4 ways to travel back to Roman London

Start your time-travelling at the Museum of London (nearest Tube stations St Paul's, Barbican, Moorgate). There is a whole area devoted to life in Roman London; some of the many Roman articles which have been excavated in London are displayed here. There are pots, glass and lots of everyday articles – and leather bikinis, too! We get a wonderful glimpse of life in Londinium, and the museum also has lots of information about locations where Roman London is exposed.

Did you know Londinium had an amphitheatre where gladiators and wild animals fought, and executions took place? It was rediscovered in 1988 near the Museum of London, in Guildhall. Once there, you can go underground to see the amphitheatre, and imagine the roar of the crowds as competitors clashed. The area of the original amphitheatre is marked in stone in Guildhall Courtyard.

The Roman temple of Mithras was built in the third century AD, in the heart of what is now the City of London. Discovered in 1954 and considered to be one of the UK's most significant archaelogical sites, the reconstructed Temple can now be admired in a purpose-built Bloomberg SPACE. Entry is free, there are some fantastic (free) kids' resources to use, both on paper and tablet-based, and the light and sound installation in the temple is very atmospheric and a great way to step into the past.

The British Museum (nearest Tube station Holborn) is the place to go if you want to see a real gladiator’s helmet.

There are many dramatic Roman remains here, including a statue of a sportsman doing something we still do today. He is throwing a discus, and the statue is called ‘Discobolus’. There is a lot of beautiful Roman jewellery here, too and it is amazing to realise that 2,000 years ago people had earrings, bracelets and necklaces very similar to the ones we enjoy wearing today. (Most of the exhibits in the British Museum were not found in London, but are similar to things that would have been used and worn here.)

The biggest and best stretch of Roman wall is just beside the Tower of London. It is several metres high, and then has medieval wall built on top, making it even higher! You can walk through a doorway in the wall, and imagine you are a Roman citizen. You can also follow the London Wall Walk – see all the remains of the Roman walls of Londinium and be transported back to a time of togas, villas and gladiators.

We hope you enjoy your day in Londinium, and now know and understand a little more about life in Roman London.