Plan your visit to Housesteads Roman Fort with North East Escapes. Explore the most complete Roman fort in Britain and find nearby holiday homes. |
Visit Housesteads Roman Fort, The Most Complete Roman Fort in Britain
Housesteads Roman Fort is the most complete Roman fort in Britain and one of the most visited and best-loved sites on Hadrian's Wall. It sits on the most dramatic section of the Wall, perched on the crest of the Whin Sill with the Wall stretching away in both directions across a landscape of ridges and crags that feels barely changed since the Roman legions were stationed here nearly two millennia ago. A visit to Housesteads is one of the great Roman experiences in Europe, and the combination of outstanding archaeological remains, spectacular scenery and evocative atmosphere makes it unmissable for anyone visiting Northumberland.
Known to the Romans as Vercovicium, Housesteads was built around 124 AD as part of Emperor Hadrian's great frontier system stretching 73 miles from the Solway Firth to the River Tyne. The fort was designed to accommodate around 800 infantry soldiers, and it remained occupied from its construction until the end of Roman rule in Britain in the early fifth century. Archaeological excavations over the past two centuries have revealed an exceptional level of detail about its layout and function, including the barracks, the commanding officer's house, the granaries, the hospital and the famous latrines, which offer a uniquely vivid illustration of communal Roman domestic life.
The fort walls stand to an impressive height in many places, and the gateways, towers and interior buildings are exceptionally well preserved. The museum at the fort entrance, managed by English Heritage, contains an excellent collection of finds from the site including sculpture, altars, Roman military equipment and personal items. Outside the museum, the fort itself is open for free exploration, with information boards guiding visitors through the principal structures. The surrounding section of Hadrian's Wall is among the most spectacular on the entire route, and the walk east from Housesteads towards Sycamore Gap and Crag Lough is among the finest short walks in Northumberland.
Housesteads Roman Fort is located near Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, NE47 6NN, accessible from the B6318 Military Road. The fort is managed by English Heritage in partnership with the National Trust. A car park is available on the B6318, from which a walk of around 10 to 15 minutes brings you up to the fort. The site is open year-round, with English Heritage membership providing free entry. The nearby Twice Brewed Inn provides excellent food and accommodation, and the Once Brewed National Park Visitor Centre is a short drive away.
North East Escapes offers holiday homes in the Hadrian's Wall corridor, perfect for visitors wanting to explore the Wall from Housesteads along to Vindolanda, Chesters Fort and the remarkable string of Roman sites between the Tyne and the Solway. Staying in this area also opens up the Northumberland National Park, the North Pennines AONB and Kielder Forest and Water Park, one of the darkest and most spectacular landscapes in northern England. Our Hadrian's Wall holiday homes are ideal for walkers, archaeology enthusiasts and families seeking a truly memorable North East break.
