Excursion Hadrian's wall tour at Newcastle upon Tyne

Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.  It is the best-known frontier in the entire Roman Empire and stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world's greatest civilizations.

Hadrian's Wall

Spanning 73 miles (117.5 kms) from coast to coast, over wild landscapes, Hadrian's Wall is one of the most magnificent sites to visit in the North of England. The Romans built Hadrian's Wall in circa AD122, defining the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire in Britain at that time. It consisted of a stone-built wall, 23 feet (7 m) high with a ditch to the north and a bigger bank and ditch earthwork to the south. Turrets, mile castles, and forts were built at regular intervals along the wall.

Cawfields

Leaving Port of Tyne, head for approximately 90 minute, into Northumberland to begin your exploration of this fascinating site. Stop at Cawfields to view a dramatic section of Hadrian’s Wall. This part of the wall is one of the highest standing sections of Hadrian’s Wall  and features turrets and an impressive milecastle (Milecastle 42).

Chesters Roman Fort

Following the wall, arrive at Chesters Roman Fort. Chesters was one of the series of troop bases added to Hadrian’s Wall soon after it was built, and it is the best-preserved example of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Historians believe it was occupied for nearly three centuries, with several changes of garrison during that time.  There is much to see at the site; the four principal gateways are well preserved, the east and west with short lengths of Hadrian’s Wall adjoining them. The entire foundation of the headquarters building is visible, with a courtyard, hall, regimental chapel and strong room clearly laid out. The military bath house is extremely well preserved, with changing rooms, latrines and bathing rooms, as is the Roman bridge abutment on the bank of the river.

Clayton Museum

After becoming acquainted with the site, visit the Clayton Museum (within the site), to discover a myriad of Roman finds and learn about John Clayton, the antiquarian renowned for his work in excavation. During his lifetime (1792 – 1890), Clayton excavated many sites and discovered hundreds of Roman artifacts. The collection includes important early archaeological discoveries relating to the central section of Hadrian’s Wall. These finds are displayed in the museum on behalf of the Trustees of the Clayton Collection.

Following your visit to Chesters, enjoy the scenic approximately 90 minute return journey to Port of Tyne.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hadrian's Wall, Chesters Roman Fort, Clayton Museum, Northumberland countryside

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over flat, uneven, grass, gravel, and sloping surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the bath house at Chesters Fort. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, a sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled.