18 London's Hidden Roman Ruins | Secret Sites Most People Walk Past
London’s Roman past is easy to miss, yet scattered across the city are quiet traces of Londinium that let you step back nearly two thousand years.
Author:James RowleyFeb 07, 2026945 Shares189K Views
Modern London is built on top of ancient Londinium, a busy Roman city from 2,000 years ago. Many Roman remains still exist today, often hidden in basements, behind shops, or inside churches. These ruins show daily life in Roman times even though the Romans left around AD 410.
Most of these ruins are found in central London, especially in the City of London. They are hidden because newer buildings were built over Roman streets and walls. Some sites are easy to visit if you know where to look, while others need booking or guided tours to access.
Key Takeaways
- Surprising Locations:London’s Roman ruins often hide in plain sight, in an office basement, a church, or beneath a modern high-rise. Don’t be surprised to find ancient walls next to office desks or a temple under a glass tower!
- Access Varies:Many outdoor fragments are free to visit anytime. Others require advance booking or tours. Plan ahead for sites with limited opening times.
- Vivid History:These sites bring ancient Londinium to life and visiting in person lets you literally walk through history.
- Visitor Tips:Check each location’s visiting hours and costs. Some church crypts and the Mithraeum are closed on Mondays or require timed tickets. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between sites, and bring a sense of adventure.
- Why It Matters:Exploring these hidden ruins offers a tangible connection to London’s origins. You’ll gain insight into Roman engineering and a deeper appreciation of how the past and present city interweave.
1. Billingsgate Roman House And Baths
Hidden in a basement on Lower Thames Street is one of London’s best-kept Roman homes. From the outside it looks ordinary, but inside it feels like stepping into a Roman site frozen in time. The house was built around AD 150 and belonged to a wealthy family until the end of Roman rule.
The home had advanced features for its time, including underfloor heating, hot and cold bath rooms, and a private courtyard. Many original walls, floors, and heating channels are still visible, showing how skilled Roman engineers were and how important bathing was in daily life.
You walk on raised paths just above the ancient floors, getting very close to the remains. This rare access, along with knowledgeable guides, makes the visit especially memorable and worth booking in advance.
- Location:101 Lower Thames Street, City of London (nearest Tube: Monument). Enter via guided tour meeting point.
- Hours:Only open on select Saturdays between April and November (tour times usually mid-morning).
- Admission:~£12 for adults (guided tour). Concessions and child discounts available.
- Booking:Must book in advance through the City of London or Museum website, as group sizes are limited. No walk-up entry.
- Access:Guided tour only. Not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the glass platform.
2. Roman Ruins Inside A Leadenhall Market Barber Shop
Imagine getting a haircut with a huge piece of Roman stone behind glass beside the chair. In a small men’s hair salon near Gracechurch Street and Leadenhall Market, a 2,000-year-old Roman basilica foundation sits preserved under the floor.
You can ask the staff if you may see it, and they often take you downstairs to the basement. There, you find a large stone pier that once supported Londinium’s basilica, built around AD 70 and expanded later.
This basilica was the city’s main government and law building, part of a large forum with shops and offices. The remains were found in the 1880s, and seeing them inside a modern salon shows how Roman London still exists beneath the city today.
- Location:Nicholson & Griffin Barbers, 1-3 Gracechurch Street (Leadenhall Market). Nearest Tube: Bank or Monument.
- Hours:Generally during barber shop business hours (weekday daytimes). Best to visit Tue–Fri when the City is active.
- Admission:Free to view (no purchase necessary, though you might consider getting a trim!).
- Booking:Not needed, but courtesy is required. Ask staff politely to see the Roman remains. They will guide you to the basement.
- Access:Small staircase to basement. Space is tight around the glass viewing panel. Maximum 2-3 people at a time.
3. London Mithraeum (Temple Of Mithras)
Deep below a modern office building on Walbrook sits the London Mithraeum, a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras. It was found in 1954 on a bombed World War II site and later rebuilt in the same place. The temple dates to around AD 240 and once stood beside the River Walbrook.
