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Record Numbers At Newport Roman Villa Clay Days

The family friendly ‘Clay Days’ at Newport Roman Villa attracted record numbers last week, with more than 850 participants visiting the site over the two days.

The hands-on event, inspired by the building skills of the Romans, allowed visitors to make clay tiles or other items that they could take home. 

Visitors praised the family activities with one saying:

“What an amazing place and super activity – it was great to bring the grandchildren today, they had so much fun.”

Referring to the £1 entry fee for the event, it was said that it was a “brilliant low cost-visit that we all really enjoyed.”

Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight cabinet member with responsibility for Heritage said:

“We are delighted that these family events are attracting such large numbers and there is such a strong interest in archaeology on the Island.

"Newport Roman Villa is an exceptional small museum and we look forward to welcoming more people to the site when the Villa reopens for the Easter holidays and beyond.”

For those that missed out last week, or want to give ‘Clay Days’ another try, it will return for the May half term.

The site will open for the Summer season from the April 3, moving to six days a week in July and August.

The Villa can open for groups and schools by special arrangement.

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