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Our most recommended Northumberland Museums & exhibitions

Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

1. Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Travel south from Edinburgh on the old Roman Dere Street that linked the supply ports in the south of England with the ancient city of York. Then go north past Hadrian’s Wall to the Roman settlements in Central Scotland. Your first stop on this tour will be in the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh that lies only 12 miles north of the Scotland-England border. Here you have time to take a short walk through the narrow streets that lead to the remains of the Augustinian Abbey, which has been a great symbol of power during its 900 year history. Continuing south you make a brief stop at scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the 2 countries for the past 700 years. The tour continues through the magnificent forests of Northumberland National Park before turning west towards the remains of Hadrian’s Wall. Follow the road taking you along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg where you come face-to-face with large sections of the wall’s remains. Here, you can visit the Vindolanda Roman Army Museum and experience the life of a Roman soldier for yourself. Take time to walk along the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the barbarians to the north. You continue your journey west along the wall towards the village of Lanercost, the western gateway to Hadrian’s Wall. Continuing south we make a stop at the scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the two countries for the past 700 years. The tour continues towards Hadrian’s Wall. We follow the road that takes us along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You have time to walk beside the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the ‘barbarians’ to the north. Traveling through the Galloway hills, stop in the Victorian spa town of Moffat before continuing through the Southern Uplands and Scottish Borders, and returning to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Tour in Spanish

2. Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Tour in Spanish

The tour will depart at 08:45 from Edinburgh and return to the original departure point at approximately 20:00. You will leave Edinburgh to stop in the village of Roslin, where you will be able to see the ruins of its castle and the famous Rosslyn Chapel, a Gothic structure built during the 15th century that maintains its mysterious attraction. It is well-known all over the world for the connections established by Dan Brown with Masonic and Templar theories.                                                                                                                     Later on, you will cross the green fields of the Lowlands, and reach Jedburgh, a small town in the border between England and Scotland. After crossing the border, you will go through the Northumberland National Park, one of the most important national parks in England, where you will visit the main attraction of your journey: Hadrian's Wall. This structure, a UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most impressive Roman works of engineering. It splits the island in two parts, and it was the empire's northern frontier. You will also visit the military camp of Vindolanda. After this main visit, see the charming village of Gretna Green, one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations, where you will be able to rest and enjoy its wonderful environment before your way back to Edinburgh.

From Lake District: Roman Britain and Hadrian's Wall Tour

3. From Lake District: Roman Britain and Hadrian's Wall Tour

Hadrian’s Wall, the monumental defensive fortification built in 122 A. D. in order to safeguard the Roman Empire, is one of the most important historical sites in Britain. Led by an expert guide, discover an ancient land brimming with beauty, and learn about the history of Roman Britain in this full-day tour. Choose from a pickup point in Windermere, Bowness, or Ambleside and begin the drive through the heart of the lakes taking in the fabulous scenery whilst heading towards the Scottish borders.  Follow Hadrian’s Wall past Mile Castles and Towers finally reaching the Roman Army Museum. You will stop here for a spot of lunch and take a look around. Afterwards continue walking along the wall taking in the spectacular sites of Fell End, Sunny Rigg, Great Chester, and eventually Steel Rigg. Return to the Lakes via Alston, England’s highest market town. Stop for a and view the Cumbrian Mountains from Hartside Pass.

Hadrian's Wall: Chesters Roman Fort and Museum Entry Ticket

4. Hadrian's Wall: Chesters Roman Fort and Museum Entry Ticket

Come and see what life was like at one of the Roman Empire's most northern outposts. Chesters Roman Fort is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Wander around the unusually well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers' quarters. Discover an amazing collection of Roman objects and inscriptions in the museum, which were found at the fort and along Hadrian's Wall. Chesters is home to a spectacular Roman bathhouse, a place to relax on Hadrian's Wall for both Roman and modern visitors. The tranquil riverside spa on the banks of the North Tyne consists of a complex of rooms where weary soldiers could take hot, cold, and steam baths. Browse the recently updated Clayton Museum to discover a myriad of Roman artifacts, and find out about the "Savior of the Wall," the Victorian lawyer John Clayton. The museum first opened in 1896 on behalf of the Trustees of the Clayton Collection, and still has many of its original Edwardian display cabinets. Pick up a Chesters Fort takeover trail sheet from the admissions team and set off on a Roman adventure. Take a stroll through history around the fort, the headquarters building and courtyard, hall and regimental shrine. Plus, don't miss the ruins of an elaborate and luxurious commandant's house. Fuel up after your adventure in the Chesters tearooms. Here you will find light lunches made from locally sourced ingredients, sweet treats, and hot and cold drinks. Try a traditional stottie cake for a truly Northumbrian culinary experience.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Northumberland

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What people are saying about Northumberland

I really enjoyed this tour. I visited a Hadrian's wall - a great experience. We could walk for a while next to the wall. I wish here more time because we didn't see an iconic tree (saw it just from far). Then we were in a fort Vindolanda. For me it was stunning moment. Very nice preserved Roman fort with a museum. During driving our tour guide talk about history, nature or culture. But I wish little bit more time just for me in a silence.

The day was long but it was well organized. Jeff was our tour guide and he was great; he was very knowledgeable, personable, patient, and practical with his advice. He kept the program moving, gave us a lot of Scotland history, yet gave us older folks time to rest our legs, make toilet stops and get something to eat. It was a very pleasant experience.

Excellent day trip. Nice small group and incredible and engaging guide. Plenty of stops for tours and pictures Had the perfect amount of time at all the sites was never rushed but also not sitting around waiting to leave. Cannot recommend this tour enough!

Great tour, lots to see and spent a great amount of time at each location. the tour guide was super friendly and shared some great stories. Everyone onboard were super friendly, which is lovely as a solo traveller.

It was a great experience. Guide knew all the answers he was just great.