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Northumberland UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Northumberland UNESCO sites

Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

1. Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Travel south from Edinburgh on the old Roman Dere Street that linked the supply ports in the south of England with the ancient city of York. Then go north past Hadrian’s Wall to the Roman settlements in Central Scotland. Your first stop on this tour will be in the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh that lies only 12 miles north of the Scotland-England border. Here you have time to take a short walk through the narrow streets that lead to the remains of the Augustinian Abbey, which has been a great symbol of power during its 900 year history. Continuing south you make a brief stop at scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the 2 countries for the past 700 years. The tour continues through the magnificent forests of Northumberland National Park before turning west towards the remains of Hadrian’s Wall. Follow the road taking you along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg where you come face-to-face with large sections of the wall’s remains. Here, you can visit the Vindolanda Roman Army Museum and experience the life of a Roman soldier for yourself. Take time to walk along the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the barbarians to the north. You continue your journey west along the wall towards the village of Lanercost, the western gateway to Hadrian’s Wall. After pausing for lunch you travel a short distance to Birdoswald, one of the best preserved of the 16 Roman forts along the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy time to explore this fascinating site and further sections of the wall before you turn north for the return journey. Traveling through the Galloway hills, stop in the Victorian spa town of Moffat before continuing through the Southern Uplands and Scottish Borders, and returning to Edinburgh.

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

2. Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

Visit intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, explore the town of Melrose, journey to the Scottish Borders, and see Hadrian’s Wall on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious, and has achieved worldwide fame since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. This beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel has long been the subject of speculation about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings. Visit the charming town of Melrose for lunch, then cross the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar. Follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids here until the end of the 16th century. Then visit one of the world's most important Roman monuments: Hadrian’s Wall. Travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall. Upon returning to Edinburgh, stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch your legs and take photos of the famous abbey.

Hadrian's Wall: 2-Hour Guided Tour

3. Hadrian's Wall: 2-Hour Guided Tour

Feel Roman history come to life as you discover just what Britain was like under the Caesars on this 2-hour tour of Hadrian's Wall. Explore this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide dressed in an authentic costume of the era, and discover hidden archaeological gems. Hear your guide weave a narrative from both sides of the wall — the tales of the natives and the stories told by the occupying forces — and walk along the iconic central section of Hadrian's Wall. See a milecastle (a rectangular fortification) and one of the best sections of the Vallum defensive ditch. Throughout your tour, admire the magnificent backdrop of the Northumberland National Park, and enjoy some of the best views across the rugged moorland vistas.

Hadrian's Wall: 4-Hour Guided Tour

4. Hadrian's Wall: 4-Hour Guided Tour

Walk along the iconic central section of Hadrian’s Wall, followed by a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman Forts in Britain. Discover the unique stories of the Roman museums and archaeological sites in Northumberland on this 4-hour walking tour. As your guide explains the history of each site, they will also weave in the importance of the surrounding landscape to reveal what makes each place so special. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the stunning views across Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall.

Hexham: Hadrian's Wall and The Romans Full Day Guided Tour

5. Hexham: Hadrian's Wall and The Romans Full Day Guided Tour

Head to Cawfield Quarry and find your expert, local guide, dressed in an authentic Roman costume of the era. The tour is set in the spectacular Northumberland National Park, which makes a magnificent backdrop to explore the hidden archaeological gems of Hadrian’s Wall by foot. Follow your guide as he weaves a narrative from both sides of the wall. Listen to Roman history come to life as you discover what life was like for Britons under the rule of Rome. Learn the tales of the natives, and the stories told by occupying forces as you explore the local’s favorite sections of this breathtaking world heritage site. After the tour, head to your choice of nearby Roman Museums, including Vindolanda Roman Fort, The Roman Army Museum, Housesteads Roman Fort, or Chesters Roman Fort. Here, learn even more about the fascinating times of Britain under Roman rule, and see incredible artifacts left behind from the era.

From Newcastle: Hadrian's Wall Day Tour

6. From Newcastle: Hadrian's Wall Day Tour

Travel to Hadrian's Wall with this tour from Newcastle. Stroll along a piece of history as you learn more about the Roman period. Eat a delicious lunch at Twice Brewed. Choose from group and private options that are with or without pickup and drop-off. Journey from Newcastle to Hadrian's walk. Start your tour at Steel Rig and walk the 2 1/2 miles to the Roman fort of Housesteads. See milecastles and the wild geography of the region as you walk. Get a view of what Roman life was like at Hadrian's when you visit the Roman fort of Housesteads. Find out more about the history of this fort, including its old name and how it was fortified by Germanic troops from Belgium and the Netherlands. Stop for lunch at Twice Brewed for some fantastic local food. Proceed to Vindolanda, an old Roman supply base that has been extensively excavated.

Hadrian's Wall: Housesteads Roman Fort Entry Ticket

7. Hadrian's Wall: Housesteads Roman Fort Entry Ticket

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.

