Destination Wroxeter
The largest Roman city in central and northern Britain, Viriconium (the Roman name for Wroxeter) did not develop into a post Roman town, so much of the archaeology has remained untouched, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain. From King Arthur, Caractacus and Hadrian to Richard the third and Shakespeare, many historic figures have been linked with our tiny village.
Today visitors may walk amongst the remains of Wroxeter’s bathhouse and basilica and wonder at the largest pieces of freestanding Roman masonry in the country. Work has just finished on the construction of an urban villa at Wroxeter, the building of which was filmed for a six part Channel 4 TV show.
Wroxeter’s Anglo Saxon Church is a treasure trove of archaeological and architectural gems including stone work and columns from the Roman site as well as carvings from post dissolution Haughmond Abbey. A series of beautifully preserved Tudor table tombs and wall tablets adorn the interior.
For a long time, the world’s most northerly commercial red wine producer, Wroxeter Roman Vineyard is another of the village's award winning gems. Between the ramparts of Viriconium and the banks of the River Severn, on the site of the original Roman vineyard, David Millington and his family produce outstanding wine and delight visitors with tours and tastings all year round.
Planning a group visit? We have lots of ideas and options that could be just what you're looking for. Call us for more information.
- Wroxeter day visit with lunch from £30pp
- Group tour including Roman banquet, bed and breakfast from £100pp
- Just passing through? - a short tour and afternoon tea from £9pp
Download our new Destination Wroxeter leaflet here.
AT THE HEART OF SHROPSHIRE
With easy access from the M6 and M54, Wroxeter is literally at the heart of Shropshire, one of England’s most beautiful and undiscovered counties. The village itself has plenty to offer with the National Trust’s Attingham Park within walking distance. Yet within easy reach is the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site; Cosford Aerospace Museum; Much Wenlock, birthplace of the modern Olympics; The Severn Valley Railway; Medieval Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin and countless other visitor attractions.
Views of The Wrekin and Shropshire Hills abound in Wroxeter and for walkers and cyclists there are marked trails, routes and footpaths for all abilities. The National Cycle Route and Severn Way long distance trail pass through Wroxeter. Wenlock Edge is a dream for geologists and palaeontologists whilst the Shropshire Hills provide much pre-historic interest with an abundance of hill forts and megaliths.
King Arthur’s “White City in the Woods”? Shakespeare’s retreat? We’ll probably never know but one thing’s for sure: from the Iron Age, the Age of Iron and the “New Age”, there’s something for everyone at Wroxeter!
