Roman Leicester Heritage Walk

Walk through layers of Leicester's Roman past, starting with the Jewry Wall - a 2,000-year-old structure that once formed part of the Roman baths. The tour covers Leicester's role as Ratae Corieltauvorum, an important Roman settlement on the Fosse Way trade route. You'll examine pottery, coins, and architectural fragments that reveal daily Roman life. Two hours of structured archaeology without excessive crowds, ideal for anyone interested in how cities evolved. Best for archaeology enthusiasts and families with older children. This is a moderate activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Jewry Wall Museum entrance. Key highlights: Touch 2,000-year-old Roman stonework that still stands 30 feet high, See intact Roman mosaics and pottery from daily life, Walk across the Fosse Way, one of Roman Britain's main roads.

Price: £10

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-15

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: archaeology enthusiasts and families with older children

Best time: Spring or autumn weekday mornings; avoid school holidays when groups are largest

Meeting point: Jewry Wall Museum entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Gather at Jewry Wall Museum entrance and introduction - Guide provides context on Roman Leicester and the significance of the wall structure.

First 25 min Examine the Jewry Wall up close with detailed explanation - Learn about Roman engineering, hypocaust heating systems, and bathing culture.

25-50 min Enter museum and explore Roman artefact collections - View pottery, mosaics, coins, glass vessels, and tools from 1st-4th centuries AD.

50-85 min Walk to surrounding Roman sites and excavation points - Visit adjacent ruins and discuss archaeological methods used to uncover the settlement.

85-120 min Visit High Cross location and final stops, group discussion - Discuss how Roman infrastructure shaped medieval Leicester's development.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Jewry Wall Museum entrance.

• Touch 2,000-year-old Roman stonework that still stands 30 feet high
• See intact Roman mosaics and pottery from daily life
• Walk across the Fosse Way, one of Roman Britain's main roads
• Learn about the hypocaust (Roman underfloor heating) system
• Explore how a Roman military settlement became a medieval town
• Accessibility: Some uneven Roman stone surfaces and museum stairs. Not fully wheelchair accessible. Ground level viewing available but limited.

What is included: Professional guide for 2 hours, Entry to Jewry Wall Museum, Access to Roman site areas, Detailed historical and archaeological explanations.

Not included: Food or refreshments, Additional museum visits beyond Jewry Wall, Transport to/from meeting point. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with grip (uneven Roman stones), Camera or sketchbook for notes, Light jacket (museum can be cool). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Spring or autumn weekday mornings; avoid school holidays when groups are largest.

Tip: Free museum entry included

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for uneven Roman stones

Accessibility: Some uneven Roman stone surfaces and museum stairs. Not fully wheelchair accessible. Ground level viewing available but limited..

Operator: Leicester City Guides

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Jewry Wall Museum (0 min (meeting point) walk)
• Guildhall Museum (10 min walk)
• New Walk Museum and Art Gallery (12 min walk)

This activity is run by Leicester City Guides.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before; 50% refund 24-48 hours before.

Accessibility: Some uneven Roman stone surfaces and museum stairs. Not fully wheelchair accessible. Ground level viewing available but limited..

Best time to go: Spring or autumn weekday mornings; avoid school holidays when groups are largest.

What age group is this tour suitable for?

Ages 8 and up engage best with this tour. Younger children may lose interest during detailed archaeological explanations. The tour involves 2 hours of walking and standing, so good fitness helps. Families with teenagers typically enjoy it most.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Expect approximately 1.5 miles of walking on city streets and archaeological sites. The route covers mostly flat terrain but includes uneven Roman stone surfaces. Comfortable shoes with good grip are essential. The pace is leisurely with multiple stops for explanation.

Can I visit the museum separately instead of joining the tour?

Yes, Jewry Wall Museum is free to enter independently and open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-4:30pm. However, the guided tour provides context and access to outdoor Roman sites you wouldn't see alone. Tours offer deeper understanding than self-guided visits.