North Leigh Roman Villa Mosaic open day
North Leigh, Kingswood, Witney, Gloucestershire, OX29 6PZ
The highlight of North Leigh Roman Villa is its remarkable surviving mosaic floor, one of at least 19 mosaics that once decorated this grand Roman estate. Laid around AD 340, the mosaic formed the floor of an elegant reception and dining suite and is one of the finest surviving examples of Romano-British craftsmanship. It features a distinctive repeating saltire (diagonal cross) design, created from blue-grey, red, yellow ochre and cream tesserae, with intricate guilloche borders.
Today, the mosaic is protected within the Mosaic House, a purpose-built shelter that helps preserve this nationally significant feature. The mosaic remains almost complete and is the only surviving example of the villa's many decorative floors. For most of the year it is covered for conservation purposes, but during special open days visitors can enter the Mosaic House, see the mosaic up close and learn more about its design, history and preservation from English Heritage volunteers. The Mosaic House offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the largest and most impressive Roman villas in Britain through its most important surviving feature.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1100-1700
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1100-1700
Location & directions
North Leigh, Kingswood, Witney, Gloucestershire, OX29 6PZ
- Directions:
- Road Access: 2 miles north of North Leigh; 10 miles west of Oxford, off A4095 Bus Access: Stagecoach route S7 in Oxford city centre to within 2 miles of the Villa. SAT NAV Postcode : OX29 6PZ Latitude : 51.834645 Longtitude : -1.424707 Train Access Hanborough 3 1⁄2 mile
- Contact on day:
- English Heritage
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Access: Access to the site is via an uneven farm track, which can become muddy in wet weather and may be unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. There are 5 steps down to reach the mosaic building - these are in good condition with a sturdy bannister. Parking: There is parking space for several cars in a lay-by on the roadside, directly opposite the farm track down to the villa. There is a walk of approximately 0.5km down a farm track to the site entrance. We advise not leaving valuables in vehicles.
Additional information
During busy times, there may be a short wait before visitors can enter the Mosaic House. Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome to the site. Unfortunately on open days dogs will not be permitted in the Mosaic House. Facilities: There are no facilities onsite. The market town of Woodstock is located approximately 10km away where there are public toilets and plenty of places to eat and shop. For further information please visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/north-leigh-roman-villa/#beforeyougo
- Estimated duration:
- 0 hour(s) 40 minute(s)
