Wroxeter Roman City — A Mini Pompeii in Shropshire


Just a short 10-minute drive from Attingham Park, Wroxeter Roman City makes the perfect add-on stop to round off a family day out. It’s so close and convenient, we decided to swing by just before closing after a full day exploring Attingham.

The site was quiet and almost empty—one of those rare moments when you feel like you have history all to yourself. As part of English Heritage, it’s well preserved and easy to explore.

Our son loved weaving through the ruins. Having just visited Pompeii, he immediately saw the resemblance. Wroxeter felt like a smaller, more walkable version—with the thrill of being able to step right into the remains of Roman buildings. A hands-on, time-travel moment for all of us.


Wroxeter Roman City is a great little stop for families with curious kids—especially ages 5 and up who love to explore, climb, and imagine stories from the past. The open layout makes it easy to roam, and the site is compact enough not to feel overwhelming.

  • 🕰️ Visit Time: 30–60 minutes is plenty

  • 🚗 Parking: Free parking on-site

  • 🎟️ Tickets: Free for English Heritage members; otherwise, small entrance fee (check website for up-to-date prices)

  • 🧺 Facilities: Toilets available

  • 🛍️ Gift Shop & Mini Museum: Inside the shop, there’s a small exhibition space showcasing Roman artefacts found at the site. It’s a nice bonus, with some hands-on displays and interactive features that children will enjoy.

  • 📍 Nearby: Just 10 minutes from Attingham Park—perfect for a joint visit!

If you’re in the area and want to sprinkle a bit of time travel into your day, Wroxeter is an easy and enriching stop—peaceful, spacious, and full of stories under your feet.

Parking Address:

Wroxeter Roman City Car ParkRoman Town, Wroxeter, Shrewsbury SY5 6PJ

In conclusion, Wroxeter Roman City not only serves as a captivating introduction to Roman history in England but also as a place for families to explore, learn, and enjoy together. It’s a destination that offers much more than just ruins; it envelops visitors in an engaging historical narrative, making each visit unique and memorable.

Furthermore, the site’s visitor centre offers a wealth of information, including exhibitions showcasing artefacts discovered on site. This centre enhances the visitor experience by providing context to what can be seen during the walk around the ruins.

Wroxeter Roman City is also home to various seasonal events, including Roman reenactments, which bring the history of the site to life. These events often feature actors in period costumes performing daily activities of Roman life, providing an entertaining and educational experience.

Additionally, the site is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it ideal for a family picnic. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views while reflecting on their historical journey through this remarkable Roman city.

For families, Wroxeter Roman City offers an engaging experience with hands-on activities for children. There are often guided tours and educational workshops that delve deeper into Roman history, making it a perfect day out for school groups and budding historians alike.

The bathhouse is particularly impressive, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the Romans. With heated floors and intricate plumbing systems, it highlights the importance of bathing in Roman culture, serving both hygienic and social purposes.

One of the highlights of a visit to Wroxeter is the reconstructed Roman villa, which provides an immersive experience. This interactive display allows visitors to step inside a Roman home and see how families lived, including the layout of rooms and the furniture used during that time.

Visitors can explore the remains of various structures, including a grand public bathhouse, domestic houses, and part of the city wall. Each ruin tells a story about the lives of the people who lived here, with artefacts unearthed during excavations enhancing the narrative.

The history of Wroxeter dates back to the 1st century AD when it was established as a Roman settlement known as Viroconium. Throughout its existence, it flourished as a centre of trade and commerce, eventually becoming a prominent city within the Roman Empire in Britain.

Wroxeter Roman City, the largest Roman city in Britain, is a fascinating site steeped in history. The site offers insights into Roman life, architecture, and engineering, making it an educational experience for visitors of all ages. With its intriguing ruins and preserved structures, it provides a unique glimpse into the past.

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1 Response

  1. 9th May 2025

    […] you’re in the area, don’t miss out on Wroxeter Roman City, just a short drive away. 🏛️ It may be small, but it has that Pompeii vibe, with its ancient […]

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