English Heritage: Attractions Pass for Overseas Visitors

8. English Heritage: Attractions Pass for Overseas Visitors

Get a range of benefits with a 9-day or 16-day single or family English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass, offering free entry to more than 100 stately homes, castles, prehistoric remains and gardens the length and breadth of England. Only available to non-UK residents, the great value pass will save you money even if you only visit 2 or 3 attractions, making a 9-day pass suitable for a weekend break. You can visit as many English Heritage attractions as you like, and come back as many times as you want to. But the more places you visit, the more money you save! Plan your vacation with the help of our overseas visitor Guidebook. The English Heritage website will also help you plan your visit before you travel. Once you have decided which attractions to explore, there is no need to get your money out at every attraction, and no need to keep track of your spending. The monuments bring the story of England to life, and have all been selected for their historic significance. Located in some of the most beautiful settings in England, they include mighty castles, tranquil monastic ruins, pleasant gardens and grand stately homes. Many host special events throughout the year, and your pass also gives you free or reduced price entry. You might even come face-to-face with a knight in shining armor. All sites have reduced opening times during the winter months (October to March). Detailed information available after booking. The full list of places you can access with your pass is as follows: In London: Apsley HouseChiswick HouseEltham Palace and GardensJewel TowerMarble Hill HouseRanger’s House - The Wernher CollectionWellington ArchIn the South East: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & BattlefieldBayham Old AbbeyCarisbrooke CastleDeal CastleDover CastleFort Brockhurst (as part of a pre-booked group)Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)Lullingstone Roman VillaMedieval Merchant’s HouseOsborne HousePevensey CastlePortchester CastleRichborough Roman FortRochester CastleSt Augustine’s AbbeyWalmer Castle & GardensYarmouth CastleIn the South West: Berry Pomeroy CastleChysauster Ancient VillageCleeve AbbeyDartmouth CastleFarleigh Hungerford CastleHailes AbbeyLaunceston CastleMuchelney AbbeyOkehampton CastleOld SarumOld Wardour CastlePendennis CastlePortland CastleRestormel CastleSt Mawes CastleSherborne Old CastleStonehengeTintagel CastleTotnes Castle In the East of England: Audley End House & GardensBerney Arms Windmill (as part of a pre-booked group)Castle Acre PrioryDenny Abbey and the Farmland MuseumGreat Yarmouth Row Houses and Greyfriars’ CloisterGrime’s GravesFramlingham CastleOrford CastleSaxtead Green Post MillTilbury FortWrest Park In the East Midlands: Ashby de la Zouch CastleBolsover CastleHardwick Old HallKirby HallKirby Muxloe CastleLyddington Bede HousePeveril CastleSibsey Trader WindmillLincoln Medieval Bishops’ PalaceRushton Triangular LodgeIn the West Midlands: Boscobel House and the Royal OakBuildwas AbbeyGoodrich CastleHaughmond AbbeyKenilworth Castle and Elizabethan GardenStokesay CastleWenlock PrioryWitley Court and GardensWroxeter Roman CityIn Yorkshire: Aldborough Roman SiteBrodsworth Hall and GardensByland AbbeyClifford's TowerHelmsley CastleKirkham PrioryMiddleham CastleMount Grace PrioryPickering CastleRichmond CastleRievaulx AbbeyRoche AbbeySt Peter's ChurchScarborough CastleThornton Abbey and GatehouseWhitby AbbeyYork Cold War Bunker (pre-booked visits only)In the North West: Beeston Castle and Woodland ParkBrougham CastleCarlisle CastleFurness AbbeyLanercost PrioryStott Park Bobbin MillAt Hadrian's Wall: Birdoswald Roman FortChesters Roman FortCorbridge Roman TownHousesteads Roman FortIn the North East: Aydon CastleBarnard CastleBerwick-Upon-Tweed-BarracksBelsay Hall, Castle and GardensBrinkburn PrioryDunstanburgh CastleEtal CastleLindisfarne PrioryPrudhoe CastleTynemouth Priory and CastleWarkworth Castle

Newcastle: Hadrian's Wall and Roman Fort Half-Day Tour

9. Newcastle: Hadrian's Wall and Roman Fort Half-Day Tour

Find out more about the Romans and Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World-Heritage Site, on this half-day tour. Head to the frontier of the Roman Empire while being close to an urban center on a guided tour that focuses on the east end of the wall, Segedunum, now called Wallsend. Visit the Great North Museum as well and discover its varied artifacts. After meeting your guide at Newcastle Central Station, make your way to Segedunum, a fort home to fantastic reconstructions of the Roman way of life, such as a section of the wall which can be viewed and walked along. Once there, step into the Roman world and learn about this fantastic, ruthless but creative culture that conquered much of the known world. Following your fort visit, go to the Great North Museum in Newcastle, which has one of the largest collections of Roman artifacts in the north of Britain. As your guide interprets them, get an insight into Roman life at the northern frontier of the empire. After your guided tour of the museum, you'll be taken back to central Newcastle where you will be able to enjoy the city center. Your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of key sites or cafes and restaurants. This half-day tour can be taken in the morning or afternoon.

Hadrian's Wall: Birdoswald Roman Fort Entry Ticket

10. Hadrian's Wall: Birdoswald Roman Fort Entry Ticket

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.

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What people are saying about Northumberland

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 4 reviews

Excellent day trip. Nice small group and incredible and engaging guide. Plenty of stops for tours and pictures Had the perfect amount of time at all the sites was never rushed but also not sitting around waiting to leave. Cannot recommend this tour enough!

Trip very well organised. Not rushed. Good size of participants. Guide was fantastic! Good balance of talking and leaving quiet time while on the bus, great at explaining history of n an engaging way, friendly and fun! Thank you!!

Smaller group on the day. Well organized, good pace, insights, and the main attractions were great. Highly recommend this company.

Incredible! We went on a tour with Stuart B. and he blew us away. It's totally worth it.

Was a wonderful trip. The tour guide was very friendly and competent. Any time.