Newport Roman Villa

The villa is the ruins of a Roman country estate from the third century, displaying the remains of bath buildings, living quarters, and a heating system. The structure allows visitors to understand how a wealthy Roman household organized separate functional areas.

The site was discovered in 1926 by workers digging nearby and subsequently underwent extensive archaeological study. The findings show that the villa was occupied during the period when the region was under Roman control.

The site reveals how wealthy Roman landowners lived on the island, with separate spaces for family, workers, and storage. Visitors can observe how the hypocaust system heated rooms and what kinds of objects were used in daily life.

The site is best visited between spring and autumn when the outdoor location is most accessible. Comfortable shoes are important since the ground is uneven and the pathways are not paved.

A human skull found in one of the rooms suggests the villa may have been abandoned suddenly. This discovery raises questions about the circumstances of its final occupation and why the residents left.

Operator: Isle of Wight Council

GPS coordinates: 50.69441,-1.29186

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25