Mithraism was a secret Roman religion, followed mainly by men such as soldiers and merchants. Ceremonies took place in dark, enclosed spaces and centered on the image of Mithras killing a bull, a symbol that is still not fully understood. This temple would have hosted quiet rituals far below the busy Roman city above.
Today, you descend into a dim space with sound and lighting that bring the ruins to life. The altar, stone walls, and main platform appear where they were originally found. Nearby displays show hundreds of objects uncovered at the site, including wooden writing tablets, coins, and everyday items, offering a close look at Roman life around the temple.
- Location:12 Walbrook, City of London (inside Bloomberg’s European headquarters building). Nearest Tube: Cannon Street or Bank.
- Hours:Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-18:00; Sunday 12:00-17:00; Closed Mondays. (Open late to 20:00 on first Thursday of each month.)
- Admission:Free (sponsored by the site owners as a public exhibit).
- Booking:Required (free timed-entry tickets available online via London Mithraeum website). Some walk-in slots may be available, but booking ahead is highly recommended to guarantee entry.
- Access:Security check and bag storage on entry. The experience is self-guided with staff assistance. Fully wheelchair accessible via lifts. Allow ~1 hour to explore the temple and displays.
4. Roman Amphitheatre Beneath Guildhall Art Gallery
Beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery are the remains of Londinium’s Roman amphitheatre, where crowds once watched gladiator fights and animal shows. Its location was unknown until 1988, when builders uncovered the large oval arena deep underground. The amphitheatre was built around AD 70 and later rebuilt in stone. Unlike many famous landmarks in London, this site hides its significance below ground, revealing its scale only once you descend into the gallery basement.
At ground level, a circle of dark stones in Guildhall Yard marks the shape of the arena. Below, you can see parts of the curved walls, the main entrance, and a drain that once carried away blood and water. The space could hold about 6,000 people.
Soft lighting helps show where the seating and sandy floor once were. Standing there, you can imagine the noise, the battles, and the excitement of Roman entertainment. The site is free to enter and often quiet, making the experience feel even more powerful.
- Location:Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard off Gresham Street, City of London. Nearest Tube: Moorgate or St Paul’s.
- Hours:Open daily 10:00-17:00 (last gallery entry ~16:45). Closed on some bank holidays and occasional private events.
- Admission:Free (no ticket needed to view the amphitheatre; it’s included in gallery entry). Donations are welcomed.
- Booking:Not required for individuals. You can walk in. Large groups can book free guided tours through the City of London website.
- Access:Enter via Guildhall Art Gallery main doors. Take the lift or stairs down one level to the amphitheatre exhibit. Fully accessible. Staff on-site can answer questions. Plan 20-30 minutes for the ruins and longer if also browsing art upstairs.
5. London Wall At Tower Hill
A large section of Londinium’s Roman wall stands near Tower Hill Underground station, easy to see beside the Tower of London. This 110-foot stretch shows clear Roman building style, with stone blocks layered with thin red tiles. Many people pass by without realizing how old it is.
The wall was built around AD 190-220 and once ran almost 3 kilometers around the city. It marked London’s edge for over a thousand years. Over time, Romans and later medieval builders repaired and added to it, so the wall today mixes Roman stone with later changes.
In front of the wall stands a bronze statue of Emperor Trajan, added in the 20th century, though it is not fully accurate. Looking closely at the wall, you can see how the red tiles helped keep it strong and even spot signs of medieval arrow slits. With signs explaining its history and the Tower nearby, this spot shows many layers of London’s past in one place.
- Location:Tower Hill Garden, Trinity Place (near Tower Hill station and Tower of London entrance).
- Hours:24/7 outdoor access. The area is open to the public at all times, though evening lighting is limited.
- Admission:Free.
- Booking:None needed, it’s an open public site.
- Access:Fully outdoors on street level. Wheelchair accessible pathways around the wall. Can be crowded during commuter rush hours; quieter on weekends and early mornings.
6. Vine Street Roman Wall And Bastion Tower
Until 2023, a well-kept part of the Roman city wall and a defensive tower was hidden in an old office basement near Tower Hill. It is now open to the public on Vine Street, inside a modern space built around the ruins. You can step down and see the wall and tower clearly through large glass panels.
