A team of historians and actors have come together to create the DEVA Roman Experience in Chester, an immersive and interactive attraction which aims to showcase the city’s past in a fun and educational way.
Schools can now voyage back through time to nearly 2,000 years ago to see Roman Britannia. Pupils will be led through specially-designed sets by a crew of historical characters to see a Roman bath house, market street and even an amphitheatre to watch Gladiators fight.
The experience includes actor-led shows, special effects, projection mapping and real archaeology to help both primary and secondary schools visualise the past.
Georgia Hayes, head of visitor experience at Big Heritage, the company which owns Deva Roman Experience, said: “We’ve worked incredibly hard to transform the site into a truly immersive, interactive showcase of Roman Chester.
“This unique attraction, including an interactive theatrical show, will put our visitors right in the middle of the action, rather than looking through the glass.
“We’re all about making history fun and accessible, and with hands-on exhibits and the opportunity to learn about daily life in ancient Rome, all led by a brilliant cast of characters, we hope the experience will do just that.”
Schools currently have a choice of two tours: ‘The Inside Tour’, and ‘The Chester Walking Tour - The Roman Army Needs You!’. The Inside Tour transports pupils back to the Roman fortress of Deva.
Children will learn why the Romans invaded Britain and built the fortress, and what it was like to live in Chester nearly 2,000 years ago. There will be ports to explore, streets to walk down, a hospital and more with this option.
“This unique attraction including an interactive theatrical show will put our visitors right in the middle of the action, rather than looking through the glass.”
Georgia Hayes, head of visitor experience
‘The Chester Walking Tour - The Roman Army Needs You!’ will see your class enlisted into the Roman Army, where they will meet a veteran of the legion who will put them through their paces and have them working together as a team.
The dedicated schools package takes three hours, which include a lunch break within a separate lunch space. A video can be watched here to help create a risk assessment prior to the visit.
Coach parking for school-use is available at Little Roode car park which is around a five to ten minute walk away for the attraction on Pierpoint Lane.
For more information and to book a school visit to DEVA Roman Experience, go to devaromancentre.co.uk/schools.
