Jordan Hill Roman Temple — Coastal Romano-British Shrine

A Quiet Ancient Site with Wide Coastal Views

Set on a small hill above Weymouth Bay, the Jordan Hill Roman Temple offers a peaceful look at Romano-British religion in Dorset.
Built in the 4th century, it served as a local place of worship.
Today, its stone foundations and calm setting make it an easy and rewarding stop.

It’s a small site with clear historic interest.

A Romano-British Temple

The temple was built at a time when Roman control in Britain was fading.
Its layout combines Roman design with earlier Celtic ideas of sacred space.
Therefore, it reflects a blend of traditions typical of the late Roman period.

Excavations revealed:

Pottery

Coins

Tools

Votive offerings

These finds confirm long-term ritual use.

Exploring Jordan Hill Roman Temple
1. The Foundation Outline

The simple stone platform marks the centre of the shrine.
You can walk around the outline and see how the building once stood.
In addition, information signs explain the site’s purpose and discoveries.

2. The Enclosing Wall

The temple sat inside a square boundary wall.
Visitors can follow the line of this wall around the hilltop.
Moreover, the open plan helps you understand how gatherings took place.

3. Coastal Views Across Weymouth Bay

The hill offers wide views of the sea, Bowleaze Cove, and the surrounding countryside.
This landscape adds to the site’s atmosphere.
Furthermore, the location shows why the area was important to local communities.

Learn more at the English Heritage website

Walks and Nearby Sites

Jordan Hill is close to several popular walking routes.
You can link the temple with:

Bowleaze Cove

The South West Coast Path

Walks toward Preston and Osmington

Routes connecting to Sandsfoot Castle

Paths leading toward Maiden Castle

Roman Life Around Jordan Hill

The surrounding area was active during the Roman period.
Local evidence includes villas, farms, and pottery kilns.
Therefore, the temple probably served a nearby rural community.
In addition, objects found near the site show activity even after the Romans left.

Visiting Jordan Hill Roman Temple
How to Get There

Location: Near Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth

Parking: Bowleaze Cove car park

Train: Weymouth Station (2 miles)

Bus: Local routes to Preston and Bowleaze Cove

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily

Free entry

Facilities

None on site

Cafés and toilets at Bowleaze Cove

Grassy paths; uneven ground

Nearby Attractions

Maiden Castle — Massive Iron Age hillfort

Sandsfoot Castle — Tudor coastal ruins

Nothe Fort — Victorian fort with harbour views

Weymouth Harbour — Historic quayside

Together, these sites form the Weymouth Coast & Heritage Trail.

Why Visit Jordan Hill Roman Temple?

The Jordan Hill Roman Temple experience offers:

A clear Romano-British shrine layout

Peaceful coastal views

Easy walking routes

Free, open-air access

Whether you enjoy Roman history, coastal landscapes, or simple ancient sites, Jordan Hill provides a calm and informative visit.
It’s not just a ruin — it’s a straightforward look at ancient worship on Dorset’s coast.