The Ultimate Roman Road Trip: Unveiling the UK’s Ancient Landmarks
The Roman Empire holds a fascinating allure for many individuals, and it seems that the enchantment remains strong to this day. In fact, recent trends on TikTok have shown that men across the United Kingdom often find themselves captivated by thoughts of the Roman Empire on a weekly basis. As a result, there has been an exponential surge in Google searches for “Roman Empire TikTok,” with an astonishing increase of 2,373%. Additionally, the search phrase “Roman fort near me” has witnessed a substantial rise of 247% over the past month. Evidently, the ancient wonders of Roman history continue to captivate the imagination of people far and wide.
For those who simply cannot quell their fascination, Uswitch Temporary Car Insurance has devised the ultimate Roman road trip across the UK. This extraordinary eight-day journey will take you to ten of the most remarkable Roman landmarks, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the grandeur of Roman history and culture.
Day I: Kent to London (following Watling Street)
Embark on this remarkable adventure in the picturesque town of Sandwich, where you can commence your exploration at the triumphal arch of Richborough Roman Fort. From there, make your way to Westminster in London, where you will encounter the remnants of London’s Roman Wall. This formidable structure was built to safeguard the ancient city of Londinium from potential attack.
Distance: 69 miles | Time: 1 hour 50 minutes | Stops: Richborough Roman Fort and London’s Roman Wall | Cost: £7.70 (Richborough), free of charge (City Wall at Vine Street)
Day II: London to West Sussex (following Stane Street)
Travel south from London to Bignor, where you can delve into the rich history of the village’s Roman Villa. Explore the vast expanse of the villa, which was believed to have spanned an impressive 65 rooms. Continue your journey to Chichester and visit Fishbourne Roman Palace, the largest known Roman residential building in Britain. Marvel at the exquisite mosaics and splendid gardens that adorn this remarkable palace.
Distance: 79 miles | Time: 2 hours 35 minutes | Stops: Bignor Roman Villa and Fishbourne Roman Palace | Cost: £10 (Bignor), £13 (Fishbourne)
Day III: West Sussex to Somerset
Venture westward, making your way towards the enchanting city of Bath in Somerset. Indulge in the grandeur of the ancient Roman Baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts one million visitors annually. While the water is no longer safe for bathing, it remains a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Roman civilization.
Distance: 109 miles | Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Stops: Roman Baths | Cost: £26
Day IV: Somerset to Gloucestershire (following Fosse Way)
Depart from Bath and proceed towards Gloucestershire, tracing the path of the historic Fosse Way. Along the way, make a stop at Chedworth Roman Villa in the Cotswolds. This incredibly well-preserved villa, dating back to the 3rd century, offers a glimpse into Roman life with its exquisite temple and mosaic floors.
Distance: 47 miles | Time: 1 hour 25 minutes | Stops: Chedworth Roman Villa | Cost: £12 (for National Trust non-members)
Day V: Gloucestershire to Shropshire (following Fosse Way)
Continue your journey along Fosse Way, a road thought to stretch 220 miles in length. Your destination is Wroxeter Roman City near Shrewsbury, where you can explore the reconstructed remnants of this ancient Roman city. Take in the awe-inspiring basilica and forum as you wander through the grounds.
Distance: 102 miles | Time: 1 hour 50 minutes | Stops: Wroxeter Roman City | Cost: £8.50
Day VI: Shropshire to Cheshire (following Watling Street)
Rejoin the historic Watling Street to reach the captivating city of Chester. Discover the grandeur of the UK’s largest known Roman amphitheater, which once hosted thrilling gladiatorial contests and other elaborate public events. Imagine the cheers of the 10,000 spectators that once filled this awe-inspiring structure.
Distance: 49 miles | Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Stops: Chester Roman Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Day VII: Cheshire to Cumbria
As you journey northward along the modern-day M6, you will follow in the footsteps of the Romans through Bowness-on-Solway. This captivating town marks the beginning of Hadrian’s Wall on the West coast. While the full 73-mile wall no longer stands in its entirety, you can embark on the Hadrian’s Wall Path, a walk that stretches the entire length and offers a unique experience of Roman history. This ancient marvel has garnered a staggering 11.6 million views on TikTok and has been the subject of 49,000 Google searches in the past month alone.
Distance: 161 miles | Time: 2 hours 55 minutes | Stops: Hadrian’s Wall | Cost: Free
Day VIII: Cumbria to Northumberland (following Stanegate)
For the final leg of your epic journey, traverse the ancient Roman road known as Stanegate, which existed before the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. Your destination is Vindolanda, where you will find a modern museum showcasing numerous Roman artifacts, including the famous Vindolanda tablets. These delicate wooden fragments provide a captivating glimpse into Roman life and were voted Britain’s top treasure by experts. Conclude your road trip in Wallsend, the original endpoint of Hadrian’s Wall.
Distance: 79 miles | Time: 2 hours | Stops: Vindolanda | Cost: £12.50
Total journey distance: 695 miles
Total journey time: 16 hours
Leoni Moninska, an expert from Uswitch Temporary Car Insurance, shares some valuable tips for those planning to embark on a long-distance car journey to explore these remarkable Roman landmarks:
1. Conduct thorough checks before embarking on a long journey. Ensure your windscreen wipers are functional and replenish your screen wash. Verify the operation of all lights and indicators, check your oil levels, engine coolant, brake fluid, tire tread depth, tire pressure, and fuel supply.
2. Plan ahead and designate two drivers if you anticipate traveling long distances, particularly if the journey extends beyond three hours.
3. Prioritize rest and ensure you are well-rested before setting off. It is crucial to maintain concentration while driving, so never jeopardize your safety or the safety of others if you feel fatigued.
4. Refrain from consuming alcohol before driving. This may seem obvious, but it is imperative to emphasize the importance of responsible driving.
5. Verify the validity and currency of both your driving license and insurance. Your driving license must be in date, and your insurance should be accurate and up to date.
By following these guidelines, you can embark on a truly unforgettable adventure, exploring the wonders of Roman history across the United Kingdom. If you do not own a car, consider taking out a temporary car insurance policy on a family member or friend’s vehicle. Uswitch.com allows you to compare options quickly, providing you with a quote in less than 30 seconds.
In conclusion, the allure of the Roman Empire continues to captivate individuals across the UK. Embarking on the ultimate Roman road trip offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Roman history, experiencing firsthand the remarkable legacy left behind by this ancient civilization. From the triumphal arch of Richborough Roman Fort to the awe-inspiring grandeur of Hadrian’s Wall, these historical wonders never fail to enchant and inspire. So, grab your keys, buckle up, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime as you traverse the ancient roads of a once-great empire.