The Roman Painted House will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, in October half term week (28 October – 2 November). Entry is free, and children will be invited to take part in a family-friendly trail based around what fun facts they can find in the Roman Painted House. Every participant will receive a sticker once they’ve completed the challenge. Families are also being encouraged to share their views by completing a Roman Dover Survey following their visit.
Visit the Roman Painted House this half term Photo: Dover District Council
More than 1500 visitors have come to the Roman Painted House since it reopened on 14 September and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Over 100 visitors have already shared their thoughts on how the Painted House could be further developed for the future.
Described by someone as “one of Dover’s fabulous treasures” comments about how the Painted House could be further improved include developing activities for families and children, interactive and educational displays, more artefacts and audio interpretation as well as a lift giving improved access to the lower floor.
All comments will be incorporated as part of a larger funding bid being submitted to support a major ‘Roman Dover’ project. This would better protect this scheduled monument as well as publicly open and protect Dover’s Roman Bath House, to support significant ongoing regeneration and create one of the best Roman sites in Britain. The ‘Roman Dover’ capital project would be located within a dedicated and sustainable cover building with new interpretation and education space.
DDC looks forward to the Roman Painted House representing one of three DDC owned, operated and subsidised attractions in Dover, alongside the Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat Gallery and Dover Maison Dieu, which is undergoing a £10.5 million refurbishment and is due to reopen in spring 2025.
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, portfolio holder for community, said:
“We are delighted to be opening the Roman Painted House this half term week for visitors. Admission is free, and we hope that many of our younger residents will come along and take part in the fun trail and enjoy learning more about our town’s Roman history.”