With a new exhibition starting later this month at the British Museum about the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Visit England have decided to highlight the Monty Python gag from the Life of Brian and show just what the Romans have done for the UK tourism industry.
Key sights where you can get your ill of pagan gods, tribal warfare and incredible architecture include:
Hadrian’s Wall: When it comes to Roman walls there’s no beating the 75-mile-long barrier built in Northumberland on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian. Along its route, forts and castles are two-a-penny and, when you’re not dodging sheep and cows, you’ll stumble across turrets, created for defending England against the Picts, and ancient stone circles, created for… well, no one’s quite sure. 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, an unbroken trail stretching from coast-to-coast, from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-solway in the west. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hadrians-wall
Chester: The walled city of Chester too offers visitors an atmospheric Roman experience. Take a wander through the ruins of the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, used for entertainment and military training by the 20th Legion, who were based at the fortress of ‘Deva’ (Chester). You’d never guess that blood-thirsty gladiators battled it out on this peaceful grassy spot. Excavations in 2004-5 revealed two successive stone-built amphitheatres with wooden seating, all of which you can visit for free.
Bath: In between conquering and pillaging, the Romans enjoyed their pleasures and, in Bath, they created a magnificent temple and bathing complex around England’s only hot spring. In Roman England, this was the place for rest and relaxation – a tradition you can still experience today at Thermae Bath Spa (above). Reap the benefits of the mineral-rich waters like the Romans did over 2000 years ago. The open-air rooftop pool has incredible views across Bath. Spa sessions start from £26 per person. www.thermaebathspa.com
York: York was selected for serious work. Known then as Eboracum, York was the political heart of the Roman Empire during two periods 100 years apart, and two Roman Emperors lived and died here. Although not much still remains of the era, pieces of the Roman walls remain intact, including the Multangular (ten-sided) Tower in the city’s Museum Gardens. Entry costs £7.50 for adults but children under 16 are free. For more information, visit www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
Lullingstone Villa, Kent: Among the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in England, Lullington dates back to around 100 AD and is set in the attractive surroundings of the Darent Valley in Kent. Visitors to the villa today can view spectacular mosaics and rare wall paintings, plus a heated bath-suite. A specially-commissioned light show brings the villa to life, and galleries display Lullingstone’s fascinating collection of Roman artefacts. Kids can try on the Roman costumes and play traditional board games. Entry costs £6.20 for adults and £3.70 for children.
Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum is at the British Museum from March 28 – September 29 2013 www.britishmuseum.org
See www.visitengland.com for more
