Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
Explore the remarkably preserved Roman city walls and amphitheatre of Calleva Atrebatum, a significant ancient settlement in Britain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for walking
Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for walking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remarkably preserved Roman city walls and amphitheatre of Calleva Atrebatum, a significant ancient settlement in Britain.
"A really lovely walk around the walls of this old Roman town, offering a tangible connection to ancient Britain."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk around the walls is extensive; good footwear is essential for enjoying the site.
🗺️ Use the Information Boards
These boards are key to understanding the ruins and imagining Roman life here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Roman Walls
Circumference of the ancient town
Walk along remarkably preserved Roman walls, some reaching up to 20 feet high, offering a tangible connection to ancient Britain.
The Amphitheatre
Southern part of the site
Explore the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, imagining the spectacles that once took place within its oval embrace.
Calleva Atrebatum Information Boards
Throughout the site
Detailed boards bring the Roman town to life, explaining its history and the significance of the ruins you encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walk
Free Exploration, Rich History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk around the walls is extensive; good footwear is essential for enjoying the site.
🗺️ Use the Information Boards
These boards are key to understanding the ruins and imagining Roman life here.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here, making it a great spot for pet owners. 
🚗 Free Parking Available
A dedicated car park is available, though there's a proposal for charges.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk around the walls is extensive; good footwear is essential for enjoying the site.
🗺️ Use the Information Boards
These boards are key to understanding the ruins and imagining Roman life here.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🚗 Free Parking Available
A dedicated car park is available, though there's a proposal for charges.
⛪ Visit the Village Church
The charming village church is located within the Roman town's footprint.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Silchester for its free entry and the impressive preservation of its Roman walls and amphitheatre, offering a tangible connection to ancient history. While some note the lack of extensive standing structures beyond the walls, the informative boards and the peaceful atmosphere are highly appreciated. It's a rewarding visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a scenic, historical walk.
"Had a really lovely walk around the walls of this old roman town. Beware that there isn't much left to see but there are lots of signs with information about what would've been there in the past. I have been to Reading Museum several times and seen their Silchester Gallery so it was nice to visit the site where they discovered all these artefacts from the Roman era. There is a lovely church and the ruins of the amphitheatre as well."
Coralie Pattenden
"Visitors can walk along and beside the Roman walls of Calleva and into it's amphitheatre. Great fun for an ancient history nerd but surely impressive for anyone who wants to imagine life in Roman Britain 2000yrs ago. Wear good shoes or trainers. Calleva was big so a stroll around the circuit can take an hour...or more. Free car park and free entry."
Pj B
"We had a really enjoyable walk around the walls of the old Roman town of Silchester. The walk is probably about 2.5km long and will take you about an hour to complete.
The walls are fairly complete at the southern end where they reach around 20ft high but in other places are much lower. The site has a good number of information boards explaining the history.
There is no entry fee and the car park is free (but I did see a notice from the council proposing to charge £1.20 for 2 hours)"
Colin Backhurst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silchester is accessible by car, with a dedicated free car park available for visitors. It's located near Reading, Berkshire. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, there is a large, purpose-built car park for the Roman town. While currently free, there have been notices about potential future charges.
Cycling is a great way to reach Silchester, especially if you're in the surrounding areas. The site is relatively flat once you arrive, making it easy to explore on two wheels.
Yes, Silchester makes for a feasible day trip from London, typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. It offers a historical escape from the city bustle.
The nearest train stations are Mortimer and Basingstoke, both requiring a taxi or bus connection to reach Silchester, as direct public transport links are scarce.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre is completely free, making it an accessible historical site for everyone.
As an open-air archaeological site, Silchester is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, allowing for flexible visits.
No booking is required as there is no entry fee. You can visit Silchester spontaneously at any time during daylight hours.
Silchester is an English Heritage site, meaning it is managed and preserved by English Heritage, though access is free.
While there are no official guided tours, the extensive information boards provide a self-guided experience. Local historical societies may occasionally offer special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A complete circuit of the Roman walls can take approximately one hour, covering about 2.5km. You can extend your visit by exploring the amphitheatre and the village.
You can see the impressive Roman city walls, the ruins of the amphitheatre, and various information boards detailing the history of Calleva Atrebatum, an Iron Age settlement that became a Roman town.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the open spaces and imagining life in Roman times. The information boards can also be educational.
In certain sections, particularly around the South Gate, you can walk along the top of the walls. However, for a better appreciation of the masonry, walking beside them is recommended.
The site has a car park and information boards. There are no visitor centres or restrooms directly on the archaeological site itself, but the nearby village may have facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The southern section of the walls offers the most dramatic views, especially when the sun is at an angle. The amphitheatre also provides unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, the sweeping views of the countryside from the ramparts and the textures of the ancient flint masonry make it a good location for landscape and historical photography.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful light that highlights the textures of the Roman walls. Midday sun can be harsh but still offers good visibility.
Drone usage is generally restricted at historical sites to protect them and ensure visitor safety. It's advisable to check specific regulations before flying a drone.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography for visitors. However, commercial photography or filming may require permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the ruins, and bring a ball or frisbee for extra fun in the open fields. Comfortable shoes are a must for little explorers who will want to cover a lot of ground. Consider visiting after seeing Roman artifacts at Reading Museum to give context to their adventure.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Tip: Take your time to read the information boards thoroughly. Consider visiting Reading Museum beforehand to see artifacts excavated from Silchester, which will enrich your understanding of the site's significance. The scale of the walls and the layout of the town are best appreciated with a good understanding of Roman urban planning.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1Tip: Keep your dog on a lead where necessary, especially near the amphitheatre ruins or if there are other visitors with young children. Remember to bring water for your pet, as facilities are limited on site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Calleva Atrebatum
The archaeological site offers a glimpse into this past, with remnants of streets, houses, and public buildings. The amphitheatre, a key feature, would have hosted gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. The Roman walls, constructed from flint set in lime mortar and reinforced with stone, are remarkably well-preserved in parts, standing as a testament to Roman engineering.
Visiting Silchester allows you to walk through history, imagining the bustling life of this once-important Roman settlement. The numerous information boards scattered across the site provide context and detail, helping visitors piece together the story of Calleva Atrebatum and its eventual abandonment.
Exploring the Roman Walls and Amphitheatre
Walking the full perimeter is a rewarding experience, offering changing perspectives of the landscape and the ruins within. It's a popular route for dog walkers and those seeking a peaceful stroll amidst historical grandeur.
+1The amphitheatre, located within the southern part of the walls, is another significant feature. Though now a ruin, its oval shape is distinct, and it's easy to envision the crowds that once gathered here for entertainment. Exploring both the walls and the amphitheatre provides a comprehensive understanding of the scale and layout of Roman Calleva Atrebatum.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit