"Caerleon - well preserved Roman town!" Wales Things to Do Tip by aaaarrgh

Wales Things to Do: 330 reviews and 714 photos

  theatre
by aaaarrgh
 
  • theatre - Wales
      theatre
    by aaaarrgh
  • baths - Wales
      baths
    by aaaarrgh
  • square - Wales
      square
    by aaaarrgh
 

Caerleon is a pretty town close to Newport and the M4 motorway in South Wales. It is important for its Roman remains, including Britain's only complete excavated Roman amphitheatre. Not only does it have the amphitheatre, but also the remains of a vast Roman military barracks and some Roman baths. The fort at Caerleon grew in the 70's AD and was in use until the 300's (when the Roman legions left).

Maps and guides are available from the small Tourist Information office, including a self-guided walking tour of the town. At 50p this is well worth the investment!

I was particularly impressed by the Roman baths, which are nowadays housed indoors, with atmospheric lighting, information boards and a gift shop. Like most attractions in the town, the Baths close at 5pm (the amphitheatre accessible until 5.30). Admission is FREE!

If the weather is fine there is also a wonderful art and sculpture garden called The Ffwrwm (off the main street) which has a friendly cafe.

Free carparking available next to the amphitheatre, or cheap paid carparking next to the Roman Baths.

Address: Caerleon
Directions: If travelling by car, exit the M4 motorway at Junction 25 or 26. Regular bus service available from Newport Bus Station.
Website: http://www.caerleon.net/

Was this review helpful?

  • Updated Jun 11, 2011
  • Send to a Friend
  • Report Abuse

Comments

aaaarrgh Lives Here!

aaaarrgh

“Expect the worst and you will always be pleasantly surprised”

Online Now

Male

Top 1,000 Travel Writer
Member Rank:
0 0 3 2 2
Forum Rank:
0 0 5 5 0

Have you been to Wales?

  Share Your Travels  

Top Wales hotels

Llandudno Hotels
245 Reviews - 476 Photos
Cardiff Hotels
1094 Reviews - 3037 Photos
Tenby Hotels
93 Reviews - 234 Photos
Newport Hotels
42 Reviews - 95 Photos
Swansea Hotels
99 Reviews - 258 Photos
Llangollen Hotels
70 Reviews - 186 Photos
Saundersfoot Hotels
4 Reviews - 18 Photos
Conwy Hotels
153 Reviews - 590 Photos
Usk Hotels
4 Reviews - 20 Photos
Llanelli Hotels
7 Reviews - 10 Photos
Cader Idris Hotels
See nearby hotels
Bangor Hotels
90 Reviews - 234 Photos
Chepstow Hotels
68 Reviews - 214 Photos
Cardigan Hotels
15 Reviews - 34 Photos
Aberystwyth Hotels
14 Reviews - 80 Photos