The Newt in Somerset has unveiled the reconstruction of a Romano-British villa found on the estate, dating back to 351 AD. The archeological and educational experience opens alongside a visitors’ center and interactive museum, positioned over the original villa’s foundations and ruins. Villa Ventorum, or Villa of The Winds, has been reconstructed by a team of archeologists, architects, engineers and craftsmen over a period of seven years.
Both the villa and museum will open to the public, offering an educational and immersive experience of life in Roman Somerset. The site of the villa, including accommodation, kitchens and a working complex of Roman baths, is laid out in a T-shaped plan, 183 feet wide and 72 feet long. It also features a vineyard garden, ponds and surrounding field spanning approximately 10.5 acres.
Visitors will be able to step back in time, experiencing the sensory world of a Romano-British household, including the sounds, smells and sights of daily rituals, staying true to archeological evidence. The guest experience will begin at the new museum presenting the archeological findings, preserved through an engaging use of technology and interactives.
The visitor experience of Villa Ventorum and the museum are designed to appeal to all age groups. Exhibition designers Kossmandejong, who also created the narrative spaces at The Newt’s Beezantium and The Story of Gardening, were the creative minds behind the museum exhibition.
Guests can avail of the audio tour as they move through each space to explain the different elements and historic significance. A children’s tour will include an interactive treasure hunt. Hands-on games and interactive elements, including smart screens, will be available for guests. VR technology will allow them to experience a day in the life of the Roman Villa, brought further to life by members of the team appearing in period costume.
At the end of their visit, participants can experience an authentic taste of Roman-style street food, using ingredients and flavors common to the period and region, such as mensae-style flatbread, topped with estate lamb braised in wine and sweetened with honey.
The Roman Villa visitor experience is included in Newt Membership, which is priced at $85 per adult, with children (0-16 years) free of cost when accompanied by an adult member. Members can bring up to six visitors per day on a Member’s Day Pass, priced at $22.50 per person. Newt Membership entitles guests to 12 months’ unlimited access to the gardens, woodland and Deer Park, The Story of Gardening, Beezantium, garden eateries, Farm Shop and House & Garden Shop.
Membership comes with free twice-daily Garden Tours and twice-weekly Woodland Tours, an annual program of workshops and events, digital newsletters, free nationwide delivery of e-commerce products and exclusive member offers and treats. Membership is included for hotel guests.
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