The Newt in Somerset, Roman Villa visit 10 June 2026
Members of the group visited The Newt in Somerset on 10 June 2026. A Roman villa was discovered on land owned by The Newt and following the archaeological investigation a replica villa was built nearby. Finds from the villa and nearby are exhibited in a bespoke museum. The Newt website explains:
The expansive and ambitious reimagining of a Romano-British villa, inspired by the unearthing of a settlement on the estate, dating back to 351AD, sitting alongside an innovative and interactive visitor centre
The trip was a joint visit with East Dorset Antiquarian Society (EDAS) and we all had a good day out, despite having to try and dodge some rather heavy showers.
View of the approach to the reconstructed villa, outbuildings on the left.
The architecture of the villa has provided nesting sites for house martins under the eaves. It was delightful to see so many of these birds flying around and returning to the nests to feed young.
Some of the group heading towards the villa.