Skip to content

Family-friendly things to do at Chedworth Roman Villa

Children playing with garden games at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire.
Children playing with garden games at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire. | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Chedworth Roman Villa is a fantastic place to visit with the family. You can play Roman board games, build mosaic-themed puzzles and enjoy a family picnic with incredible views over the Cotswold countryside. Several times throughout the year, you will be able to join fun-filled trails and engage in archaeological activities. You can also create your own mosaics, watch historical characters bring the past to life and dress up while your explore this ancient site.

Free Tour Mondays

Learn about the history and significance of Chedworth Roman Villa on a free tour with one of our experienced guides. Happening every Monday until the end of October 2024.

Murder mystery at Chedworth Roman Villa this half term

Something sinister has occurred at Chedworth Roman Villa. Censorinus, the wealthy owner of this grand estate, has been found dead in the grand dining room under mysterious circumstances. Now, it's up to you to uncover the truth. The mystery unfolds at Chedworth from 26 October - 3 November 2024.

Planning your family visit

  • Baby changing facilities are available in the Salway Learning Room and Visitor Reception.
  • Buggies are welcome but please be aware that there are some uneven surfaces around the Villa.
  • As we are an active archaeological site, only assistance dogs are allowed on the property.

Games & Puzzles

There are several Roman-themed activities to get stuck into during a visit. You can hone your strategic skills with a game of Nine Men's Morris, tackle our challenging mosaic-themed puzzles, test your knowledge of Roman numerals or create your own fun patterns with our magnetic mosaics. During holiday periods, a giant Nine Men's Morris board is in action on the lawns along with a large puzzle of Winter, the iconic figure from Chedworth's Grand Dining Room mosaic, which is sure to test each family's teamwork skills. Giant building blocks, skipping ropes, hoops and hopscotch are also available during the holidays to add to the fun.

Dress up

Volunteers have designed a spectrum of Roman outfits that families can wear while they tour the Villa. These are available at selected times during holiday periods and can create the perfect photo moment.

Exploring the collection

The museum contains a collection of historically significant items found at Chedworth including Roman hairpins, jewellery, coins and statues. There is something to interest every member of the family. A game of 'I spy' is hosted in the museum several times a year.

Seasonal Trails & Activities

During holidays periods, families can experience a fun-filled trail or dive into active learning activities. Easter, the Festival of Archaeology, the Summer of Play and Half Term breaks are particularly popular.

Historical Characters

Chedworth Roman Villa has a whole cast of historical characters to entertain visitors during half terms and bank holiday weekends, so keep an eye on the website for details. Censorinus, the Villa owner, shares what it was like to live in one of the finest villas in the country while Dr Quintus takes you on a journey into surgery and medicine during Roman times. Sabina shows you what it was like looking after the Lady of the Villa and Thomas Margetts and James Farrer tell the famous discovery and excavation story from 1864.

A highlight of the calendar is when the Gladiators take over the Villa for Father's Day Weekend. Get ready for Gladiators shows, military displays and the chance to take on the dads in 'combat'.

Special Events

Keep an eye on the website for family-friendly events from talks, crafts and demonstrations, to storytelling, archaeological activities and immersive experiences.

Chedworth Roman Villa from viewpoint

Discover Chedworth Roman Villa

Find out when Chedworth Roman Villa is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

A close up of two figures in a mosaic in the Dining Room at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire
Article
Article

The mosaic floor at Chedworth Roman Villa 

Chedworth Roman Villa has some of the most impressive in-situ Roman mosaics in the country and a close up look gives an insight into life in Roman Britain.

An archaeologist and volunteer digging in the northern wing of the villa at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire
Article
Article

History of Chedworth Roman Villa 

Discover 2,000 years of history at Chedworth Roman Villa. Find out about its construction, heyday and decline, and unearth the stories of a wealthy owner and a Victorian discovery.

View across the North Range remains of Chedworth Roman Villa towards the Victorian Shooting Lodge and the West Range building, Gloucestershire
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Chedworth Roman Villa 

Discover the remains of one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain. See the spectacular Roman mosaics, hypocausts and bath houses and find out what treasures have been found here.