Sycamore Gap along Hadrian's Wall

Discover our UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hadrian's Wall
Fascinating sites, temples, and Roman bath houses are scattered along the 73-mile stone wall that dips and dives across the UK. This striking feat of engineering by the Roman Empire, impressive enough to inspire Game of Thrones, spans Northumberland's countryside.

The significant stretch of stones

Diving and delving across Northumberland, Hadrian’s Wall is the most significant pile of stones in the UK. Spanning 73 miles of northern England, Northumberland holds the longest stretch of it and it rises and plunges across some of the county’s most staggering landscapes.

Built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian in AD122, the UNESCO World Heritage Site inspired George RR Martin’s wall in his bestselling books and TV phenomenon Game of Thrones. Take a themed tour along the archaeological wonder, or Live Like a Roman with an immersive experience day.

Scattered along the length of the wall are Roman Forts, excavation sites, ancient temples and Bath Houses that sit before a backdrop of sweeping National Park landscapes, blazing sunsets and rugged hills. Every summer, you can watch live excavations take place at Vindolanda, where 5th century gaming boards, jewellery and other pieces are revealed by skilled archaeologists. Housesteads Roman Fort takes you back to the Roman Empire where you can wander the barrack blocks and admire the dramatic landscape of the ancient fortress along Hadrian's Wall.

Bike, hike, wander or tour the roman wall with one of the many ways to explore. The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, circular walking routes and Hadrian’s Cycleway can all be ventured into for anyone wanting an active pursuit of the wall. Don't miss Sycamore Gap on your trek, known to some as Robin Hood Tree after featuring in the 1991 blockbuster film 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves' starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

Things to do at Hadrian's Wall



Visit this iconic landmark of Roman Britain and find the most breath-taking viewpoints along the wall, discover ancient artefacts of the Roman Empire at roman forts, and uncover sections of the wall step by step on historical hiking routes. Whether it’s a family day out or weekend escape, this iconic historical site has so many activities and events throughout the seasons for you to enjoy. 
 

Getting around Hadrian's wall

Bike or bus your way along Hadrian Wall's stunning cycle routes and on the AD122, the fantastic local bus service (named after the year Hadrian's Wall was built by order of Emperor Hadrian). Whether you want to enjoy a historical event at one of the Roman forts, learn more about the artefacts within the different museums, or admire the beautiful Northumberland landscape, the journey along the wall is entirely worth it.

Sites along Hadrian's Wall



Discover fascinating sites, visitor centres or a roman fort along the roman wall to keep you or the family in check. Make a day of it at this World Heritage Site or use our accommodation guide below to extend your stay along Hadrian's Wall.

Neighbouring towns and villages

Head to stone-clad market towns and villages within Hadrian's Wall country, with Michelin star restaurants, peaceful gardens, and local buildings built from the stones of Hadrian's Wall.
Mountain biking in purple heather
Family walk in Northumberland
Couple enjoying a boat trip
Hadrian's Wall
Surf Northumberland
Outdoor adventures in Northumberland

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