This November, visitors to Chedworth Roman Villa in the Cotswolds can step behind the scenes for an exclusive look at how the National Trust conserves one of Britain's most remarkable Roman sites.

Running from Monday, November 3, until Sunday, November 9, from 12 noon - 1pm, the free tours showcase the dedicated efforts that preserve Chedworth's heritage for future generations.

Laura Mountford, senior collections officer and keeper of the monument, said: "These tours are a wonderful opportunity to discover what it takes to care for a site that's nearly two thousand years old.

"Visitors will learn about the ingenious Roman underfloor heating system known as a hypocaust and witness first-hand how we protect our ancient pillars - the pilae - from frost.

"Understanding how we prepare the site for winter is fascinating, and visitors will learn about the protective measures that help the Villa survive harsh weather year after year. I'm grateful for the dedicated volunteers who make this work possible."

The tours will delve into the specialist techniques used to safeguard the monument, including the different types of cappings that help protect ancient walls from the elements. Visitors will also discover how the conservation team cleans the villa's mosaics using specialised brushes and precision vacuums, ensuring the floors remain vibrant for generations to come.

James Ball, senior visitor experience officer, said: "We're excited to offer visitors this exclusive chance to go behind the scenes with our knowledgeable guides. This is a rare opportunity to see how an ancient site like Chedworth Roman Villa is cared for."

A highlight of the tours will be learning about Chedworth's recent discoveries. The team will share their plans to protect these remarkable finds and explain what they reveal about Roman life at Chedworth.

There is no charge for the tours, however normal admission charges apply with free entry for National Trust members. No booking is required.