Hadrian's Wall Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Unesco • Locality

Facts and practical information

Hadrian's Wall, located in the beautiful region of England, is a historical landmark that transports visitors back in time to the era of the Roman Empire. Stretching across the rugged landscape of northern England, this impressive structure was built by Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 as a defensive fortification.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Hadrian's Wall is its sheer size. Spanning approximately 73 miles from coast to coast, it was a monumental feat of engineering for its time. Today, visitors can explore various sections of the wall, marveling at its remarkable preservation and understanding its strategic significance.

Walking along Hadrian's Wall offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in history. As you traverse the ancient path, you can imagine the Roman soldiers patrolling the wall, defending the empire from the northern tribes. The remains of the fortresses, mile-castles, and turrets along the way provide a glimpse into the daily lives of those who once called this place home.

The surrounding natural beauty adds to the allure of Hadrian's Wall. The rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and sweeping vistas create a breathtaking backdrop for your journey. Whether you choose to hike the entire length of the wall or explore specific sections, you will be rewarded with stunning views at every turn.

In addition to its historical and natural significance, Hadrian's Wall offers a range of activities for visitors. You can join guided tours led by knowledgeable experts who will share fascinating stories and insights about the wall's history. Alternatively, you can embark on a self-guided adventure, exploring the various sites and taking in the scenery at your own pace.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the Roman Empire, a visit to the nearby museums is highly recommended. The museums showcase an impressive collection of artifacts, providing further context and bringing the past to life.

Alternative names: Unesco: from 1987Elevation: 640 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 54°59'16"N, 2°29'49"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Hadrian's Wall Top Attractions

Hadrian's Wall Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hadrian's Wall offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Crag Lough, Limes Britannicus, St Michael's Church, Sycamore Gap Tree. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Crag Lough
Crag Lough is an inland lake at the southern edge of Northumberland National Park, 2.5 miles north of Bardon Mill, and 0.5 miles north of the B6318 Military Road in Northumberland, northern England.
54°59'29"N • 2°21'39"W
Limes Britannicus
The frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain is sometimes styled Limes Britannicus by authors for the boundaries, including fortifications and defensive ramparts, that were built to protect Roman Britain. These defences existed from the 1st to the 5th centuries AD and ran through the territory of present-day England, Scotland and Wales.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture • Gothic architecture
St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church is in the village of Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Carlisle, the archdeaconry of Carlisle, and the diocese of Carlisle.

Area
Sycamore Gap Tree
The Sycamore Gap Tree or Robin Hood Tree is a sycamore tree standing next to Hadrian's Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It is located in a dramatic dip in the landscape and is a popular photographic subject, described as one of the most photographed trees in the country.
Forts and castles
Halton Castle
Halton Castle is a pele tower and grade I listed building situated close to Hadrian's Wall to the north of the village of Corbridge in Northumberland, England. The tower was first recorded in 1382 and it is still present today. It has four storeys and a basement with a stone vault.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture • Gothic architecture
St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church is in the village of Burgh by Sands, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Carlisle, the archdeaconry of Carlisle, and the diocese of Carlisle.
Bridge • Newburn
Newburn Bridge
Newburn Bridge is a road bridge crossing the River Tyne at Newburn in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It links Newburn, Walbottle and Throckley on the north side of the river with Ryton, Stella and Blaydon on the south side.
Forts and castles
Haughton Castle
Haughton Castle is a privately owned country mansion and Grade I listed building, situated to the north of the village of Humshaugh on the west bank of the North Tyne. It is around 5 ¹⁄₂ miles north of the market town of Hexham, Northumberland.
Church • Romanesque architecture
Brampton Old Church
Brampton Old Church stands about 1 mile to the west of the town of Brampton, Cumbria, England. It was originally the parish church of Brampton but is now redundant.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Broomlee Lough
Broomlee Lough is an inland lake in Northumberland, England at the southern edge of Northumberland National Park. The lough lies immediately north of the course of Hadrian's Wall. Old legends portray the lake as a repository of hidden treasure.
Forts and castles
Naworth Castle
Naworth Castle, also known or recorded in historical documents as "Naward", is a castle in Cumbria, England, near the town of Brampton. It is adjacent to the A69, about 2 miles east of Brampton. It is on the opposite side of the River Irthing to, and just within sight of, Lanercost Priory.
Forts and castles
Scaleby Castle
Scaleby Castle is in the village of Scaleby, Cumbria, England. The castle was originally built in the early 14th century, and extended in the 15th century to form a substantial fortification.
Area
Leahill Turret
Leahill Turret is a typical example of one of the lookout towers located between the milecastles on Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria; located on the Lanercost Road near Banks, Parish of Waterhead. It is designated turret 51b and lies east of the Signal Tower at Pike Hill.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Alloa Lea Quarry Cave
Alloa Lea Quarry Cave is a short cave in the Five Yard Limestone of the Alston Block in Northumberland, England. It is situated in an old quarry on the road between Alloa Lea and Walltown. The total length of the cave is 10m.
Area
Milecastle 33
Milecastle 33 was a milecastle of the Roman Hadrian's Wall, one of a series of small fortlets built at intervals of approximately one Roman mile along the length of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern England.
Area
Banna
Birdoswald Roman Fort was known as Banna in Roman times, reflecting the geography of the site on a triangular spur of land bounded by cliffs to the south and east commanding a broad meander of the River Irthing in Cumbria below.
Area
Milecastle 48
Milecastle 48, is a milecastle on Hadrian's Wall. Its remains lie near the village of Gilsland in Cumbria where it was historically known as "The King's Stables", owing to the well-preserved interior walls. Unusually a substantial section of stone stairs has survived within the milecastle.
Area
Limestone Corner
Limestone Corner is an area of Hadrian's Wall at its most northerly point, in present-day northern England. It represents the most northerly point of the Roman Empire, outside the two periods during which the Antonine Wall was occupied by the Roman military.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church is in the village of Walton, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Brampton, the archdeaconry of Carlisle, and the diocese of Carlisle. Its benefice is united with those of four nearby parishes.

Day trips

Hadrian's Wall – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hadrian's Wall, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Northumberland Street (Newcastle upon Tyne), Great North Museum: Hancock (Newcastle upon Tyne), Centre for Life (Newcastle upon Tyne).

35 milesE
Street, Shopping district, Shopping
Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Northumberland Street in Newcastle upon Tyne is a bustling hub of commercial activity and one of the city's prime retail destinations. Stretching from the iconic monument of Earl Grey to the entrance of the historic Eldon Square, this pedestrianized thoroughfare is...
35 milesE
Museum, Natural history museum, Archaeological museum
Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne
The Great North Museum: Hancock is a beacon of history and culture nestled in the bustling city of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. This illustrious institution offers an immersive journey through natural history, archaeology, geology, and world cultures.
35 milesE
Museum, Science museum
Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne
Nestled in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, the Centre for Life is a pioneering science complex that has become a beacon of discovery and education in the North East of England. This interactive museum is dedicated to sparking curiosity in the sciences, with a...
39 milesE
Iconic, vaulted Romanesque building
Durham Cathedral, Durham
Durham Cathedral is a majestic piece of architecture that dominates the skyline of the historic city of Durham in the northeast of England. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of...
35 milesE
Museum, Natural history museum
Great North Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne
Nestled in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, the Great North Museum is a beacon of history, culture, and education. This prestigious institution offers an eclectic mix of exhibits that cater to a wide range of interests, from natural history and ancient civilizations...