Caerleon Roman Fortress Baths
BEST FOR
Ages 5-17
ENTRY
from £4
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Newport
What it’s like
A covered Roman swimming pool you can walk right up to, plus a film that brings the old baths back to life.
The main event here is the natatio, the Roman open-air swimming pool, now sat under a modern covered building so you can get close without weather getting in the way. There's a film projection of a Roman soldier diving in, which is a nice touch for kids who need a bit of drama to go with old stone. It won't take long to see everything, but it's the sort of quick, sharp history stop that sticks with a seven-year-old better than a longer museum would.
Entry is £4 for a junior aged 5 to 17, £5.80 for an adult, and a family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 kids) is £18.60. Under-5s get in free, which is generous given the age range on the ticket list starts at 5. Book online and you'll save 5%, though the site says you don't actually need to book ahead to get in.
It's all indoors and level, so buggies and wheelchairs are fine, and there's a hearing loop if you need one. The car park next door only has about 20 spaces, so don't assume you'll just roll up and park right outside on a busy day. Paths around the site do have some gravel and cobbles, which the site flags as tricky for mobility scooters specifically.
You're looking at a short visit rather than a full day out, with last entry half an hour before the 5pm close. It shuts over Christmas and New Year, so this is one for the rest of the year.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 17, a short sharp history stop rather than a day out
- Last entry
- Last admission 30 minutes before closing
- Parking
- Pay and display car park adjacent to the baths, approx. 20 spaces
- Wheelchairs
- Level 1 accessible terrain, portable induction loop available
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only
- Getting there by bus or train
- NCN Route No.88 165m/180 yards away for bikes
- Worth knowing
- Online booking saves 5%. Members free
- The car park only holds about 20 cars, so arrive early on busy days
- Booking online saves 5% even though it's not compulsory
- Gravel and cobbled paths outside can be awkward for mobility scooters
- There's a hearing loop on site for anyone who needs it
- Cadw members get in free
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£4 for a junior aged 5 to 17, £5.80 for an adult. A family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 kids is £18.60, or £12.80 for 1 adult and up to 3 kids.
Do we need to book ahead?
No advance booking is required, though booking online does save you 5% on the ticket price.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
Under-5s get in free, and the level terrain makes it easy with a buggy, but the ticket ages start at 5 so it's more of a history stop than a hands-on toddler activity.
Is there parking?
There's a pay and display car park right next to the baths, but it only has around 20 spaces.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
It's level terrain throughout, though some of the outer paths have gravel and cobbles that can be tricky for mobility scooters.
How long does a visit take?
It's a short visit rather than an all-day trip. Last admission is 30 minutes before the 5pm closing time.
Can I bring my dog?
Only assistance dogs are allowed inside.
Is it open all year round?
Other than 24, 25 and 26 December and New Year's Day.
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