The site shows part of the original wall and a rounded bastion tower added later for stronger defense. Small displays show objects found during digging, such as pottery, coins, and medieval items. One highlight is a Roman roof tile marked with a cat’s paw print made while the clay was still wet.
Clear information panels explain how the wall was built, how it was used for defense, and how it changed over time. Entry is free and the space is usually quiet, making it feel like a small museum focused on one powerful piece of Roman London.
- Location:8 Vine Street, City of London (between Tower Hill and Aldgate; look for signage for the “City Wall at Vine Street” exhibit).
- Hours:Typically open daily during daylight/business hours (approximately 8:00-18:00). Closed at night since it’s within a private building foyer.
- Admission:Free entry.
- Booking:As of now, visitors must pre-book a time slot (free of charge) via the official City Wall at Vine Street website, to ensure manageable numbers in the small space. Same-day booking is usually fine if slots are open.
- Access:Enter the modern building and descend a short staircase or lift to the basement display.
7. Roman Wall Sections At The Barbican Estate
Walking through the Barbican’s concrete paths, you come across tall sections of the Roman city wall set into the gardens. These remains once belonged to a Roman fort built around AD 110-120 at the edge of Londinium. The fort later became part of the city’s main defenses.
The fort housed about 1,000 soldiers and included barracks, storage buildings, and a headquarters. Around AD 200, its walls were joined into the wider city wall. Today, the street name London Wall still follows part of the fort’s original edge.
At the Barbican, the wall rises several meters high. The lower stone and red tile layers are Roman, while the upper parts were added in medieval times. One striking section sits by the Barbican lake, mixing ancient stone with water, gardens, and modern buildings, making this one of the most atmospheric Roman sites in London.
- Location:Barbican Estate, City of London. Notable sections in: (a) St Alphage Gardens on London Wall road; (b) along Noble Street; (c) inside Barbican residential courtyard by Bastion Highwalk. Nearest Tube: Barbican or St Paul’s.
- Hours:24/7 public access to exterior sections. The gardens and Barbican walkways are open all day; some gates may close at night.
- Admission:Free.
- Booking:None needed. It is a self-guided exploration.
- Access:Outdoor pathways and gardens. Some viewing points involve stairs/ramps within the Barbican complex. Wheelchair access is possible via certain ramps/lifts in the Barbican (ask staff or check maps for step-free routes).
8. Roman Fort Gate In An Underground Car Park
One of the most unusual Roman sites in London sits inside a modern car park near the Museum of London. Beneath the street, in a concrete garage, are the remains of a Roman fort gate built around AD 120. These are among the oldest surviving Roman structures in the city.
The gate once formed the western entrance to a Roman fort. When the city wall was built later, around AD 200, the Romans reused this gate as part of it. You can still make out the shape of the double entrance and a nearby guardroom, with signs helping explain the layout.
To see it, you walk down into the public car park, with parked cars nearby. Behind a fenced area, lights switch on to reveal the ancient stonework. The contrast is striking and very London. At times, guided tours or special events allow closer access, but even viewing it through the fence feels like finding a hidden secret.
- Location:London Wall Car Park (entrance on London Wall road, near Wood Street). It’s adjacent to the former Museum of London site. Nearest Tube: St Paul’s or Barbican.
- Hours:The car park is open 24/7, but the gated fort area is usually locked except during tours. You can still see the ruins through the fence at any time (lights should turn on automatically).
- Admission:Free if viewing on your own from behind the barrier. Guided tours (when available) may cost around £10-£15 or be free during city events.
- Booking:Required for interior access. Check the Museum of London or City guide organizations for occasional tour dates. No booking needed to peek through the fence.
- Access:Take the pedestrian stairs or lift down into the car park (Level 0). Follow signs toward “Museum remnants” or ask security for the Roman wall; it’s in Bay 52. It’s underground but wheelchair accessible via lifts. Be mindful of vehicle traffic in the car park.
