Visitor Information

Year-Round Access

The complete circuit of the Roman Town Walls and the amphitheatre of the Roman Town are open to visitors all year round. It should be noted that this is not the responsibility of the Department of Archaeology at Reading. The Roman Town is owned by Hampshire County Council under the auspices of English Heritage, and any queries about opening times and disabled access outside of our excavation period should be addressed directly to them. More information can be found on the English Heritage website here http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.14387

Access to the excavations - During the Season

The Department of Archaeology at the University of Reading excavates part of Insula IX of Silchester Roman Town for six weeks each summer. Visitors are welcome to visit the excavation site during the season. We are open DAILY between 10am and 4.30pm, except for Fridays. We are also able to offer disabled access during this time.

Visitors may view the excavation from two raised walkways (with ramp access), and display panels and student tours help visitors understand both the archaeology and the history it reveals. Activity sheets are available for children, as well as the popular dig pit' and finds handling. Admission and activities are free.

Group visits are welcomed, preferably by arrangement. School visits can also be booked, and suitable activities can be offered at the site with sufficient notice - visit our Schools Information Pack for more details. We are keen to encourage a wide range of visitors to the excavation and will do our best to cater for the individual needs of disabled visitors of all ages. Please contact the Field School Director, Amanda Clarke, in the Department of Archaeology on 0118 378 6255 or email a.s.clarke@reading.ac.uk

Silchester Open Days

Each year we hold two free Open Days (at the end of the third and fifth weeks of excavation), which offer expert tours, talks, and demonstrations, and a range of children's activities, typically including tours, a mini excavation, dressing up, finds handling and planning. As usual, admission and activities are free.