We visited the Roman remains at Caerleon this Easter. Caerleon was known to the Romans as Isca and was the headquarters of the 2nd Augustan legion. At one time over 5,000 soldiers were garrisoned here. There were only three permanent legions in Britain, Caerleon, Chester and York and unlike the other two, the site at Caerleon has not been disturbed by building. This means that archaeologists including the BBC time team have been able to make important finds here.
You can see the remains of the barracks and the largest amphitheatre in Britain as well as the Roman baths. The baths were more like a modern day sports centre with an exercise hall, heated changing rooms and hot and cold swimming pool. The site is very well maintained by CADW and the Roman baths uses digital technology to enhance the display.
There is a small entrance fee for the Baths but the rest of the site is free. There is also a Roman museum at Caerleon but it is closed for repairs until the Autumn.
Caerleon is well signposted from the M4 and the town has several souvenir shops and cafes. Parking is free at the amphitheatre.
“CADW sites near Chepstow”:https://www.theplatinumline.blog/cadw-sites-near-chepstow/
