaton Park Lake in Nottingham, an ideal retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Lamport Hall

34.7 km

Explore Lamport Hall, a stunning historical landmark in Northamptonshire, where rich heritage and breathtaking gardens await every traveler.

Mortimer’s hole

34.9 km

Explore Mortimer's Hole in Nottingham - a captivating historical landmark steeped in legend and medieval intrigue.

Public Art - The Sneinton Dragon

34.9 km

Discover the enchanting Sneinton Dragon, a striking public art sculpture in Nottingham, embodying local heritage and artistic expression.

Unmissable attractions to see

The Guildhall Museum

0.2 km

Explore 600 years of Leicester’s history in a beautifully preserved medieval timber-framed Guildhall, from Shakespearean theatre to Victorian police cells.

Leicester Cathedral

0.3 km

Discover the historic Leicester Cathedral, home to King Richard III’s tomb and centuries of Gothic splendor in the heart of Leicester.

Leicester Castle

0.3 km

Explore Leicester Castle’s medieval heritage and royal connections in the heart of the city, where history and architecture intertwine.

Highcross

0.3 km

Leicester’s vibrant shopping and entertainment destination with over 120 stores, diverse dining, and a luxury cinema experience.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

0.4 km

Discover the incredible story of King Richard III’s life, death, and rediscovery at the site where history was unearthed beneath a Leicester car park.

The Newarke Houses Museum

0.4 km

Explore Leicester’s Tudor heritage, immersive WWI trench, and vibrant Victorian shops amid tranquil historic gardens.

Veeno

0.4 km

Experience authentic Sicilian wines and Italian small plates in Leicester’s vibrant St Martins Square at Veeno.

Leicester Market

0.5 km

Europe’s largest outdoor covered market, blending 700 years of history with vibrant multicultural produce and lively community spirit.

The Clock Tower

0.6 km

Discover the historic Clock Tower in Leicester, a stunning landmark that encapsulates the city's rich heritage and vibrant local culture.

Town Hall Square Fountain

0.6 km

Historic Victorian fountain in Leicester’s Town Hall Square, a symbol of civic pride and architectural elegance.

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

1.1 km

Discover Leicester’s rich heritage through captivating art, natural history, and interactive family galleries on historic New Walk.

Abbey Park

1.3 km

Discover Abbey Park, Leicester’s historic riverside haven blending tranquil gardens, medieval ruins, and family-friendly fun just north of the city centre.

The Blackbird

1.4 km

A welcoming Leicester grill pub serving hearty sizzling dishes and classic pub fare in a lively community atmosphere.

Leicester Abbey

1.6 km

Explore the evocative 12th-century Leicester Abbey ruins amid tranquil riverside gardens and family-friendly attractions in historic Abbey Park.

National Space Centre

2.2 km

Explore the UK’s largest planetarium and iconic rocket tower at Leicester’s National Space Centre, a hub of space discovery and interactive science fun.

Essential places to dine

Cosy Club

0.2 km

Stylish British dining and vibrant bar in Leicester’s heart, blending timeless glamour with all-day menus and festive event spaces.

Restaurant263

0.2 km

Experience innovative modern British fine dining with personal chef touches and vibrant vegan options in Leicester’s stylish city centre venue.

Wygston's House Bar & Restaurant

0.2 km

Historic 15th-century timber-framed house in Leicester’s Old Town serving classic English pub fare and real ales in a vibrant, heritage-rich setting.

Varanasi Boutique Restaurant

0.3 km

Experience exquisite Indian fine dining in Leicester’s majestic Varanasi Boutique, where culinary artistry meets opulent ambiance.

Merchant of Venice

0.4 km

Experience authentic Italian flavors and Renaissance-inspired charm in Leicester’s Merchant of Venice, a unique dining destination blending culture and cuisine.

The Frame

0.4 km

A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant and bar in Leicester’s St Martins Square, blending refined flavours with stylish, inviting surroundings.

Bistrot Pierre - Leicester

0.5 km

Experience authentic French bistro dining in Leicester’s city centre with classic dishes, seasonal specials, and a warm Parisian atmosphere.

Restaurant Romanesc Leicester (Romanian Restaurant) Grande Gusto

0.7 km

Authentic Romanian flavors and generous portions await you at Grande Gusto, Leicester’s cozy hub for traditional Eastern European cuisine.

Restaurant Romanesc Leicester (Romanian Restaurant) Grande Gusto

Casa Romana Restaurant

0.7 km

Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm at Casa Romana, Leicester’s cherished seafood and pasta haven.

The White Peacock

0.7 km

Elegant modern European dining with innovative tasting menus and warm service in Leicester’s vibrant city centre.

Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant

0.8 km

Savor fresh seafood and American-inspired dishes in a lively, casual setting at Leicester’s vibrant Sapphire Seafood Kitchen.

Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant

OGGI Italian Restaurant

1.7 km

Experience authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality at OGGI Italian Restaurant in Leicester’s vibrant London Road.

Black Iron

2.7 km

Modern British steakhouse in a historic Georgian mansion, offering charcoal-roasted meats and a refined dining experience in leafy Leicester parkland.

Sapori Restaurant & Bar

5.3 km

Family-run Italian dining in a stylish Victorian setting, blending Neapolitan tradition with modern elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Dom restaurant and bar

9.7 km

A celebrated small plates restaurant in Thurlaston offering refined flavors and a warm, intimate dining experience in a charming village setting.

Discover unique gifts and boutique treasures in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Clarendon Park at Prettiez.

A lively Leicester pub with great food, live music, family events, and a welcoming pirate-themed atmosphere.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Mosh

0.1 km

Leicester’s vibrant three-floor alternative nightclub, buzzing with indie, emo, and metal beats and budget-friendly drinks.

The 2Funky Lounge

0.4 km

Leicester’s energetic two-floor nightclub with live music, private parties, and a rooftop terrace for unforgettable nights out.

Waikiki Nightclub

0.6 km

Experience Leicester’s electric nightlife with futuristic vibes, trendy cocktails, and top RnB beats at Waikiki Nightclub every weekend.

Club Republic

0.7 km

Experience Leicester’s ultimate clubbing hotspot with immersive audiovisuals, live gigs, and a vibrant student-friendly atmosphere.

TRUTH Leicester

0.7 km

Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at TRUTH, a dynamic nightclub pulsing with music and energy in the city centre’s entertainment heart.

The Basement

0.7 km

Leicester’s underground hotspot for late-night dancing, eclectic music, and unforgettable private events in a vintage-inspired setting.

The Fan Club

0.8 km

Leicester’s vibrant weekend nightclub with four rooms, diverse music, and a welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.

Motto Nightclub

0.8 km

Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at Motto Nightclub, a dynamic venue where music, dancing, and late-night energy come alive.

Corah Works

0.9 km

Experience Leicester’s rich textile heritage transformed into a vibrant nightlife hotspot at Corah Works on St John Street.

Helsinki

1.0 km

Leicester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightclub with electrifying drag shows, diverse music, and late-night celebrations in the heart of the city.

Echo's Night Club

16.0 km

Loughborough’s energetic nightclub with dual rooms, affordable drinks, and a lively student-friendly atmosphere on Biggin Street.

The Emporium

18.5 km

Experience Coalville’s vibrant nightlife at The Emporium, where legendary DJs and electric atmospheres create unforgettable weekends.

Tubes

22.5 km

Energetic nightlife and affordable drinks come alive at Tubes, Melton Mowbray’s go-to nightclub and bar for fun and dancing.

Ciros Nightclub

25.4 km

Energetic nightlife hotspot in Ashby-de-la-Zouch offering music, dancing, and a vibrant social scene in a central market town setting.

Ocean Nightclub

34.9 km

Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.

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Jewry Wall & Roman Baths, Leicester

A brief summary to Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Train and Walk

Car

Jewry Wall & Roman Baths location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

Monumental Roman Architecture in Leicester

Unearthing Leicester’s Roman Heritage

The Jewry Wall Museum Experience

Historical Layers and Later Use

Preservation and Public Access

Significance and Legacy

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

23 St.Nicholas Pl

Leicester Roman West Gate site

Welford Place

Museum Development East Midlands

King Lear

Earl Shilton Castle

Memorial Clock Tower

Westmorland Drive

Bedworth Water Tower

Rushton Triangular Lodge

Old Trent Bridge

Wollaton Park Lake

Lamport Hall

Mortimer’s hole

Public Art - The Sneinton Dragon

Unmissable attractions to see

The Guildhall Museum

Leicester Cathedral

Leicester Castle

Highcross

King Richard III Visitor Centre

The Newarke Houses Museum

Veeno

Leicester Market

The Clock Tower

Town Hall Square Fountain

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

Abbey Park

The Blackbird

Leicester Abbey

National Space Centre

Essential places to dine

Cosy Club

Restaurant263

Wygston's House Bar & Restaurant

Varanasi Boutique Restaurant

Merchant of Venice

The Frame

Bistrot Pierre - Leicester

Restaurant Romanesc Leicester (Romanian Restaurant) Grande Gusto

Casa Romana Restaurant

The White Peacock

Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant

OGGI Italian Restaurant

Black Iron

Sapori Restaurant & Bar

Dom restaurant and bar

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Niche Store

Arciide

Set

Very Bazaar Leicester

Menkind

The Wardrobe

Just Fair Trade

Urban Outfitters

The Source

Nim's Boutique ltd

Haymarket Shopping Centre