Family-friendly things to do this summer at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort

Planning your family visit

Imagine spending bright, warm days exploring ancient ramparts where Roman soldiers once guarded the frontier of an empire — all while enjoying spectacular views, and plenty of open space for children (big and small!) to run free. Here’s a guide to some of the best family-friendly activities awaiting you this summer at Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort where history, nature, and adventure meet.

Discover Housesteads Fort

Housesteads Fort in Northumberland is one of Britain’s most complete Roman forts. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by the Fort — including the famous Roman toilets. Step into an ancient world through guided tours or self-led exploration and create memories that were 1900 years in the making.

Walk the Wall

Take a short walk along Hadrian’s Wall from Housesteads to nearby forts and milecastles. It’s a great way to stretch your legs, soak in the scenery, and imagine life as a Roman sentry.

Take a walk on the wild side

Look out for birds such as golden plover and dunlin, as well as the large heath butterfly which is restricted to wet boggy habitats as found along Hadrian's Wall.

Climb a Crag 

Crag Lough dominates the wall's landscape and can be seen from miles around. It's almost always in shade of the towering Whin Sill. The Lough is home to mute swans, busy coots, mallards, tufted ducks and goldeneyes, and you can even climb the Crag if you fancy it.

Meet the Locals

Keep your eyes peeled for our woolly neighbours — sheep often graze near the Wall and make for some adorable photo opportunities. They’re friendly (but please don’t feed them!) and make sure your dog is kept on a lead at all times.

Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic or pick up some tasty treats from the Housesteads Visitor Centre café and enjoy lunch with a view. The sweeping Northumberland landscape from Housesteads is one of the most breathtaking in Britain — perfect for a relaxing break between adventures. You can even borrow a picnic blanket from the visitor centre.

 

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Run off some energy or work up an appetite with an adventure through Roman times.  Imagine the lives of the Roman soldiers, stationed at Housesteads almost 2,000 years ago with a trip around the Fort. Take a walk along Hadrian's Wall and stop to admire the views or take a photo. You could also tick off some of the '50 things'. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
 

• No. 27 Go star gazing: Stargazing is a magical way to bring science alive and to experience the beauty of our natural world. There are lots of places to star gaze along Hadrian's Wall or you could even try it in your back garden or through your window!
• No. 44 Watch a bird: Spot some birds at Hadrian's Wall - in winter look out for Fieldfares hopping about in the fields along the Wall and robins too.
• No.18 Create some wild art: When it comes to creating wild art, the only limit is your imagination. What will you use, and how? There's so much to choose from in the natural world – but make sure you're not making your art from another creature's home. 

 

Tips for a Memorable Visit

Plan ahead: Check the current opening times on our website.

Bring the essentials: While the summer weather is often lovely, it can be changeable - it’s wise to carry hats, sunscreen, and a light waterproof layer. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the uneven terrain.

Engage the kids: Prepare by exploring some kid-friendly podcasts such as Tillie's Time Tales where kids can discover the history of the Romans who once guarded the border, learn some Latin insults and meet some ancient pets as Tillie works out how to get back home. Let their imaginations run wild as they anticipate walking in the footsteps of Roman soldiers.

Stay flexible: Whether you choose to focus on a guided tour or roam freely, allow plenty of time for spontaneous stops — maybe a favourite lookout or an unexpected wildlife sighting.