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Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort
Roman wall running through an often wild landscape
Near Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 6NN
Opening times for 3 July 2025
Asset Opening time Housesteads Roman Fort 10:00 - 17:00 Hadrian's Wall Open all day National Trust Visitor Centre 10:00 - 17:00 Please note that last entry is 45 minutes before closing.
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Seating inside and out. Gluten-free, vegetarian & vegan options available.
- Car park
The car park is managed by Northumberland National Park. Charges apply to NT members and blue badge holders. Pay on exit.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs welcome on a short lead
- Toilet
Includes baby-change in the accessible toilet.
Mobility parking available from National Trust Information Centre. Uneven, steep paths and terrain on Hadrian's Wall, Housesteads Fort, Hadrian’s Way and Pennine Way.
- Accessible route and/or map
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
Two spaces for blue badge holders.
- Induction loop
- Level access to food outlet
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
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- By road
best access from car parks at Housesteads, Cawfields and Steel Rigg
Parking: Car park is owned by Northumberland National Park. Charges are: First 15 minutes - free. Up to three hours - £5.00. Additional time – £2.00 per hour thereafter to a maximum of £10. No overnight parking.
- On foot
Hadrian's Wall Path and Pennine Way
- By train
Hexham or Haltwhistle connect with bus (Please ensure the bus is running during the time you are wishing to visit.
- By bus
Hadrian's Wall service (AD122) runs daily, all year round from Hexham to Haltwhistle and return. You can find the timetable here: AD122
- Cycling
Planning your visit
You don’t need to book your ticket in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit. If you are a Member and wish to book, your ticket is still free.
Book your visit
You can book your advance ticket online up to 8.45am on the day you want to visit. Then, subject to availability, there will be walk-up tickets available. The prices shown here include a discount. The admission price will be higher if you choose to pay on the day you visit.
Article
Visiting Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads with your dog
Find out more about where you can walk your dog at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads, which is a one pawprint rated place, and the facilities available.
PDF
PDF
Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort map
Take a look at the map of Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort to help plan your visit.
Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hadrian's Wall, begun in AD 122, was the Roman Empire’s best-maintained outpost in northern Europe. Stretching 80 miles (120 km) from the Solway Coast in Cumbria to Wallsend near Newcastle Upon Tyne, Hadrian's Wall is an impressive sight. The National Trust cares for six of the most iconic miles of Hadrian’s Wall, from Sewingshields in the East to Cawfields in the west.
Housesteads Roman Fort
An insight into Roman military life and the past behind the archaeological remains. With a history that goes back almost 2,000 years, you can imagine how life was for the 800 soldiers - including Tungrians (from Belgium) and other cohorts from Germany and the Netherlands - based here.
Family-friendly things to do at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort
Fresh air, wide open spaces with room to run and explore, dramatic landscapes, a 1900 year old Wall and a Roman Fort with the best preserved Roman toilets in Britain. What's not to love?
Walk on the wild side
There are lots of walks - guided or self-led - at Hadrian's Wall. Take a stroll through Housesteads Fort and hear about the history of this fascinating spot or challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous in the wide (and a little wild) open spaces along the Wall.
Things to see and do
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Explore Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort
Inscribed a World Heritage Site in 1987, there is plenty to explore at Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort. A historic landscape, there is lots of wildlife also to discover.
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Family-friendly things to do this summer at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort
Looking for a summer day out that’s packed with history, adventure, and unforgettable views? Step back nearly 2,000 years and explore the wonders of Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just waiting to be discovered.
Top trails
Trail
Housesteads to Steel Rigg circular walk
Explore one of the richest parts of the country for Roman archaeology on the Housesteads to Steel Rigg circular walk and get close to Hadrian's Wall.
Trail
Sycamore Gap walk
Take a circular walk starting from the visitor centre to the Roman Fort and then along the World Heritage Roman wall footpath to the iconic Sycamore Gap. Although the Sycamore tree is no longer there, the stump remains and may regrow. See great views across the countryside as you walk alongside the ancient wall in the heritage landscape.
Eating
Article
Eating at Hadrian's Wall
Housesteads Visitor Centre is a great place to grab some refreshments during your day out at Hadrian's Wall.
Places to stay
Housesteads
A restored Victorian farmhouse just a short walk from the ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort.
Springwell Cottage
A former farm workers cottage with Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland countryside on the doorstep.
Peel Cottage
This little cottage is close to Hadrian’s Wall and perfect for exploring Northumberland.
Upcoming events
Event
Meet the Author - Ian Jackson Walk and Talk - The Rocks at the Edge of Empire
What did rocks ever do for Romans? Pretty much everything says Wall guide and author, Ian Jackson. Find out more at this free event. 3rd July - aimed at adults 10th August - aimed at families
About Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort
Witness the stunning views, explore natural wilderness and become immersed in the history while visiting Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort.
Hadrian's Wall, an epic structure, kept the unwanted out and the welcome safe. Making use of the natural Whin Sill escarpment, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Roman Empire’s best-maintained outpost in northern Europe.
Nestled within Northumberland National Park, it really is quite a treat. There are invigorating walks and breathtaking landscapes.
Venture alongside Hadrian's Wall to Milecastle 37 and the famous Sycamore Gap, taking in the sights as you go. It's a real testament to the Romans, as well as their planning, tenacity and power.
Head to Housesteads Roman Fort for a real insight into Roman military life and discover the past behind the archaeological remains, using the stone walls as a guide around the village south of the fort and envisage the different chambers and rooms. Plus, you might just see some of the oldest toilets around.
Note: The Fort is owned by National Trust but maintained by English Heritage.
History
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History of Hadrian's Wall
Discover the history of Hadrian’s Wall, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
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Next steps for the Sycamore Gap tree
The National Trust are taking the next steps in the story of the Sycamore Gap tree.
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Trees of Hope recipients announced
The National Trust has announced the recipients of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK.
Our work
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort.