Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre

NP18 1AY
Dogs welcome
Drone policy
No smoking

Visitor Notice

Unfortunately Caerleon Amphitheatre is closed today due to the poor ground conditions.

The ground at the amphitheatre may become slippery and waterlogged following periods of wet weather. During such conditions, and in instances of inclement weather, the site may be temporarily closed to ensure visitor safety and to protect the historic landscape. If you are planning a visit at this time of year, please check with Caerleon Roman Baths for the latest site access information.

Telephone: 03000 252239
Email: CaerleonFortressBaths@gov.wales

Blood-soaked Roman entertainment meets Arthurian myth

Built around AD 90 to entertain the legionaries stationed at the fort of Caerleon (Isca), this impressive amphitheatre was the Roman equivalent of today’s multiplex cinema. Wooden benches provided seating for up to 6,000 spectators, who would gather to watch bloodthirsty displays featuring gladiatorial combat and exotic wild animals.

Long after the Romans left, the amphitheatre took on a new life in Arthurian legend. Geoffrey of Monmouth, the somewhat imaginative 12th-century scholar, wrote in his History of the Kings of Britain that Arthur was crowned in Caerleon and that the ruined amphitheatre was actually the remains of King Arthur’s Round Table.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st March - 30th September	10am-5pm
1st October - 28th February	10am-4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Visitor information

Access guide

Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.

Caerleon Fortress Baths — Access Guide

Dogs welcome

Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 2 – Easy

Drone policy

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Unstaffed - However Cadw staff can be found at the Roman Baths.

Divided between two distinct sites, the amphitheatre and barracks represent Wales’s most exemplary illustration of Roman residential and social life.

Following the flat path next to the comprehensive school you will find the barracks. Be careful walking through as the low wall profiles still exist and may cause a trip hazard.

The amphitheatre allows access all around its structure. We ask that you stay away from the edges of the amphitheatre as there is a fall from height risk.

Please take care when using the steps down to the middle ground area of the amphitheatre, as some of them are incomplete.

The ground can become slippery and muddy when visiting in poor weather conditions. To protect the ground during extreme weather conditions – we often need to restrict access; please check with Caerleon Roman Baths if visiting during poor weather.
Telephone: 03000 252239
Email: CaerleonFortressBaths@gov.wales

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.