Pictures of Lullingstone Roman Villa
in the town of Swanley, in the county of Kent
About Lullingstone Roman Villa
The remarkable remains of Lullingstone Roman Villa lay hidden for centuries, and were only revealed in excavations of 1939. Prior to this it had been thought that a Roman country house had existed in the area, but now it had finally been confirmed, and what a find it proved to be.
The outbreak of the 2nd World War prevented in depth excavations and these were delayed until 1949. The building is believed to have survived since AD 75, with the principle discoveries being the beautiful Mosaic floor of what is thought to have been the Dining Room, and Christian wall paintings found to some of the cellar walls. It is though, the mosaic floor which is the centre of attention; this shows in detail the " Rape of Europa by Jupiter " and " Belleropon riding Pegasus killing the Chimaera " in other areas there is a fire-breathing monster, and faces depicting the four seasons.
Historically the layout is of 26 rooms, and further excavations showed a Mausoleum, shrine, a kitchen and a granary. It is likely that the villa was largely destroyed by fire in the 5th-century. The Romans left Britain in AD410, and there appears to have been no sign that the villa was occupied after AD420.
The building was taken over by the Ministry of Works in 1958, it was covered shortly after and finally opened to the public in 1963. The building is now opened and cared for by English Heritage. Lullingstone Roman Villa gives a fascinating insight into the way wealthy Romans lived, and is well worth a visit.
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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Lullingstone Roman Villa
| Eynsford Castle | (0.7 miles, 1.1 km) | Pictures |
| Hall Place | (5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve | (5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Red House | (6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Down House | (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Knole House & Deer Park | (7.4 miles, 11.8 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Camer Country Park | (7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Eltham Palace | (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Trosley Country Park | (8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Ightham Mote | (8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
All attractions in KentComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Lullingstone Roman Villa
Eynsford, in the county of Kent (0.8 miles, 1.3 km)
This is a small town in the Darent Valley. Way back in the mists of history it was thought to be an important town, but is now not much bigger than a large village. It is...
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Dartford, in the county of Kent (5.4 miles, 8.6 km, direction N)
The interest of the town focus's on The Holy Trinity Church, this originated in the 11th century and has a Norman tower.
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Downe, in the county of Greater London (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction SW)
In common with most of this region the history of Downe reaches down the centuries to the days of the Romans and William the Conqueror.
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Greenhithe, in the county of Kent (6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction NE)
Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling.
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Meopham Green, in the county of Kent (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction E)
This is an attractive Kentish village lying to the south of Gravesend. It is picked out by its Windmill of 1801, which has been lovingly restored back to its original working order and is now one of the best preserved in Kent.
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Eltham, in the county of Greater London (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction NW)
The attractive suburb of Eltham is part of the urban sprawl of Greater London.
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Plaxtol, in the county of Kent (8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction SE)
This is a picturesque Kentish village at the centre of the counties hop growing fields. It has interesting Oast houses and a concentration of charming brick built cottages.
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Gravesend, in the county of Kent (9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction NE)
Attractive old town overlooking the Thames estuary with walkways and picnic sites ideal for watching the busy water traffic, for this stretch of the river is said to be one of the busiest in the world.
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Shipbourne, in the county of Kent (9.4 miles, 15.1 km, direction SE)
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Oxted, in the county of Surrey (11.5 miles, 18.6 km, direction SW)
A walk around the village reveals a riot of attractive 17th and 18th century cottages all standing on a rise surrounded by pretty flower-filled gardens.
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All towns in KentComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Eynsford Station | (0.8 miles, 1.3 km) |
| M25 Junction 3 / M20 Junction 1 | (1.4 miles, 2.2 km, direction N) |
| Swanley Station | (2.1 miles, 3.4 km, direction NW) |
| M25 Junction 4 | (2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction SW) |
| London City Airport | (10.9 miles, 17.5 km, direction NW) |
| Lullingstone Roman Villa to London | (16.8 miles, 27.1 km, direction NW) |
| London Gatwick Airport | (22.1 miles, 35.5 km, direction SW) |
Accommodation & Hotels near Lullingstone Roman Villa
| Hotel Name |
| Rowhill Grange Hotel | (3.3 miles, 5.4 km, direction N) |
| Brandshatch Place & Spa | (3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction E) |
| Mary Rose Hotel | (3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction NW) |
| Best Western Donnington Manor Hotel | (4.9 miles, 8.0 km, direction S) |
| Thistle Brands Hatch | (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction N) |
| Holiday Inn London-Bexley | (5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction N) |
| The Crown Inn | (5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction NW) |
| Express By Holiday Inn Dartford Bridge | (6.1 miles, 9.9 km, direction N) |
| The Moorings Hotel | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction S) |
| Campanile Hotel Dartford | (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction NE) |
| All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts |