AttractionEnglish Heritage

Aldborough Roman Site

Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire

Roman Yorkshire's capital laid out in a Victorian arboretum, giving your dog enclosed, shaded, level ground and a water bowl on site.

Underneath the village of Aldborough lies Isurium Brigantum, capital of the Romanised Brigantes, the largest tribal confederation in Roman Britain. What you visit is a stretch of Roman town defences, two mosaic pavements still in position, and a small museum of finds.

While you take in the mosaics and the walls, your dog gets the unusual part of this site: it was all laid out inside a Victorian arboretum, so you are walking Roman defences between towering conifers and specimen trees. Enclosed, shaded, level and quiet, with deep leaf litter and a lot of tree scent, which is a gentler proposition than an exposed Roman fort on a hill.

Dogs on leads are allowed with some restricted areas, assistance dogs are welcome throughout, and there is a water bowl on site. Parking is the catch: roadside space in the village is very limited and the nearest proper car park is the free one in Boroughbridge, a mile away. Visit in September and you may find a University of Cambridge excavation underway.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs on lead allowed, although there are restricted areas. Assistance dogs welcome. There is a bowl of water for dogs to drink from.
Site Type: Roman Site
Entry: Paid entry
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Gardens, Museum, Parking, Toilets
Telephone: 01423 322768
Parking: Very limited roadside parking in the village. Large free car park in Boroughbridge, 1 mile away.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aldborough Roman Site dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Aldborough Roman Site on leads, with some restricted areas on site. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout without restriction, and there is a water bowl provided, so you won't need to pack extra water for your visit.
Are dogs allowed at Aldborough Roman Site year round?
The site is open to dogs throughout the year. If you visit in September, be aware that a University of Cambridge excavation may be underway, which could affect access to parts of the site.
What should I know before visiting Aldborough Roman Site with my dog?
The biggest practical consideration is parking — roadside space in Aldborough village is very limited, so you may need to use the free car park in Boroughbridge, about a mile away. Once you're there, the setting is a genuinely pleasant one for dogs: the Roman remains are laid out within a Victorian arboretum, so you're walking enclosed, shaded, level ground among tall trees and deep leaf litter rather than an exposed hilltop site.