Wroxeter Roman City: Ancient Britain's Urban Legacy

Step into the ruins of Wroxeter Roman City, Britain’s ancient urban marvel with immersive history and stunning archaeological remains.

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Wroxeter Roman City

Explore Wroxeter Roman City, the site of Viroconium, once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. Wander the extensive ruins including a reconstructed Roman townhouse and municipal baths, and discover artifacts in the museum that reveal daily life 2,000 years ago. Set in open Shropshire countryside near Shrewsbury, this historic landmark offers immersive audio tours and accessible facilities for a captivating journey into Roman urban history.

A brief summary to Wroxeter Roman City

Shrewsbury, Wroxeter, SY5 6PJ, GB
+441743761330
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Start your visit at the museum to gain context before exploring the outdoor ruins for a richer experience.
Use the audio tour to deepen your understanding of the site’s history and daily Roman life.
Wear comfortable shoes as the site covers extensive outdoor terrain with uneven surfaces.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas, especially on sunny days.
English Heritage members enter free, so consider membership if visiting multiple sites.

Getting There

By Car

Traveling by car from Shrewsbury takes about 15-20 minutes via the B4380. Free parking is available on site. Note that rural roads may be narrow and signage limited, so plan accordingly.
By Train and Bus

From Shrewsbury railway station, take bus service Arriva 96 towards Telford, which stops near Wroxeter. The bus journey takes around 25-30 minutes. Check current schedules as services may be infrequent on weekends.
By Coach

Coach parking is available on site for organized groups. Group discounts and guided tours can be arranged in advance.
Walking

For active visitors, walking from nearby Wroxeter village is possible in about 20 minutes over flat terrain. The route is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for wheelchairs.

Wroxeter Roman City location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Wroxeter Roman City

Echoes of a Roman Metropolis in the English Countryside

Wroxeter Roman City, known in Roman times as Viroconium Cornoviorum, stands as one of Britain’s most significant archaeological sites. Situated near Shrewsbury in Shropshire, this sprawling ruin marks the footprint of what was once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain, rivaling the size of Pompeii. Originally a legionary fortress, it evolved into a bustling civilian settlement inhabited by traders, retired soldiers, and their families. The city thrived from the 1st to the 5th century AD, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of urban planning and Roman architecture.

Uncovering the City's Architectural and Social Fabric

Visitors can explore the remains of the 2nd-century municipal baths, a centerpiece of Roman social life, alongside the adjacent exercise hall separated by a massive wall. A highlight is the painstakingly reconstructed Roman townhouse, built using traditional Roman building techniques for a television documentary. This house features painted rooms such as a dining room, bedroom, and bath suite, complete with replicas of Roman furniture, offering a vivid glimpse into domestic life. The open-air site invites leisurely wandering among the ruins, with informative boards and an engaging audio tour that brings the city’s history to life.

A Museum of Daily Roman Life and Artifacts

The on-site museum complements the outdoor ruins by showcasing a rich collection of artifacts excavated from the site. Military weapons, fashion accessories, medical instruments, and everyday objects illuminate the lives of Wroxeter’s inhabitants. The museum’s displays trace the city’s rise, its flourishing period, and eventual decline after the Roman withdrawal from Britain. This tangible connection to the past enriches visitor understanding of Roman Britain’s cultural and historical context.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

Wroxeter Roman City is designed to be welcoming and accessible. Facilities include accessible parking and toilets, ramped access to the visitor center, and mostly accessible grounds, though manual wheelchair users are advised to bring assistance. The site offers picnic areas, a gift shop, and audio tours to enhance the visitor experience. English Heritage members enjoy free entry, while others can purchase tickets with options for adults, concessions, children, and families. Group discounts and guided tours are also available.

Seasonal Opening and Location Setting

The site is open daily from April to November, typically from 10am to 5pm, with reduced hours on weekends during winter months. Nestled in tranquil Shropshire countryside, the ruins provide a scenic and contemplative atmosphere, ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers. The location’s rural setting offers peaceful surroundings while being accessible from nearby towns such as Shrewsbury and Telford.

Preserving a Roman Heritage for Future Generations

Managed by English Heritage, Wroxeter Roman City is a protected historical landmark that preserves this unique window into Roman Britain. Its combination of archaeological remains, reconstructed buildings, and curated museum collections makes it an invaluable resource for education and heritage tourism. The site invites visitors to step back in time and imagine life in a once-thriving Roman urban center, fostering appreciation for Britain’s rich ancient past.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Lord Hill's Column

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Wroxeter Roman City: Ancient Britain's Urban Legacy

A brief summary to Wroxeter Roman City

Local tips

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

Getting There

By Car

By Train and Bus

By Coach

Walking

Wroxeter Roman City location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Wroxeter Roman City

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Wroxeter Roman City

Echoes of a Roman Metropolis in the English Countryside

Uncovering the City's Architectural and Social Fabric

A Museum of Daily Roman Life and Artifacts

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

Seasonal Opening and Location Setting

Preserving a Roman Heritage for Future Generations

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Ffridd Faldwyn, Montgomery

Portobello Tower

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Red House Nature Reserve

War Memorial

National Trust - Chirk Castle

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Dudley Zoo and Castle

Black Country Living Museum

The Fountain

Freda's Grave

Wigmore Castle

Trentham Monkey Forest

Tŷ Mawr Country Park

Unmissable attractions to see

National Trust - Attingham Park Estate: Cronkhill

National Trust - Attingham Park

Lord Hill's Column

Haughmond Abbey

Acton Burnell Castle

House Clearance Emporium

Shrewsbury Abbey

Shrewsbury Prison

Laura's Tower

Shrewsbury Castle

Labyrinth Brings Harry Potter to Shrewsbury

The Darwin Centre

Montgomery Waters

The Quarry

Albert & Co Frankville

Essential places to dine

Riverside Inn

The Haughmond

The Peach Tree

Lion + Pheasant Hotel

The Hayward Restaurant

Bombos

La Lanterna at the Old Vestry

The Pheasant Inn

Chambers Restaurant

Royalist Restaurant

House of the Rising Sun

The Huntsman of Little Wenlock

The Exchange Pub & Restaurant

The Loopy Shrew

La Dolce Vita

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

National Trust Gift Shop

Oberon

La Vie

Ella Cru

Vinterior

Maggie Mae's Vintage

The Parade Shops

The Enchanted Labyrinth Ltd

Vinegar Hill

White Orchard