Jewry Wall Museum Roman Leicester Tour

A 30-minute tour with a costumed Roman interpreter exploring the remains of a 2nd-century bathhouse and mosaics. The Jewry Wall itself stands 30 feet high - part of the old Roman settlement of Ratae Corieltauvorum. The interpreter explains bathing habits, daily life, and military structures. Hands-on opportunities include trying on replica Roman costumes. Best experienced on weekend afternoons when the costumed guide is present. Best for archaeology enthusiasts and school groups. This is a easy activity lasting 30 minutes. Group size: 3-20. You meet at Museum entrance, St Nicholas Circle. Key highlights: 30-foot-high Jewry Wall - part of the 2nd-century Roman settlement, Roman mosaics and artefacts from Ratae Corieltauvorum, Costumed interpreter explains bathhouse engineering.

Price: Free

Duration: 30 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 3-20

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: archaeology enthusiasts and school groups

Best time: Weekend afternoons (Saturday-Sunday) when costumed interpreter is on site. Driest weather usually April-September. Arrive early to avoid crowds during school holidays.

Meeting point: Museum entrance, St Nicholas Circle

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Saturday/Sunday afternoon start Meet costumed interpreter at museum entrance - Brief introduction to Ratae Corieltauvorum and what you'll see during the tour.

First 8 min Indoor mosaic gallery and artefacts - View fragments of Roman mosaics, pottery, tools, and inscriptions in display cases with interpreter commentary.

8-18 min Bathhouse remains explanation - Interpreter discusses hypocaust heating systems, cold and hot bath chambers, and daily Roman bathing rituals.

18-26 min Outdoor Jewry Wall examination - Walk to the adjacent outdoor ruins. Explore the 30-foot-high wall remnants and stone structures in person.

26-30 min Costume try-ons and questions - Children (and adults) can try on replica Roman military costumes. Interpreter answers questions about Roman Leicester life.

The whole experience takes 30 minutes. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Museum entrance, St Nicholas Circle.

• 30-foot-high Jewry Wall - part of the 2nd-century Roman settlement
• Roman mosaics and artefacts from Ratae Corieltauvorum
• Costumed interpreter explains bathhouse engineering
• Hands-on replica costume try-ons for children
• Access to outdoor ruins adjacent to the museum

What is included: Guided tour with costumed interpreter, Access to indoor mosaic gallery, Outdoor ruins viewing, Replica costume try-ons.

Not included: Photography permissions for some displays (ask interpreter), Souvenir guide books, Refreshments. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (outdoor section on uneven ground), Weather-appropriate clothing (outdoor ruins exposed), Camera for outdoor ruins (many outdoor photos permitted). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekend afternoons (Saturday-Sunday) when costumed interpreter is on site. Driest weather usually April-September. Arrive early to avoid crowds during school holidays..

Tip: Roman costume try-ons for children

Tip: Outdoor ruins adjacent to museum

Accessibility: Step-free access to museum. Accessible toilets. Outdoor ruins have uneven ground - not suitable for wheelchairs. Limited seating areas. Contact the museum in advance if you need accessibility information..

Operator: Leicester Museums Service | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 116 225 4900

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• King Richard III Visitor Centre (8 min walk)
• Guildhall Museum (6 min walk)
• Leicester Cathedral (7 min walk)

This activity is run by Leicester Museums Service.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Walk-up tours only. Costumed interpreter present Saturday-Sunday afternoons only. No advance booking. Wet weather may cancel outdoor section..

Accessibility: Step-free access to museum. Accessible toilets. Outdoor ruins have uneven ground - not suitable for wheelchairs. Limited seating areas. Contact the museum in advance if you need accessibility information..

Best time to go: Weekend afternoons (Saturday-Sunday) when costumed interpreter is on site. Driest weather usually April-September. Arrive early to avoid crowds during school holidays..

When is the Jewry Wall Museum costumed Roman tour available?

The costumed interpreter guide is present Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Exact times vary - typically 1-4pm. No advance booking is needed. Check the Leicester Museums website or call ahead to confirm availability on your visit date.

Can children try on Roman costumes at Jewry Wall?

Yes. Replica Roman military costumes are available for children (and adults) to try on during the tour. This is a hands-on activity that makes the experience interactive. Costumes are cleaned regularly. Suitable for ages 3-12, though older visitors can participate too.

What is the Jewry Wall and why is it important?

The Jewry Wall is a 30-foot-high stone structure built around AD 150 as part of the Roman bathhouse complex in Ratae Corieltauvorum (Roman Leicester). It is one of the tallest surviving Roman structures in Britain and shows the sophistication of Roman engineering. The wall was part of a larger public bathhouse serving the military garrison and settlement.