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Our most recommended Northumberland National parks

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.

Hadrian's Wall: 2-Hour Guided Tour

2. Hadrian's Wall: 2-Hour Guided Tour

Feel Roman history come to life as you discover just what Britain was like under the Caesars on this 2-hour tour of Hadrian's Wall. Explore this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide dressed in an authentic costume of the era, and discover hidden archaeological gems. Hear your guide weave a narrative from both sides of the wall — the tales of the natives and the stories told by the occupying forces — and walk along the iconic central section of Hadrian's Wall. See a milecastle (a rectangular fortification) and one of the best sections of the Vallum defensive ditch. Throughout your tour, admire the magnificent backdrop of the Northumberland National Park, and enjoy some of the best views across the rugged moorland vistas.

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

3. Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

Visit intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, explore the town of Melrose, journey to the Scottish Borders, and see Hadrian’s Wall on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious, and has achieved worldwide fame since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. This beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel has long been the subject of speculation about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings. Visit the charming town of Melrose for lunch, then cross the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar. Follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids here until the end of the 16th century. Then visit one of the world's most important Roman monuments: Hadrian’s Wall. Travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall. Upon returning to Edinburgh, stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch your legs and take photos of the famous abbey.

Hadrian's Wall: 4-Hour Guided Tour

4. Hadrian's Wall: 4-Hour Guided Tour

Walk along the iconic central section of Hadrian’s Wall, followed by a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman Forts in Britain. Discover the unique stories of the Roman museums and archaeological sites in Northumberland on this 4-hour walking tour. As your guide explains the history of each site, they will also weave in the importance of the surrounding landscape to reveal what makes each place so special. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the stunning views across Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall.

Hexham: Hadrian's Wall and The Romans Full Day Guided Tour

5. Hexham: Hadrian's Wall and The Romans Full Day Guided Tour

Head to Cawfield Quarry and find your expert, local guide, dressed in an authentic Roman costume of the era. The tour is set in the spectacular Northumberland National Park, which makes a magnificent backdrop to explore the hidden archaeological gems of Hadrian’s Wall by foot. Follow your guide as he weaves a narrative from both sides of the wall. Listen to Roman history come to life as you discover what life was like for Britons under the rule of Rome. Learn the tales of the natives, and the stories told by occupying forces as you explore the local’s favorite sections of this breathtaking world heritage site. After the tour, head to your choice of nearby Roman Museums, including Vindolanda Roman Fort, The Roman Army Museum, Housesteads Roman Fort, or Chesters Roman Fort. Here, learn even more about the fascinating times of Britain under Roman rule, and see incredible artifacts left behind from the era.

Hadrian's Wall: Housesteads Roman Fort Entry Ticket

6. Hadrian's Wall: Housesteads Roman Fort Entry Ticket

Visit the historic Housesteads Roman Fort with a pre-booked entrance ticket. Set on an escarpment and flanked by dramatic stretches of Hadrian's Wall, uncover the lives of the self-sufficient soldiers who lived here. Stand on the edge of a formidable empire and take in awe-inspiring 360-degree vantage points. During your tour of the site, imagine what life was like for the 800 soldiers living and working here during the Roman period. Learn about every aspect of their life including clothing, tools, weaponry, religious beliefs, and medicine. See the barracks block, hospital, Commander's House, granaries, and communal toilets. Then, head into the museum to visit the mini-cinema. See the fort brought to life in film with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings and meet Felix, the character who guides younger visitors around. Next, discover the fascinating collection of Roman finds to give you a snapshot of life, 2000 years ago. See Roman altars, dedication stones, jewellery, tools and weapons, all excavated from the fort. Look out for the impressive winged statue, Victory, a wonderful example of classical sculpture found lying in the landscape around the fort. Finally, take the Housesteads Trail covering some of the most tranquil parts of Northumberland National Park. Run wild in 5 acres, dress-up as a Roman soldier and play a game of 'I spy' on the edge of the Roman Empire.

From Edinburgh: The Best of Northern England 5-Day Tour

7. From Edinburgh: The Best of Northern England 5-Day Tour

Spend 5 glorious days exploring the very best of northern England on this exciting multi-day tour. Discover the beautiful East Lothian coastline and the amazing Alnwick Castle, spend some time in the city of York, and explore nature in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, travel to the shores of Ullswater,, said to be England's most beautiful lake and much more along the way. Day 1 Your tour starts with a beautiful drive down the magnificent East Lothian coastline as you travel towards the walled border town of Berwick Upon Tweed. After stopping to admire the fortifications, continue to Alnwick Castle, whose magnificent interior and gardens have appeared in many films and television programs. Leaving Alnwick behind, travel towards the City of York on the Great North Road, and arrive in York in the late afternoon. [Overnight in York.] Day 2 This leisurely day gives you the flexibility to spend time exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time of the Romans, Vikings, and the Normans before traveling to the North Sea coast of Yorkshire. Your journey begins in the late morning when you head for the magnificent North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Lunch will be in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and the inspiration for the fertile imagination of author Bram Stoker. After lunch and free time in Whitby, travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay*, a perfectly preserved conservation village of winding lanes and narrow alleys before returning to York. [Overnight in York. * The mini coach cannot access the main village because of local restrictions. The coach will drop you at the top of the village and you must walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the old village center. Day 3 Head west in the morning into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats, and rich cultural heritage. Continuing West, your route takes us through the Northern Dales, a beautiful area of natural beauty that is the center of the Dales cattle trade. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to taste the flavors of Yorkshire when you visit the town of Masham, home to two of Yorkshire's best-known breweries, and the cheese-making center in historic Hawes. The final leg of the journey takes you high up into the remote hill of the Yorkshire Dales before descending into the lively market town of Keswick, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation and are then free to explore this charming town. [Overnight in Keswick.] [**During July this tour may stay in Windermere instead.] Day 4 After breakfast, head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago. Then travel on to the shores of Ullswater, described as England’s most beautiful lake, for a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass, stop at Lake Windermere for a leisurely cruise on the lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch, travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water, arriving at the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead. After exploring the village, take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, and enjoy some free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. Return to Keswick In the late afternoon. [Overnight in Keswick.] Day 5 Leaving the Lakes behind, start your climb towards Hartside Pass, at over 1900 feet above sea level, with the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District easily visible on a clear day. Follow the route of the old sheep drovers road between England and Scotland, stopping at Hadrian's Wall along the way, and crossing the border into Scotland and towards the town of Jedburgh for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. The final stop of the tour is at the world-famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland before continuing North to Edinburgh.

Lake District 3-Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

8. Lake District 3-Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1 Depart Edinburgh and head south through the Scottish Borders. Take in the gorgeous rolling expanses of the Galloway Hills and Southern Uplands as you travel to the first stop of the day, the Victorian spa town of Moffat. From Moffat you’ll continue south over the border into England and head to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. Enjoy lunch and explore the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle. After lunch you'll enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. Often described as England’s most beautiful lake, it’s here you’ll enjoy a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force Waterfall. Continue towards Keswick, stopping outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg Standing Stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and once a hub of ancient pagan rituals. Head into the lively market town of Keswick where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, with free time to explore the charming town. Note that in July and early August your accommodation may be in Windermere. Day 2 After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores. You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the lovely Lake Windermere. Here you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery. After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There's free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick. Day 3 You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and head to the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. The drive takes you along winding lanes, through the rural village of High Lorton, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere and toward the Honister Mountain Pass. Stopping in the mountains, you’ll have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. After refreshments, the drive continues through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there will be free time for lunch and shopping. After lunch, you’ll begin the return journey, heading toward Penrith and north to the border. After crossing into Scotland you’ll stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From there it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills back to Edinburgh.

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

9. 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.

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What people are saying about Northumberland

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 4 reviews

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.

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!

Interesting tour of Hadrian’s wall and Rosslyn Chapel. The visit to Melrose was an added charm of the tour. Allan our tour guide was amazing!

Smaller group on the day. Well organized, good pace, insights, and the main attractions were great. Highly recommend this company.

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