AttractionEnglish Heritage

North Leigh Roman Villa

Witney, Oxfordshire

One of the larger Roman courtyard villas in Britain, reached with your dog on a quiet track down the Evenlode valley. Free, and the mosaic is usually covered.

A big villa in a quiet valley. North Leigh was one of the larger courtyard villas of Roman Britain, at its most extensive in the early 4th century when it had three bath suites and a substantial range of rooms around a courtyard. Two ranges are visible today, laid out on the banks of the River Evenlode.

Whilst you take in the plan, be aware the most important feature, a fine early 4th century mosaic patterned in reds and browns, is kept under protective sheeting and viewable only on special open days, so check the dates if that is what you are coming for. Your dog gets the better half regardless: the walk down from the road follows a quiet track through the Evenlode valley, with river, meadow, hedgerow and very few people.

Free and open. Dogs are not covered by any published rules here, and the site sits in farmland, so keep your dog on a lead and close gates. No facilities, and roadside parking only.

At a Glance

Site Type: Roman Site
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

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 North Leigh Roman Villa dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome at North Leigh Roman Villa, and the setting is a genuinely lovely one for them — a quiet track down through the Evenlode valley, with river, meadow and hedgerow to enjoy. There are no published rules specifically covering dogs here, but the site sits within farmland, so keeping your dog on a lead and closing any gates as you go is the responsible approach.
Are dogs allowed at North Leigh Roman Villa year round?
The site is free and open, with no seasonal restrictions mentioned, so dogs can visit throughout the year. It's always worth a quick check before you go, particularly if you're hoping to see the famous mosaic, which is kept under protective sheeting and only viewable on special open days.
What should I know before visiting North Leigh Roman Villa with my dog?
The site has no facilities and only roadside parking, so come prepared. Because it's set in farmland, keep your dog on a lead and make sure gates are closed behind you — this is important even though there are no formal on-site rules. The walk down from the road through the Evenlode valley is quiet and peaceful, with very few other visitors, which makes it a relaxed outing for dogs and owners alike.