Why go to Rome and visit the Coliseum when you have Hadrian’s Wall right on your doorstep? Internationally celebrated as a World Heritage Site it stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world’s greatest civilisations. Being there still invokes a sense of standing at the edge of the world, imagining what life would have been like at the forefront of Roman Rule in Britain.
With the best preserved remains of a cavalry fort in Britain, Chesters Roman Fort was built to guard the nearby bridge over the River Tyne and was occupied for nearly three centuries.
The entire foundations of the headquarters are visible today including a courtyard, hall, regimental temple and the largest, most luxurious building in the fort – the commandant’s house. Down by the river, you can see extremely well-preserved changing rooms, steam rooms and bathing areas of the garrison’s bath house. With plenty of hiding holes, children will have hours of fun pretending to be real Romans! Restored to its Victorian glory, the on-site museum displays an amazing collection of Roman finds retrieved by the local antiquarian John Clayton.
Standing high on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment, Housesteads Roman Fort gives you a sense of what life was like for 800 soldiers on this famous frontier. Commanding breathtaking views, it is one of the most complete examples of a Roman fort in Britain.
Excavations at the fort have revealed four double-portal gateways, three visible barrack blocks and the oldest toilets you will ever see. At the centre are the most important buildings: the commandant's house, headquarters building and hospital.
The perfect base for a walk along the spectacular Hadrian’s Wall. Bring the dog, the kids, or just yourself and a picnic to enjoy the outstanding views from this hilltop fort.
Once a vital supply base for troops, Corbridge Roman Town has the best preserved granaries in Britain.
The extensively excavated remains include a fountain house with an aqueduct, a pair of granaries, and walled military compounds containing barracks, temples, houses and a headquarters building with a below ground strong room.
Visitors can even walk on the original Stanegate Roman road, which predated Hadrian's Wall. A fascinating collection of artefacts are now attractively displayed in the site museum including the Corbridge Lion, the recognised symbol of the site.
Grab an audio guide and step back in time at this once prosperous garrison town.
Birdoswald Roman Fort stands high above a meander in the River Irthing in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian's Wall. A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of the Wall. With probably the best-preserved defences of any Wall fort, this was an important base for some 1,000 Roman soldiers. The section of Wall to the east, also of stone replacing turf, is the longest continuous stretch visible today.
The visitor centre tells the intriguing story of Birdoswald and the people who have lived here over the past 2,000 years with interactive displays and artefacts as well as a model representation of the Wall at its full height.
Enjoy delicious locally made cakes and treats in the tearoom while outside wildlife is in abundance as this site is a real nature haven. Birdoswald also offers farmhouse style accommodation available for those wishing to stay within this historic site.
Days out worth talking about
Under 5s and English Heritage members go FREE*. Join today and benefit from FREE’ entry to over 400 historic sites across England and discounted or FREE entry to hundreds of events. Membership for two adults and up to 6 children costs only £77.00. Sign up at one of our sites.
For more details about English Heritage sites and events: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Don't miss English Heritage's Hightlight Events this Summer:
Sat 23 - Sun 24 July
Soldiers of the Wall
Housesteads Roman Fort
Adult £5.50, concession £5.00, children £3.50
English Heritage members and under 5s go free.
Sat 23 July – Mon 29 Aug
Time Travellers Go... Roman
Chesters Roman Fort
Adults £5.00, concession £4.50, children £3.00
English Heritage members free. £1 extra admission per child (non member and English Heritage member).
Sat 23 July – Mon 29 Aug
Time Travellers Go... Archaeology
Birdoswald Roman Fort
Adults £5.00, concession £4.50, children £3.00
English Heritage members free. £1 extra admission per child aged 5 – 12 (non member and English Heritage member)
(*Different prices on event days, 30 – 31 July and 20 – 21 Aug)
Sat 30 – Sun 31 July
Beowulf & Time Travellers Go... Archaeology
Birdoswald Roman Fort
Adults £5.50, concession £5.00, children £3.50 £1 extra for children
English Heritage members free £1 for children.
Sun 28 & Mon 29 Aug
Romans & Gladiators
Corbridge Roman Site
From 11am – 5pm
The stunning ruins of Corbridge Roman town play host to a spectacular weekend of Gladiatorial combat and Roman military. Come along and cheer your champion as fully armoured Gladiators take on their opponents in this ancient sport. Roman soldiers will also be put through their drill accompanied by a pair of mounted Roman cavalry troopers with a display of equestrian skill weapon handling. There’s also a chance of junior Roman to have a go at Gladiator and military drill of their own under the watchful eye of the Lanista and Centurion. And, should there be a need, we also have demonstrations of burials and rituals!
£6.50/ £5.50/ £4.50
EH Members free
