Discover an imposing Norman fortress in the center of Newcastle upon Tyne, a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began and the reason the city got its name. During your visit, enjoy the most commanding views over the city of Newcastle and the River Tyne. See Newcastle's most historic buildings, the Castle Keep and its 13th-century gatehouse the Black Gate, which were once part of a much larger fortress. Marvel at how much of Newcastle Castle has remained intact despite its tumultuous history. Today, you can explore the ancient passageways and chambers where kings walked and villains were imprisoned. Find the marks left by the inhabitants through the ages and learn the fascinating story of the Castle Garth community that grew up around the ruins. The two buildings that remain were cut off from each other by the Victorian railways of the 19th century — an unfortunate side effect of the North East's trailblazing role in the Industrial Revolution. Exhibits guide visitors through the Castle's history over the years: from settlement in Roman times, to medieval stronghold, to use as a modern day museum and everything in between.

Visit the historic Housesteads Roman Fort with a pre-booked entrance ticket. Set on an escarpment and flanked by dramatic stretches of Hadrian's Wall, uncover the lives of the self-sufficient soldiers who lived here. Stand on the edge of a formidable empire and take in awe-inspiring 360-degree vantage points. During your tour of the site, imagine what life was like for the 800 soldiers living and working here during the Roman period. Learn about every aspect of their life including clothing, tools, weaponry, religious beliefs, and medicine. See the barracks block, hospital, Commander's House, granaries, and communal toilets. Then, head into the museum to visit the mini-cinema. See the fort brought to life in film with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings and meet Felix, the character who guides younger visitors around. Next, discover the fascinating collection of Roman finds to give you a snapshot of life, 2000 years ago. See Roman altars, dedication stones, jewellery, tools and weapons, all excavated from the fort. Look out for the impressive winged statue, Victory, a wonderful example of classical sculpture found lying in the landscape around the fort. Finally, take the Housesteads Trail covering some of the most tranquil parts of Northumberland National Park. Run wild in 5 acres, dress-up as a Roman soldier and play a game of 'I spy' on the edge of the Roman Empire.

Rising over ridges and snaking through moorland, the 73 mile-long Hadrian's Wall is an incredible monument with incredible stories to tell. Go on a journey back to life on the frontier and into the Roman Empire's extraordinary tale of power and ambition. Start your Hadrian's Wall adventure at Birdoswald Roman Fort, where you can still see the remains of all of the Wall's defining features. Birdoswald Roman Fort is set on a spectacular ridge above the river Irthing, offering fabulous views down into the gorge below. To the east are the crags of the Whin Sill, where the remains of Hadrian's Wall can be seen tracing the contours of the dramatic landscape. Stand in awe of more than 1,800 years of history as the longest remaining stretch of the Wall spans as far as your eye can see, and explore the ruins of the Roman fort, a turret, and milecastle. Delve into the story of the most famous Roman frontier with the exhibition in the visitor center. Find out how the Wall was constructed, check out some Roman artifacts, and gaze through a periscope to take in the view from the original height of Hadrian's Wall.

Come and see what life was like at one of the Roman Empire's most northern outposts. Chesters Roman Fort is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Wander around the unusually well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers' quarters. Discover an amazing collection of Roman objects and inscriptions in the museum, which were found at the fort and along Hadrian's Wall. Chesters is home to a spectacular Roman bathhouse, a place to relax on Hadrian's Wall for both Roman and modern visitors. The tranquil riverside spa on the banks of the North Tyne consists of a complex of rooms where weary soldiers could take hot, cold, and steam baths. Browse the recently updated Clayton Museum to discover a myriad of Roman artifacts, and find out about the "Savior of the Wall," the Victorian lawyer John Clayton. The museum first opened in 1896 on behalf of the Trustees of the Clayton Collection, and still has many of its original Edwardian display cabinets. Pick up a Chesters Fort takeover trail sheet from the admissions team and set off on a Roman adventure. Take a stroll through history around the fort, the headquarters building and courtyard, hall and regimental shrine. Plus, don't miss the ruins of an elaborate and luxurious commandant's house. Fuel up after your adventure in the Chesters tearooms. Here you will find light lunches made from locally sourced ingredients, sweet treats, and hot and cold drinks. Try a traditional stottie cake for a truly Northumbrian culinary experience.