Discovering Calleva Atrebatum: A Guided Walk Through Roman Britain

Explore Calleva Atrebatum’s Roman ruins including the amphitheatre on a guided walk uncovering ancient stories of life, commerce and entertainment.

Type of Walk
Learn something new on a guided tour -  Less walking/more talking

More detail
Your adventure begins at the impressive Silchester Roman Town Walls, a nearly intact circuit enclosing the heart of Calleva. As you walk along these historic fortifications, your guide will reveal their role in defending the town and their enduring legacy. A visit to the Amphitheatre unveils the dramatic world of Roman entertainment. Standing in this evocative space, your guide will recount tales of gladiatorial contests and public spectacles that once enthralled thousands. As you wander around the town you’ll gain a vivid sense of the daily lives of Calleva’s inhabitants. The walk also touches on the Atrebates, the Iron Age tribe who first settled here, highlighting the town’s transformation under Roman rule and also its decline after the Romans departed. This enriching tour concludes with reflections on Calleva’s enduring history, offering a unique blend of archaeology, storytelling, and imagination. Perfect for history lovers, this walk immerses you in the wonders of Britain’s Roman past.

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
3.5 km / 2 miles / 2-3 hours / easy / not wheelchair accessible

Ticket price
£7

About the walk leader
Your guide David has lived in Reading for over 25 years and is an enthusiastic advocate for the town. He has been leading tours in Reading since 2018 and is passionate about local history            

Getting there
The start of the walk is about 30 minutes walk from Mortimer station or Mortimer Glenapp Grange stop on Lime 2a route from Reading town centre.  Parking available - Calleva Atrebatum, Wall Lane, Silchester, Reading, RG7 2HJ. 
W3W ///biggest.play.reclaimed 
About the walk leader
David has lived in Reading for over 20 years and is an enthusiastic advocate for the town. He has been leading tours in Reading since 2018 and is passionate about local history.