


What is the Trimontium Experience?
The Trimontium Experience is where the Roman invasions of Scotland meet the 21st century. Have you ever wanted to explore a Roman fort in its heyday, or come face to face with 2,000 year-old objects found right here in the Scottish Borders? Well now you can! Through a combination of immersive technologies and our extensive collection of Roman and native Iron Age objects, we’ve created this unique experience just for you.
The Trimontium Experience will take place in Trimontium Museum’s gallery and all-new HALO (Heritage Archaeology Landscape Observatory) lab.
The Trimontium Experience Daily Time Slots
Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm and 2pm
(Please check booking diary as dates/times occasionally change)
Booking in advance is highly recommended as spaces are very limited.
Please try to arrive 5 or so minutes prior to your allotted slot in order to check in with reception and get situation. The experience will begin promptly at its set time and will not wait for late comers.
FAQS
• What can I expect from the Trimontium Experience? The Trimontium experience explores the story of the Roman Iron Age in Scotland, from both the viewpoint of the natives and invading armies. Using engaging session leaders, immersive audio-visual content and an interactive museum gallery, the story comes to life in more detail than ever before.
• How long does the experience last? The whole experience, including the museum visit takes 75-90 minutes. You are wearing a headset, whilst seated, for 3 sections, lasting about 8 minutes.
• What makes this an immersive experience? Your session leader will guide you on a 2000 year journey into the past. You will watch films exploring the story of Roman Iron Age Scotland, whilst wearing a headset, flying over our beautiful Scottish landscape. Then, still wearing your headset, you will explore the Trimontium Fort, often with 360 degree views of the fort as it would have looked in the 1st century, using carefully curated research and design. You will be wearing the headset for 3 sections of around 8 minutes. The session leader will guide you for a further 20 minutes, leaving 45 minutes or more to enjoy the museum gallery. You are welcome to stay as long as you want in the gallery.
• Will I experience motion sickness? If you’re prone to motion sickness, some scenes that use virtual reality may affect you. However, these parts last less than a few minutes and you are seated throughout the experience. You can remove your headset and the session leader will assist you. There is a screen in the room where you can watch the headset visuals, so you won’t miss anything.
• What size are the VR headsets?
The headsets are designed to be universal and are adjustable. Your session leader will guide you on adjusting the size.
• Can I wear glasses with the headset?
If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, we recommend you wear them. Headsets can be worn over glasses and are fully adjustable, by turning the wheel at the back.
• Is the experience accessible for people who wear hearing aids? Yes you can wear hearing aids with the headsets. Please let your session leader know if you need any assistance for a comfortable experience.
• Is the experience accessible for people who use wheelchairs? Yes. You can wear a headset whilst sitting in your wheelchair or mobility scooter if you prefer.
• Is the experience accessible for neurodiverse visitors? This is a sensory experience – everyone is different and faces their personal challenges. Please get in touch with us if you have particular questions relating to the experience and we will do our best to advise you. Email info@trimontium.co.uk or call 01835 342788. In general terms, groups for the Trimontium experience are limited to 8 people. You are seated in comfortable chairs with head and arm rests for 45 minutes. Headsets are worn for around 25 minutes, but you can choose to watch the visuals on a screen if you prefer.
• Can I take bags into the experience? Large bags and coats can be stored next to the Trimontium Experience. Please keep valuables with you- you will be able to take small bags into the experience.
• Is the Trimontium Experience suitable for children? We recommend this experience for children ages 8 and over. Remember they’re not called Ruthless Romans for nothing – so there are a few references to bloodshed and cruelty! The headsets are designed for older children. However, all ages are welcome in our museum and we have great crafts and activities for our younger visitors.
• Is the Trimontium Experience available in other languages? The experience is only available in English at the moment. We have translations for the gallery text in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Braille
• Can I bring dogs to the Trimontium Experience? Due to space limitations, dogs are not permitted in our experience space. However, visitors are welcome to bring dogs into to the museum gallery.
• Do you admit latecomers? Unfortunately, due to the immersive nature of the experience, latecomers will not be admitted. When possible, we will try to accommodate you on a later experience.
Location
We are in the centre of Melrose with on-street parking nearby and three car parks within easy walking distance. There is a bus stop outside our door with many services from Border towns including Galashiels Interchange.
Please note, there is a small booking fee applicable to all online tickets. This fee allows the Trimontium Trust, which is a registered charity and volunteer run, to provide this service for our visitors. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy your visit.
Booking Fees
Please note, there is a small booking fee applicable to all online tickets. This fee allows the Trimontium Trust, which is a registered charity and volunteer run, to provide this service for our visitors. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy your visit.