Ditch the Roman Heat for a Roman Holiday in Somerset, England

Make an unforgettable journey through time to uncover ancient Romano-British history at two of England’s best under-the-radar destinations. From the 2,000-year-old turquoise-colored thermal baths in Bath, to The Newt in Somerset’s meticulous reconstruction of an ancient Roman Villa discovered on its property, South West England is offering travelers a proper Roman holiday — without the crowds and heat. Just a brief train ride from London, these historical landmarks are everything that the Colosseum is not — cool, calm, lush, and relaxing.

Unveiled just last summer, Villa Ventorum is an extensive reconstruction of a Romano-British Villa found on The Newt in Somerset estate, dating back to 351 AD. Undertaken by a team of archaeologists, architects, and craftsmen relying on Roman techniques, it’s the most ambitious reconstruction of a Roman villa ever undertaken in the UK. The result is a historical reimagining, where visitors are able to step back in time, and experience the sensory world of a Romano-British household – including the sounds, smells, and sights of daily rituals, staying true to archaeological evidence. As guests move through each space, an audio guide is available to explain each element and its historical significance. By making the ancient world come alive, The Newt has reimagined how travelers engage with history. For further immersion in this ancient world, VR technology, as well as a dedicated children’s tour, are also offered. At the end of each tour, visitors can experience an authentic taste of Roman style street food, using ingredients and flavors common to the period and region. Whether visiting for the day or for a stay, guests at The Newt in Somerset will be enthralled by the estate’s additional offerings – including 1,000-acres of elegant gardens, wild woodland, rolling valleys, picturesque apple orchards, fresh garden-to-table culinary offerings at its trio of restaurants, and a luxe spa. 

Just 45 minutes from Somerset, discover the spectacular ruins of the world-famous Roman baths, located in the eponymous Bath, England. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient bath and temple complex still flows with thermal water originating from 10,000-year-old rainfall in the Mendip Hills, and features the original pavement that was once walked upon by the ancient Romans. Built originally as a religious spa, Romans visited the complex to bathe and worship goddess Sulis Minerva. Now, visitors can discover ancient artifacts honoring the Roman goddess at the museum collection, situated alongside the baths. Discover authentic roman coins once tossed into the water as a religious offering to the goddess, as well as a spectacular gilt bronze sculpture of the goddess’s head, recovered in 1727. Following a visit to the historic ruins, travelers can relax like the Romans with a stay at the Gainsborough Bath Spa. Originally built in the 1800s, this luxury hotel boasts the exclusive privilege of having access to the same stream of natural, thermal water that fills the roman baths, meaning that travelers can decompress according to ancient tradition. Complimentary access to the baths is available from 8 to 10 am and 7 to 9 pm each day, and by appointment from 10 am to 7 pm.