Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths

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Visit iconic heritage sites in South Wales at Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths

Experience one of the best historic sites in Wales at the Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths in one of the best things to do near Newport. 

Dive into Roman history in one of the best things to do in Caerleon at the famous Roman Fortress and Baths and uncover one of the best preserved Roman sites in all of Wales. 

Caerleon, or what was once known as Isca Augusta, was one of just three permanent Roman legionary fortresses in all of Britain. Begin your visit at the Roman ampitheatre, fortress and barracks and learn all the fascinating details of Wales' most famous Roman settlement. 

Continue your journey with a visit to the Baths and marvel at the 2,000-year-old 'natatio', or open-air swimming pool. Imagine soldiers relaxing in the shimmering water and look out for the film projection of a Roman soldier still diving in the depths. 

Discover all these treasures and more on your visit to Caerleon. 

Interested in visiting other Welsh castles? Get your Cadw Explorer Pass to visit 20 historic monuments in Wales

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Cadw Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales. 

  • Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions 
  • Visit as many castles as you want
  • Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
  • Save lots of money!

General Admission Ticket - Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths

Book General Admission tickets to Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths to explore 2,000 years of fascinating Roman history. Visit anytime during the day.

Available to 31 December 9999
The Roman Museum,
High Street,
Gwent NP18 1AE
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How to find us

By Road: B4596 to Caerleon, M4 Westbound (Jct 25), Eastbound (Jct 26).

By Rail: 6km/4mls, Newport, on the Cardiff- Newport/London/Manchester/Liverpool route.

By Bus: Route Nos. 27, 28, 28B Newport - Caerleon or Route Nos. 29, 29B Newport - Cwmbran.

By Bike: NCN Route No.88 (165m/180yds).

  • Café
  • Gift shop
  • Paid parking
  • The ampitheatre is accessible in good weather. The ground is often flooded during the wetter months — visitors should also be aware that difficulties may be encountered travelling across the ground, which is uneven grass with steep grassy slopes in places. The grass pathway to enter the arena is steep and therefore the site may not be accessible for wheelchair users.
  • The barracks ground is laid to grass and uneven so can be difficult to navigate. The site also features low walls that need to be navigated and so prevent access into the Barracks for wheelchair users.
  • The bathhouse has a level wooden slatted walkway over the remains with one short slope towards the rear of the building. Wheelchairs and prams with narrow wheels may have trouble when turning on the open slatted walkway. Please be aware that the Baths has reduced level lighting so please allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness when entering, however the interpretation panels, remains and shop are well lit.

Dogs on leads are welcome to visit the outdoor monuments including the Amphitheatre and Barracks complex. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the Roman Baths building. 

There is a pay and display car park adjacent to the baths, approx. 20 spaces. 

There are no toilets within the monument. Public toilets with an accessible cubical are near the ampitheatre at the bottom of the coach/car park on Broadway. 

Smoking is not permitted at the Caerleon Roman Fortress. 

Constructed around 74 AD, the fortress known as Isca Augusta was home to the Second Augustan Legion for over 200 years. One of only three permanent fortresses built in Roman Britain, the barracks were home to over 5,000 soldiers. 

The ampitheatre was built around 90 AD to entertain the legionaries stationed at Isca Augusta. 

Just a short walk from the barracks, soldiers and citizens alike would enjoy gladiator fights, animal hunts and military parades inside the 6,000-capacity ampitheatre. 

Roman soldiers were stationed in Caerleon for over 200 years between 75 AD to 287 AD. Most of the fortress was demolished as soldiers were moved to defend the south of England after Carausius' seizure of power in Britain, expecting an invasion from Roman emperors Diolcetian and Constantius. 

Found in the drains of Caerleon included jewellery and artefacts such as rings and gemstones. It is believed that they were lost by legionary soldiers as they were bathing. 

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