Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Gloucestershire, England

## Overview Chedworth Roman Villa, nestled in the rolling Cotswold hills near the village of Yanworth in Gloucestershire, is one of the largest and most significant Romano-British villa sites in England. Dating back to around the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, the villa complex was built around a natural spring — a nymphaeum — which the Romans considered sacred. The spring still flows today, roughly 1,600 years after the villa was in active use, emerging into a stone-lined basin that has survived remarkably well. The Romans revered natural water sources, and the spring at Chedworth was central to the villa's layout and spiritual life. The nymphaeum — a shrine dedicated to water nymphs — was constructed to honour the spring, and its remains are among the best-preserved features on the site. The spring water collects in a pit-like structure built from local Cotswold stone, much as it would have during the Roman occupation of Britain. The site was rediscovered in 1864 when a gamekeeper unearthed fragments of mosaic and pottery while digging out a lost ferret. Subsequent excavations revealed elaborate mosaic floors, a bathhouse complex, hypocaust heating systems, and the nymphaeum spring shrine. The villa is now managed by the National Trust and is a popular heritage attraction. **Important:** The spring water at Chedworth Roman Villa is not suitable for drinking or any other consumptive use. It is preserved as part of the archaeological site and should be appreciated as a historical feature only. ## Directions **GPS Coordinates:** 51.819583, -1.924117 **Address:** Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ, United Kingdom 1. From Yanworth, head west along the lane towards Stowell Park. 2. Continue for a few miles, crossing through the Stowell Park estate area and over the River Coln. 3. Follow the road past the bus stop and continue until you reach the signed entrance to Chedworth Roman Villa. 4. The site is well signposted from the surrounding roads, though the approach lanes are narrow and winding — typical of the Cotswolds. Take care if driving a larger vehicle. 5. There is a car park at the villa managed by the National Trust (parking may require a fee or National Trust membership). *Note: Satnav directions can sometimes route visitors along very narrow lanes. Following the brown heritage signs from the A429 (Fosse Way) or from the village of Chedworth is often the most reliable approach.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Chedworth Roman Villa will find far more than just the ancient spring. The site features some of the finest Roman mosaics in Britain, the remains of two separate bathhouse complexes (one with a well-preserved hypocaust underfloor heating system), a latrine, and the nymphaeum spring shrine itself. The spring still flows year-round, though the volume and speed of the water can vary seasonally — expect a stronger flow during wetter months and a gentler trickle in summer. The stone basin where the water collects is visible and forms a centrepiece of the nymphaeum area. The villa grounds are set in a sheltered, wooded combe with pleasant walking paths. There is a National Trust visitor centre with a small museum displaying artefacts found during excavations, including pottery, coins, and carved stonework. A café and shop are also on site. The terrain includes some uneven ground and slopes, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The site is open seasonally (typically March through October, with limited winter openings), and an admission fee applies for non-National Trust members. Check the National Trust website for current opening times and prices before visiting.