Rockbourne Roman Villa

16/07/2026

13/07/2026

Join us for an exciting Living History Weekend on the 1st and 2nd of August as two superb reenactment groups - Herigeas Hundas and the Butser IX Legion - take over the site. Across the weekend, the site will be brought to life with the sights, sounds and stories of the our Roman and early Anglo-Saxon and past.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, this is a fantastic opportunity to see the past brought to life in the beautiful setting of Rockbourne Roman Villa. Find out more here: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/living-history-weekend

11/07/2026

🌞Join us for three weekends of family-friendly fun here at Rockbourne Roman Villa in August🌞

⚔️Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August: Living History Weekend
Join us for an exciting Living History Weekend as two superb reenactment groups - Herigeas Hundas and the Butser IX Roman Legion - take over the site. Across the weekend, the site will be brought to life with the sights, sounds and stories of the our Roman and early Anglo-Saxon and past.

♟️Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August: Ancient Stories and Play Day
Join storyteller Lizzie Bryant for a magical journey through ancient stories filled with gods and goddesses, dragons and giants, warriors and wizards, wise women and fearless heroes. Put your skills to the test in the Drakkos Dittir's Heritage Games Tent, where visitors of all ages can discover traditional games and challenges inspired by the past. Try your hand at historic games, learn through play and experience how people entertained themselves centuries ago.

📖Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August: Storytelling with Lizzie Bryant
Perfect for families, these lively and interactive storytelling sessions bring ancient landscapes to life through tales of gods and goddesses, giants and dragons, warriors and wizards, wise women and fearless young heroes. Join Lizzie throughout the day and discover the stories that have shaped our past.

All events included in admission. Check the website for more details. Tickets are valid for 12 months. Dogs and picnics welcome.

Book your tickets here: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/rockbourne-roman-villa

05/07/2026

Join expert tutors for family activity days at Rockbourne Roman Villa in Hampshire in the summer holidays.

Explore different time periods through hands-on activities
Crafts you can take home with you
Fridays from July 31st to 28th August

Family participation encouraged!

Book through our Ticket Tailor site.

20/06/2026

☀️The weather is looking lovely for our evening of outdoor theatre this Sunday 21st June!☀️

Join Rain or Shine Theatre Co for a delightfully chaotic adaptation of The Pickwick Papers – packed with quick wit, larger‑than‑life characters, and plenty of comic mischief.

Bring a picnic, your favourite chair or rug, and settle in for a summer evening of open‑air theatre in a truly special historic setting.

⏰ Gates open 6pm | Show starts 7pm
🎟️ Book here: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/rain-or-shine-present-pickwick-papers

17/06/2026

🎭 Here's a special treat for Father’s Day…

Looking for something a little different this Sunday? Treat Dad to an evening of laughter, storytelling and outdoor theatre at Rockbourne Roman Villa.

Join Rain or Shine Theatre Co for a delightfully chaotic adaptation of The Pickwick Papers – packed with quick wit, larger‑than‑life characters, and plenty of comic mischief.

🗓 Sunday 21 June
⏰ Gates open 6pm | Show starts 7pm
@📍 Rockbourne Roman Villa

Bring a picnic, your favourite chair or rug, and settle in for a summer evening of open‑air theatre in a truly special historic setting.
Ice creams, drinks and snacks will be available too 🍦

🎟 Tickets:
Adults £18
Children £8

Expect an “uproarious adventure” with Mr Pickwick and friends – the perfect feel‑good treat for Father’s Day.

👉 Book now: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/rain-or-shine-present-pickwick-papers

Join the lovable Mr.

14/06/2026

🎭Come along to our open air summer theatre performance of The Pickwick Papers on the 21st of June!🎭

Pack your picnic, secure your seat and prepare for an uproarious adventure with The Pickwick Society—where the only certainty is a thoroughly good time will be had by all!

Ice-creams, cold drinks and snacks will be available.

Book your tickets here: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/rain-or-shine-present-pickwick-papers?fbclid=IwY2xjawSbeUNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA0VUlIczZ4bmtlZkZ0R3p5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq3pjt3jpwryv7zeohwH10yiGdJeN8q1Q2hPCpssiwzhmAwMNv_nC_Wyw8nl_aem_FS-b-8L8YwKAjp1VlEu2aw

10/06/2026

Step back in time at Rockbourne Roman Villa! 🏛️

If you're looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track day out in Hampshire, Rockbourne Roman Villa near Fordingbridge is an absolute must-visit.

Nestled in a gorgeous, tranquil valley right on the edge of the New Forest, it's the largest known Roman villa in the area. The early summer sunshine is the perfect backdrop to wander through the ancient footprints of what was once a thriving, prosperous farmstead nearly 2,000 years ago.

✨ Why it’s a brilliant hidden gem

The Incredible Archaeology: You can view stunning original mosaic floors, remnants of a complex bathhouse, and the villa's ancient under-floor heating system (hypocaust).

Fascinating Museum: The small but excellent on-site museum houses artefacts dug up right here, from Roman coins and pottery to an adult skeleton.

Great for Families: Kids can get hands-on by dressing up in Roman costumes to handling real artefacts.
The Perfect Picnic Spot: The peaceful, open grounds feature a small Roman-style garden and plenty of benches to enjoy your lunch out in the fresh air.

📍 Rockbourne Road, near Fordingbridge (SP6 3PG).

⏰ The site is seasonal and open from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM) on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays.

🎟️ Tickets: Incredibly affordable, plus your standard admission ticket acts as an annual pass so you can return for free for a whole year!

🐕 Dog Friendly: Very welcome on short leads, so your four-legged friends can join the history walk. It's such a relaxed, educational spot that feels worlds away from the busy crowds.

Pair a visit with a walk through the stunning, picture-perfect thatched village of Rockbourne itself!

🗓️ Check opening days and book tickets via the ⁠Hampshire Cultural Trust Rockbourne website.

Who else has discovered this incredible piece of Hampshire history?

06/06/2026

Come along to our open air summer theatre performance of The Pickwick Papers on the 21st of June!

Pack your picnic, secure your seat and prepare for an uproarious adventure with The Pickwick Society—where the only certainty is a thoroughly good time will be had by all!

Ice-creams, cold drinks and snacks will be available.

Book your tickets here: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/rain-or-shine-present-pickwick-papers

28/05/2026

We love these shields decorated today as part of our shield making activity!

Come along to our other creative, family friendly, FREE activities this weekend!

🏺 Saturday 30th May: Roman Inspired Pottery
Get stuck into some clay and make your very own pot inspired by ancient Roman designs.

✍️ Sunday 31st May: Roman Writing
Feel like a true Roman scribe as you experience the art of ancient writing by using reed pens and ink.

These events are free, but normal admission charges apply. Tickets are valid for 12 months, so buy them now and enjoy these activities and much more throughout the year.

To book your tickets today, visit: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/visit-rockbourne-roman-villa/rockbourne-roman-villa-tickets

Dogs on leads and picnics welcome.