
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
Fresh air, wide open spaces with room to explore, dramatic landscapes, a 1900 year old Wall and a Roman Fort with the best preserved Roman toilets in Britain. Get ready for a summer of adventure!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.