9. Roman Wharf Timber At St Magnus The Martyr Church
Most people walk past St Magnus-the-Martyr Church near London Bridge without knowing it holds a 2,000-year-old Roman timber. Inside the church porch, a long dark wooden beam is on display. It dates to around AD 75 and once formed part of Roman London’s riverside docks.
In Roman times, the Thames bank lay further inland, and Londinium was a busy port. The Romans built wooden wharves to load ships, and this oak beam was driven into the riverbed as part of that structure. It was found in 1931 during road works nearby and survived because the wet soil kept it from rotting.
You can still see tool marks made by Roman carpenters, linking the beam to ships that once docked here. The spot also marked the north end of the first London Bridge, making it a key entrance to the city. The church itself adds more history, with a fine interior and a detailed model of medieval London Bridge.
- Location:St Magnus the Martyr Church, Lower Thames Street, EC3 (near Monument station and London Bridge).
- Hours:Church open to visitors Tuesday - Friday, 10:00-16:00, and Sunday mornings after Mass (approx. 12:00-13:00). Closed on Mondays & Saturdays except for services.
- Admission:Free (donations appreciated).
- Booking:Not required for individual visits. Guided church tours available by inquiry.
- Access:The Roman timber is in the entrance porch and you can see it even if the main church is closed, through the iron grille. The church interior is accessible during open hours. No photography during services.
10. All Hallows By The Tower Roman Pavement
All Hallows-by-the-Tower is London’s oldest surviving church, founded in AD 675, but its crypt holds even older remains. Downstairs, you can see parts of a Roman house dating to the 2nd century, including a mosaic floor and a section of plastered wall. These were found on the site and kept in their original place.
The mosaic, made of small red and grey tiles, likely belonged to a modest Roman home near the Thames. It gives a rare glimpse into everyday life in Roman London, showing the kind of floor people once walked on in their own houses.
The crypt also shows later history, including a Saxon arch and displays of Roman and medieval objects. A model of Roman Londinium helps place the ruins in context. Located next to the Tower of London, the church is easy to visit and often quiet, making it a calm stop full of layered history.
- Location:Byward Street, Tower Hill (adjacent to Tower of London).
- Hours:Open Monday to Friday 8:00-17:00; Saturday and Sunday 10:00-17:00. Crypt museum usually accessible during these hours, except during services/events.
- Admission:Free entry. Donations encouraged for the church & museum upkeep.
- Booking:Not needed. Walk in freely. Guided tours of the church can sometimes be arranged.
- Access:Main church entrance on street level (a few steps up). Crypt accessed via stairs; a stair lift is available for those with mobility issues. Volunteers or staff often present to answer questions about the Roman floor and exhibits.
11. St Bride's Church Roman Remains
Beneath St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street are the remains of a Roman building dating to around AD 180. In the crypt museum, you can see Roman foundations and a small section of mosaic floor. The exact use of the building is unclear, but it shows Roman activity on this site long before the church existed.
The area sits just outside the Roman city wall and was later used in Saxon and medieval times. Archaeologists found layers of history here, leading up to the Baroque church rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666. Each period reused the same ground for worship and gathering.
In the crypt, Roman brickwork stands beside medieval stone and later remains. Displays include Roman pottery, coins, and other finds, along with objects tied to the Great Fire. The Roman mosaic is the highlight, offering a simple but direct link to everyday life in ancient Londinium.
- Location:St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, EC4 (just east of Ludgate Circus). Nearest Tube: Blackfriars or City Thameslink station.
- Hours:Church is generally open daily for visitors: Monday to Friday 9:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-16:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00 (service at 11:00). Hours can vary, so midday weekdays are safest.
- Admission:Free.
- Booking:Not required. The crypt museum is self-guided; ask vergers or staff to point the way downstairs if not obvious.
- Access:Entrance on Fleet Street via a courtyard. The crypt is down a flight of steps; unfortunately no elevator, so limited accessibility. Quiet atmosphere. Please be respectful as it’s an active place of worship and reflection.
12. The London Stone At 111 Cannon Street
Set into the wall of a modern office building on Cannon Street is the London Stone, a small block of limestone that has puzzled historians for centuries. Many believe it dates back to Roman Londinium and may have marked an important central point in the city. It is first mentioned in records from around 1100, but its story is likely much older.
