Historic Spots

Travel back to Roman times on a visit to Hadrian's Wall

Explore Roman life along the most magnificent of Rome’s great frontiers set in the dramatic landscape of Hadrian’s Wall Country.

Encounter the gritty reality of life on the world’s best preserved Roman wall through reconstructed buildings, stunning objects and live archaeology at the museums and attractions along 80 Roman miles (73 modern miles) of Hadrian’s Wall, from the Solway Coast in Cumbria to Wallsend near Newcastle upon Tyne.

Step back into the world of the Roman soldiers based at outposts along the wall – visit a reconstructed barrack block and the Commanding Officer’s house. See remarkably well preserved artefacts including leather shoes and belt buckles and walk amongst the architectural remains of their daily lives.

Discover internationally significant artefacts including the Vindolanda Writing Tablets, the oldest handwritten documents in Britain, and the inscription stone that proves the wall was built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian.

Enjoy an adventure holiday in Hadrian's Wall Country

Walk, run, cycle, climb or just play a while in the picturesque, coast to coast countryside of Hadrian’s Wall.

The 80 miles of Hadrian’s Wall form an unforgettable corridor for active leisure from the Solway Firth in Cumbria to Wallsend near Newcastle upon Tyne.

Enjoy a run or a walk on the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail and take in breath-taking scenery of the rolling fields, moorlands and cityscapes of Carlisle and Newcastle upon Tyne. Or explore the forts, museums, towns and villages in Hadrian’s Wall Country from the comfort of the the AD122 bus.

Grab your bike and ride the challenging slopes, beautiful scenery, fascinating history and friendly pit stops on the Hadrian’s Wall Cycle Way, and enjoy the two great cities of Carlisle and Newcastle with quiet country lanes in between.

Wall-wide there are places to stay or stop, and a host of pleasing circular walks and picnic places in the countryside north and south.

Get hands on with history at sites across Hadrian's Wall

Enjoy a deeper exploration into our Roman heritage through reconstructions and live excavations on a visit to Hadrian’s Wall.

Learn how archaeologists unravel the secrets of the past at Arbeia. It has a hands-on area which is especially fun for children, offering the opportunity to excavate replica Roman artefacts and piece together pottery.

See the Roman military be brought to life through original ancient relics, thought-provoking displays and reconstructions at the Roman Army Museum, and explore the fearsome dungeons that remain at Carlisle Castle.

Imagine being a Spanish Centurian at Senhouse Museum in Maryport defending the Cumbrian Coast or a Belgian soldier far to the east at Segedunum. Meet Felix who lived at Housesteads Roman fort, he will show you the fort - including the roman loos, and jump in your chariot (or car) and travel along the roman road to amazing Vindolanda, where you can see real, live excavations and read 2000 year old letters.

Travel through time exploring England’s eclectic heritage from prehistoric fossil sites and imposing castles and country houses to its literary, industrial and maritime past.

To discover more historic spots go to VisitEngland.com