Caerleon Roman Fortress Baths — Attraction in Newport

The Roman baths at Isca Augusta (modern-day Caerleon, Wales) formed an essential part of the fortress complex built around AD 75 to house the Second Augustan Legion (Legio II Augusta). The bathhouse served both hygienic and social purposes for approximately 5,500 legionaries stationed at the fortress.

These baths were not private but formed part of a public thermae complex within the military camp. They included the natatio (a large open-air swimming pool), frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room), following the standard Roman bathing sequence. Heating was provided by a hypocaust system, a form of underfloor heating that circulated hot air from furnaces (praefurnia) through chambers beneath the floor and inside the walls.

The natatio, measuring about 41 x 7 meters, was particularly impressive and likely used for swimming, training exercises, and relaxation. Lead piping and aqueduct systems brought water into the baths, while drainage systems carried waste away—highlighting advanced Roman engineering.

Excavations have revealed finely crafted masonry, original tile work, and remnants of the hypocaust system. These discoveries confirm the sophistication of Roman military architecture and the importance placed on physical well-being and morale among troops. The bathhouse was a central feature of daily life, where soldiers bathed, exercised, received massages,...

Anyone who loves their history will enjoy this place. Unfortunatly I didnt take any photo's. To walk were the Romans had been almost 2000 years ago or more was brilliant. There a four features to see spread out over the town. The ruines barracks, the ampetheatre (I may have spelt that wrong) were all the training and entertainment was held, and very impressive considering it was all built by hand. Then theres the baths featuring the outdoor swimming pool which is fascinating and really the favourite part of my visit. However....what I had come to see was the museum. I wanted to look at the artifacts, roman coins maybe, helmets, just anything from that era. The museum was closed for renovations. I had travelled some distance with my main goal being the museum and it was closed. Closed until October. So lesson learned! Check before travelling via websites to be sure the exhibits are open to avoid disappointment. So im rating it 3 stars. Also, toilet facilities are a trek from the reception. The Roman barracks and Ampetheatre seem to be accessible without paying (as far as I can tell) however the baths and museum will cost you. I found only paid parking so...

Great place to visit and a lot if it is free. Would go again. Museum is free and fantastic. Loved the Roman garden especially. Gift shop has pocket money items. Toilets available in 3 areas of the museum

Bath house. There is a charge - cheaper than other sites but less to see and fo than at Museum

No refreshments at either sites but lots of places in town Would recommend the Cafe who lease the Rugby Club. Good place to park too as it is free and sandwiched between the amphitheatre and the Barracks. Good prices, good food was coming out of the kitchen. They have a box of rugs you can borrow to sit outside

Bad points! Council have closed the toilets in the Rugby Club carpark although there are signs directing you to them. So if you have a longish drive, park up, and need the toilet you will be disappointed. You can walk up to Museum or buy a drink in the Cafe. Lovely Manager in Cafe explained he simply cant afford to let all and sundry use the toilets due to narrow profit margins. Agree with him. His Cafe us next to playing fields and Council should maintain access to the...