The Crofton Roman Villa house was occupied from about AD 140 to 400 and was the centre of a farming estate of about 500 acres. Nearby would have been farm buildings, surrounded by fields, meadows and woods.
The house was altered several times during its 260 years of occupation and at its largest probably had at least 20 rooms. The remains of ten rooms can be seen today, now within a modern cover building. Two rooms contain the remains of their opus signinum (concrete) floors, and three have evidence of tessellated (tiled) floors. Details of the under-floor central heating (hypocaust) can be seen, which features both channelled and pillared systems.
The site was fully excavated by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit which also carried out the complete preservation scheme, with funding provided by Bromley Council. The Unit now manages the scheme in conjunction with the Council.
Not only is the villia open to the public, but we also take bookings from teachers for school visits (please see our teacher's information section below). Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have been unable to take school bookings and welcome visitors during 2020. Please see below for our opening times and events.
PLEASE NOTE THE CROFTON ROMAN VILLA IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE WINTER AND WE HOPE TO RE-OPEN IN APRIL 2021.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING VISITORS BACK NEXT YEAR IF THE CURRENT SITUATION ALLOWS.
We also have a virtual tour of the Crofton Roman Villa for children... ideal for home schooling!
In order to ensure your safety and the safety of our volunteers, we ask that you please:
Our team apologies for these essential measures, rightly required by central and local Government. Thank you for your co-operation.
Opening Times:
PLEASE NOTE THE VILLA IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE WINTER.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN APRIL 2021.
2021 OPENING TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED.
Address:
Crofton Roman Villa
Crofton Road
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8AF
Admission:
Adults £1.50; Concessions £1.00
Family £4.00 (4 people inc. children additional child 50p)
Information and Bookings
Contact:
Getting There:
Orpington railway station is adjacent to the villa
Bus routes: 61, 208 353,R2 and R7
Car Parking available off York Rise, adjacent Orpington Railway Station
Disabled Access
Activities at the Villa
Please note that activities may be limited until further notice.
Information for Teachers
"...The only Roman Villa in Greater London open to schools..."
Please note that we are unable to take school bookings at present. We are keeping a close eye on government guidelines. Please keep checking our website for updates.
Ten rooms of this Roman villa-house are on view with the remains of an extensive system (under-floor central heating) in five rooms and evidence of opus signinum (concrete) and tessellated (tiled) floors. With graphic displays, models, Touch Table and activities for children.
Schools are cordially invited to visit the Crofton Roman Villa. Facilities are designed for to meet the National Curriculum and are targeted at Key Stage 2. The very popular Roman Villa Activity Workshops are available April to October.
For further information and to book a visit please contact
Catherine Horne:
Telephone: 07805 138465
Email: crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com
If your school is unable to make a class visit (or even if you do!) children and families are welcome to visit during normal opening hours (see above)
Facilities and activities are designed for children undertaking school projects.
These include:
Please do send for information leaflets for your class.
Roman Villa Activity Workshops
Charge: £3.00 per child (teachers and helpers free)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum number of pupils 20 and maximum 60
Available: Tuesday and Wednesday: 10am or 12.45pm
Workshops consist of two talks, each followed by activities, when the children divide into smaller groups (up to 15 children)
Teachers and helpers are requested to help during the activity sessions. This is a very full 2-hour programme so late arrival may result in the activities having to be curtailed.
Introdcution to Life in Roman Britain - A special activity event
Dates: 2020 Dates to be Confirmed.
Charge: £3.00 per child (teachers and helpers free)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum number of pupils 25 and maximum 30
Sessions at 10am or 12.45pm
Includes:
Registered Charity Number: 273581
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.