Caerleon tourist information

Caerleon is an attractive small town today, but in Roman times it was Isca Augusta - one of the most important settlements in the UK.

This suburb of Newport in South Wales has some of the most exceptional Roman remains in the country, including a wonderful excavated amphitheatre which hosts an annual Military Spectacular Roman re-enactment. There are also the remains of the fortress wall, legionary barracks and bath house.

The National Roman Legion Museum celebrates this rich history with a very hands-on educational experience, where visitors can even dress as the Romans did to immerse themselves in this fascinating period. The Fortress Baths exhibition also brings the Roman town to life through interactive multi-media displays. A digital guided tour was also been developed in 2010 which can be viewed on site - or alternatively from the comfort of an armchair.

Geoffrey of Monmouth put Caerleon firmly on the King Arthur trail when he wrote its history in the 12th century, making it a stronghold of this warrior hero. Since then this romantic legend has developed, and the Caerleon amphitheatre was thought by many to be the site of Arthur's round table.