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This October half term, Fishbourne Roman Palace is seeking new recruits to enlist in its Roman Army and learn what it takes to become a fully-fledged soldier.

From Monday 28th to Friday 1st November, youngsters and their families can get stuck into daily activities for trainee Roman soldiers. Once signed up, soldiers will take part in military exercises in the Palace gardens and must complete a range of tasks to earn their day’s pay, under the watchful eye of the Drill Officer.

From writing their name in Roman letters to mastering sword and shield practice and spear throwing, the new recruits will learn all about what life was like for a Roman soldier and the skills they needed for combat.

As well as dressing up in uniform, other activities include having a wound painted on and learning about medicines used 2,000 years ago, trying Roman food, and learning how soldiers would spend their leisure time with Roman board games.


About the event

Date: Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November
Time: 10am to 4pm
Age suitability: All ages
Cost: General admission + £1 participation fee per child

Booking information

To take part in our Roman Army Week fun, you’ll need to:

  1. Purchase a general admission ticket below (free for Members of Sussex Archaeological Society)
  2. Pay £1 participation cost per child to cover all activities (payable in-person on the day of your visit)

Upon completion of the tasks, participating children receive a Roman coin as a memento of their day.

Find out more about becoming a member, including year-round unlimited visits across all our sites.

Book tickets

From our visitors

"Incredibly stunning place. You get a medieval feel and can imagine being there as a King. They have done well to keep it like this and would highly recommend"

TheoB via Tripadvisor - Lewes Castle

“A Trip Back in Time. Fascinating history of the Roman Palace. Well explained. Lots to see in the museum and the remains. Incredible detail in the layout of the Palace.”

Sue A via Tripadvisor - Fishbourne Roman Palace

“Go Visit NOW! The gardens are genuinely some of the most beautiful we’ve seen. We are going back soon.”

HorshamLass via Tripadvisor - Michelham Priory

“This was such an interesting place to come to. You could really feel the history of this place.”

Fifi582014 via Tripadvisor - The Priest House and Gardens