Best Roman sites for a weekend
10 destinations picked for this guide.
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
Britain was part of the Roman Empire for nearly 400 years, and its cities, forts and baths still show it. From the Roman Baths at Bath to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland and the walls of York and Chester, these are the best places for a weekend of Roman history.
A compact Welsh capital with a castle in the city centre
ChesterCheshire · Mid-rangeRoman walls, medieval Rows and a riverside setting
ExeterDevon · Mid-rangeA cathedral city with Roman walls, hidden passages and a lively quayside
HexhamNorthumberland · Mid-rangeAn abbey town in the Tyne Valley, the best base for Hadrian's Wall
IronbridgeShropshire · Mid-rangeThe birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, with the world's first iron bridge
LincolnLincolnshire · Mid-rangeA hilltop cathedral city with a medieval castle
NorthumberlandNorthumberland · Mid-rangeCastles, empty beaches, dark skies and Hadrian's Wall
CanterburyKent · Higher-pricedA medieval cathedral city with a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral
YorkNorth Yorkshire · Higher-pricedMedieval walls, a magnificent minster and cobbled streets
BathSomerset · PremiumRoman baths, Georgian crescents and thermal spas
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Roman site in Britain?
Bath for the baths, Hadrian's Wall for scale and Chester for its amphitheatre and walls are all strong choices.
Can I walk Hadrian's Wall in a weekend?
You can walk a section, but the full 84 miles takes about a week. Hexham is a good base for the central section.
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Last reviewed October 2026. Prices and journey times are estimates, so check before you book. Report an error or share a tip.