Housesteads Roman Fort
Recommended by
Overview
It’s easy to see why Housesteads – Roman Vercovicium – is the most visited fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It’s worth going for the site alone, but the remains of the ancient fort are in surprisingly good shape, considering that almost 2,000 years have rolled over them. It also has access to one of the best parts of the wall. You won’t be alone here, and you should avoid summer weekends to dodge the crowds. Visit the museum first to get the big picture and admire archaeological treasures. Then climb to the remains of town buildings by the South Gate. These buildings still show the grooves that once held shutters, so they may have been shops or taverns, and you can imagine Roman legionaries unwinding over a pint here after a hard day’s Pict-bashing. The gate itself was rebuilt as a bastle in the Middle Ages for a family of horse-thieves. Through it, to the right, you can visit the 12-seater latrines. There was clearly no sense of privacy in the Roman military. The Romans built everything to a standard plan, and Housesteads followed the standard square pattern, with the headquarters in the centre and the commanding officer’s house south of it. You can also see the remains of the hospital, complete with operating theatre, and the granaries. The fort was built to protect Knag Burn, one of the wall’s weak points, and the North Gate has huge foundations on the crag above the burn. Climb it for a classic wall view, then walk westwards along the wall westwards to Milecastle 37 or, to really stretch your legs, as far as Steel Rigg, where you can see how the massive military structures of Rome have been absorbed into the Northumbrian landscape.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year daily, Apr-Sep, 10-6; Oct, 10-5; Nov-Mar, 10-4. Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
About the area
If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Old High Shield
Old High Shield Cottage is a spacious bungalow with lovely views of Northumberland’s striking scenery. Part of that scenery is one of the UK’s most important historical features, Hadria...
Old High Shield
Old High Shield Cottage is a spacious bungalow with lovely views of Northumberland’s striking scenery. Part of that scenery is one of the UK’s most important historical features, Hadria...
Old Repeater Station
Old Repeater Station started life as one of several buildings used as repeater stations on the Newcastle to Carlisle railway line. Now converted into a bed and breakfast, it enjoys an e...
Poplars Riverside Caravan Park
Poplars Riverside is on the banks of the River Tyne, with salmon and trout fishing. Spend your day lazing by the river with the ducks or take a short walk into the village. Gateshead Me...
Old Brewery Cottage and Old Brewery Coach House
Two stone-built Grade 2 listed cottages nestled behind the owners' residence but with independent access. Set in a gravelled courtyard and with off-road parking, the cottages are ideal ...
Stonehaugh Campsite
Stonehaugh is a quiet and relaxed rural site situated in the stunning Northumberland National Park between Kielder Water, Hadrians Wall and Hexham. It is set in beautiful moorland on th...
Langley Castle Hotel and Restaurant
Langley is a magnificent 14th-century fortified castle, with its own chapel, set in 10 acres of parkland. There is an award-winning restaurant, a comfortable drawing room and a cosy bar...
Herding Hill Farm Touring & Camping Site
Nestled in rural Northumberland, just 1.5 miles from Haltwhistle and close to the iconic Hadrian's Wall, Herding Hill Farm Touring & Camping Site offers a stunning setting with breathta...