For centuries, the stone was a well-known landmark and surrounded by legend. Medieval tales claimed London’s fate was tied to it, and it appeared in famous stories, including one where rebel Jack Cade struck it to claim the city. Kings, traders, and locals all would have known this stone.
Today, the London Stone sits behind glass at 111 Cannon Street, easy to miss among the modern buildings. It is probably Roman, as it is made of Bath stone, which had to be brought to London. Its exact purpose is still unknown, but standing beside it offers a rare link to the earliest days of the city.
- Location:111 Cannon Street, EC4 (embedded in the street-facing wall of the building). Nearest Tube: Cannon Street or Mansion House.
- Hours:Visible 24/7 from the street. The glass case is lit, so you can even see it at night.
- Admission:Free (public sidewalk).
- Booking:Just show up and look through the glass.
- Access:Street level viewing through a window; fully accessible. There is a small plaque with a brief explanation next to it. Tip: Go during off-peak hours so you can pause on the narrow sidewalk without being jostled by commuters.
13. Crofton Roman Villa (Orpington)
In suburban Orpington, in Zone 6, stands Crofton Roman Villa, the only Roman villa open to the public in Greater London. It was the center of a farming estate used between about AD 140 and 400. Though far from central London, it shows what rural life was like in Roman Britain.
The ruins sit under a modern cover building, where you can walk around the outlines of ten rooms. You can see Roman concrete floors, pieces of mosaic tile, and parts of an underfloor heating system made of stacked tiles that once carried hot air. These features show the villa was comfortable and well built.
The villa grew over time as its owners became wealthier, adding more rooms and a small bath area. Clear panels explain how the house changed across centuries. The site feels friendly and local, often run by volunteers who enjoy pointing out small details that bring Roman life into focus.
- Location:York Rise, Orpington, Kent (about 5 minutes’ walk from Orpington rail station, behind a Tesco).
- Hours:Seasonal opening (April to October). Public open days are typically Wednesday and Friday (10:00-13:00, sometimes also 14:00-17:00) and the first Sunday of each month (14:00-17:00). Closed November to March and on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays. Currently closed for refurbishment until summer 2026.
- Admission:A small fee, historically £2 for adults, £1 for kids (family tickets ~£5). Prices may update when reopened, but it’s very affordable.
- Booking:Not needed for general admission, just pay at the door. School or group visits should arrange in advance. Check the Bromley Museum service or Kent Archaeological unit for the latest info.
- Access:The villa building is one level and wheelchair accessible. Limited on-site parking; otherwise use Orpington station’s parking. Expect a short introductory talk from staff, then free roaming on a walkway above the ruins. Allow 30-60 minutes.
14. Roman Wall At Cooper's Row (Grange City Hotel)
On Cooper’s Row, a quiet street near Tower Hill, stands one of the best-preserved sections of London’s Roman city wall. The wall sits in a sunken garden beside a hotel and includes an arch you can walk through. Surrounded by modern buildings, it gives a clear view of Roman military building methods.
Here, the wall rises about 20 feet high. The arch was added in medieval times, but much of the stone on either side is Roman. You can clearly see the Roman style, with neat stone blocks and thin red tile lines, while rougher stone above shows later medieval repairs.
Information boards explain how the wall was built and changed over time. Because the courtyard is tucked away, it is often quiet. Walking through the arch, you are close to the stone itself and can feel how this place has been part of London’s daily life for nearly two thousand years.
Visitor Information:
- Location:Coopers Row, EC3 (behind the Trinity Square gardens, next to the hotel at 10 Trinity Place). Nearest Tube: Tower Hill.
- Hours:Always open, it’s an outdoor public access area next to the hotel. Daylight visits are best for visibility and safety.
- Admission:Free.
- Booking:None required. Walk right in; if you appear as a curious tourist the hotel security won’t mind, as it’s a known historic spot.
- Access:The wall is in a sunken garden below street level, accessible by a short flight of steps from Cooper’s Row. Wheelchair access might be via the hotel lobby elevators (you could inquire inside). The archway is walkable; mind the uneven ground.
15. Huggin Hill Roman Bath Site (Garden)
Cleary Garden, near Mansion House station, is a small, quiet garden with flowers and seating. Beneath it once stood Londinium’s largest public bathhouse, the Huggin Hill baths, uncovered in the 1960s. The ruins were later covered again for protection, but signs in the garden explain what once stood here.
In Roman times, this was a major public bath complex where people came to wash, relax, and meet others. It included cold, warm, and hot rooms, changing areas, and exercise spaces. The size of the baths shows that Roman London was wealthy and well developed. For Romans, these baths represented leisure and social status combined, bathing was considered the ultimate European indulgencelong before the concept of a spa retreat existed.
Today, the garden offers a calm place to imagine the busy scene that once filled this spot. Information panels show the layout of the baths and describe Roman bathing habits, helping bring this hidden part of the city’s past back to life.
- Location:Cleary Garden, between Queen Victoria Street and Upper Thames Street (entrance on Queen Victoria St via steps near Huggin Hill intersection). Nearest Tube: Mansion House or Cannon Street.
- Hours:Garden open daily roughly 8:00-dusk. (It’s a public park, closed overnight.)
- Admission:Free.
- Booking:Just walk in.
- Access:The garden is on two terraces; the upper level is accessible from street level, while a ramp or staircase leads to the lower lawn. The info panel is on the upper terrace. Great for a quick lunchtime historical detour or a picnic spot with a story.
16. Roman Gallery At The London Museum
The London Museum’s Roman collection is an important stop for understanding Roman London, even though it is not a ruin on site. The museum closed its old building in 2022 and is moving to West Smithfield, with plans to reopen in 2026 under the name “The London Museum.” Its Roman gallery helps connect all the scattered ruins across the city.
When it reopens, the museum will display key finds from Londinium, including gold coins, carved tombstones, mosaics, and everyday items like shoes, jewelry, and writing tools. One highlight is a group of wooden writing tablets that include the oldest handwritten Latin texts in Britain, with an early mention of London by name.
The museum adds meaning to what you see outdoors by explaining how Roman London grew, was destroyed, rebuilt, and later declined. Maps, models, and objects help place each site into a wider story, making the Roman city easier to imagine as a real place full of people and daily life.
- Location:Temporarily closed.The new London Museum is set to open in 2026 at West Smithfield (near Farringdon). The old museum’s location was 150 London Wall.
- Hours:Once open, expected daily 10:00-18:00 (yet to be confirmed).
- Admission:Typically free because it is a public museum. Special exhibitions may have a fee.
- Booking:Likely not required for general entry. Timed tickets might be used during initial opening period if crowds are high. Check the museum’s official website as 2026 approaches.
- Access:The new site will be fully accessible and modern. In the meantime, some items can be seen in partner exhibits (e.g., the Mithraeum or Guildhall have loans). Keep an eye out for “Museum of London Docklands” too, which has a Roman London section and is currently open.
17. Strand Lane ‘Roman’ Bath
Near Trafalgar Square, down a narrow lane off the Strand, sits the so-called Roman Bath. Despite the name, it is not Roman at all. The small underground pool dates to around 1612, but for centuries people believed it was a surviving Roman bath, which gave it lasting fame.
The bath is a brick-lined pool inside a vaulted chamber, visible through an iron gate. The mistake began in the 1800s when writers and guidebooks claimed it was Roman, and the story spread widely. In reality, it was built as part of a water feature for old Somerset House and later reused as a cold bath in the 1700s, when public bathing was popular.
The myth helped protect the site, as people thought it was ancient and worth saving. Today it is cared for as a historical curiosity. You can glimpse it through a window at any time, or book a short visit inside to see the pool and tiles up close and enjoy one of London’s stranger stories.
- Location:5 Strand Lane, WC2 (near Surrey Street, behind the Strand campus of King’s College). Nearest Tube: Temple or Charing Cross.
- Hours:Viewable from outside anytime through a window grille on Strand Lane. Interior visits by appointment only on weekdays. Available slots typically Monday to Friday 12:00-15:00 (longer in summer).
- Admission:Free.
- Booking:Required to enter. Email or call Westminster Council at least a week in advance to schedule a visit inside. Contact info on National Trust or Westminster websites for Strand Lane Bath.
- Access:Very narrow space inside; low light. There are steps down into the bath chamber. Not suitable for large groups. If you can’t get an appointment, the exterior window gives an okay view.
18. Tomb Of The Unknown Roman Girl (The Gherkin, City)
Behind the Gherkin skyscraper is a small but moving Roman memorial. During excavations in 1995, archaeologists found the grave of a teenage girl dating to around AD 350–400. Instead of moving her remains to a museum, she was reburied on the same spot and marked with a modern memorial.
Along Bury Street, a low marble plaque set into the wall records her resting place in both Latin and English. It honors an unknown young girl of Roman London, with a carved laurel wreath as a sign of respect. Many people pass by without noticing that a Roman grave sits quietly beside offices and glass towers.
The girl was about 13 to 17 years old and was buried alone, which was unusual in Roman times. After study, she was laid to rest again in 2007 with a formal ceremony. Sitting nearby, surrounded by modern buildings, it is a powerful reminder that real lives once unfolded here long before today’s city existed.
- Location:Bury Street, at the base of 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin). Look for a marble bench and wall with inscription, between the Gherkin and the green-tiled Holland House. Nearest Tube: Aldgate or Liverpool Street.
- Hours:Open access plaza, 24/7. (Daytime is best for reading the inscription; it’s outdoors and reasonably lit at night.)
- Admission:Free public space.
- Booking:None, it’s a public thoroughfare.
- Access:Fully accessible outdoor seating area. You might even eat your lunch next to it, as many local workers do, oblivious to its significance. Information about the discovery is on a plaque nearby.
Planning Your Roman London Exploration
Seeing all these sites can feel overwhelming at first, but many sit close together in central London. With a bit of planning, you can link several into an easy and rewarding route. Here’s how you can link them into a memorable day (or two) of adventure, plus some tips for making the most of your visits.
Walking Tour Routes
Seeing these sites is easier than it sounds because many sit close together. This route mirrors the approach taken by many expert London city guideitineraries, prioritising walkability, historical continuity, and easy access between sites. A good self-guided walk starts at Tower Hill. Here you can see the Tower Hill section of the Roman wall, then walk a few minutes to All Hallows-by-the-Tower and St Magnus the Martyr. In one small area, you get a wall, a Roman floor, and a piece of the old riverside.
Walk west along Lower Thames Street to the Billingsgate Roman bathhouse site, then continue to the London Mithraeum near Cannon Street. Book a timed entry for the Mithraeum in advance. Nearby, you can also spot the London Stone, set into a modern building on Cannon Street.
Next, head north to Leadenhall Market to see the Roman basilica remains in the barber shop, then continue to the Guildhall Art Gallery to visit the amphitheatre ruins. After that, walk toward the Barbican area to see more tall stretches of Roman wall and, if open, the Roman fort gate in the car park on London Wall.
This walk takes about three hours and covers roughly three miles. It traces much of Roman Londinium’s eastern side. With more time, you can add St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street, the Strand Lane bath, or even take a separate trip to Crofton Roman Villa in Orpington. Guided walks are also available if you prefer expert commentary along the way.
Practical Visiting Information
- Free vs paid:Many Roman sites in London are free and open to all. These include the Tower Hill wall, Cooper’s Row wall, Vine Street wall exhibit, Barbican wall sections, St Magnus timber, London Stone, and the Guildhall amphitheatre during gallery hours. The London Mithraeum is free but needs a ticket. Billingsgate Roman bathhouse has a higher fee because it is guided only. Crofton Roman Villa costs a small amount.
- Booking ahead:Some places need advance booking. Billingsgate tours must be booked early. The London Mithraeum needs an online time slot, sometimes available the same day. The Vine Street wall also uses a booking system. The Roman fort gate in the car park is only open on special tours. The basilica in the barber shop does not need booking, but access depends on staff goodwill.
- Opening times:Churches can close during services, especially on Sunday mornings. The Mithraeum and Guildhall Art Gallery are closed on Mondays. Crofton Roman Villa is open only on limited days and closes in winter. Strand Lane Bath is visitable only by weekday appointments. Weekdays are usually best for City sites.
- What to wear or bring:Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot and some areas have uneven ground or stairs. A small flashlight can help in darker places. Many sites are indoors or underground, but bring rain protection for walking between them.
- Good manners:Some sites are churches or working businesses. Keep voices low, be polite, and ask before entering private spaces. Photos are usually allowed without flash, but check during church services.
- Food and toilets:Public toilets are limited in the City. Galleries usually have them, but the Mithraeum does not. Cafes and pubs are easy to find nearby and make good break spots between sites.
Best Times To Visit
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most peaceful experiences at popular sites. The amphitheatre, in particular, feels more atmospheric when fewer visitors crowd the space. I prefer visiting just before closing time, when you can contemplate the ruins without constant interruption.
Weekdays generally see lighter tourist traffic than weekends. However, some sites like Billingsgate Roman House only open on Saturdays, necessitating weekend visits. Plan accordingly based on your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Actually Touch The Ruins?
In most cases, no. Touching is discouraged to protect the remains, though some outdoor wall sections can be touched gently where there are no barriers.
Why Are Some Ruins In Odd Places Like Barber Shops Or Car Parks?
London has been built over continuously for 2,000 years. When Roman remains are found, they are often kept in place and built around, leading to unusual but creative locations.
What Was The Size Of Roman Londinium At Its Peak?
At its height, the walled city covered about 330 acres, roughly the size of Hyde Park. It may have had 30,000 to 60,000 people and all the features of a major Roman city.
What Happened To The Romans In London?
Roman rule ended gradually around AD 410 when troops and officials withdrew. The city slowly declined and was mostly abandoned before later Saxon settlements revived London elsewhere.
Can You Walk The Entire Route Of The Roman Wall?
Not in one unbroken line, but you can follow its path closely. A walking route links the main wall fragments and runs about 1.75 miles across the City.
Which Is The Best-Preserved Roman Site In London?
The Billingsgate Roman House and Baths is often seen as the most complete site still in its original place. Large wall sections at Tower Hill and the Barbican are also very well preserved.
How Do Archaeologists Find These Hidden Ruins?
Most are found during building work. Archaeologists survey sites before construction, uncover remains, and then record or preserve them as part of new developments.
Conclusion
Finding London’s hidden Roman ruins feels like uncovering a secret side of the city. These places take you back to when London was a small Roman town. Standing on a Roman floor or beside the old city wall makes history feel real in a way books never can.
They also help explain modern London. The city’s layout, trade links, and importance all began in Roman times. Because many ruins are hidden, coming across them feels like a treasure hunt, often in quiet places away from crowds. Seeing them adds depth to any visit and leaves you with stories few people get to tell.
Jump to
Key Takeaways
1. Billingsgate Roman House And Baths
2. Roman Ruins Inside A Leadenhall Market Barber Shop
3. London Mithraeum (Temple Of Mithras)
4. Roman Amphitheatre Beneath Guildhall Art Gallery
5. London Wall At Tower Hill
6. Vine Street Roman Wall And Bastion Tower
7. Roman Wall Sections At The Barbican Estate
8. Roman Fort Gate In An Underground Car Park
9. Roman Wharf Timber At St Magnus The Martyr Church
10. All Hallows By The Tower Roman Pavement
11. St Bride's Church Roman Remains
12. The London Stone At 111 Cannon Street
13. Crofton Roman Villa (Orpington)
14. Roman Wall At Cooper's Row (Grange City Hotel)
15. Huggin Hill Roman Bath Site (Garden)
16. Roman Gallery At The London Museum
17. Strand Lane ‘Roman’ Bath
18. Tomb Of The Unknown Roman Girl (The Gherkin, City)
Planning Your Roman London Exploration
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
James Rowley
Author
James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place.
His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations.
His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.
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