Set on a steep slope along the Hadrian's Wall, Housesteads Roman Fort promises dramatic views along with great historic insight.
Once home to 800 self-sufficient soldiers, this fort is steeped in history. Discover more about their everyday lives as you walk past highlights.
Check out the barracks block, hospitals, granaries, and peer at some of the oldest toilets you've ever seen.
The mini-cinema at the museum will take you on a journey through time and fill in the blanks on Roman history.
Discover fascinating excavations from this very fort, including Roman altars, dedication stones, jewelry, tools, and weapons.
You'll also see the winged statue, Victory, a classical sculpture found in the landscape (it's hard to miss).
Take a walk along the Housesteads Trail and discover the Northumberland National Park's main highlights.

Inclusions

Admission into Housesteads Roman Fort

Exclusions

Guided tour
Hotel transfers

Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Housesteads Roman Fort.
Uneven terrain and steps may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Note: On closed dates, this site may still be open, please check English Heritage directly for more information.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

More details

Housesteads Roman Fort

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Housesteads Roman Fort | Britain's Roman Fort dating to the Roman Empire

Housesteads Roman Fort, also known as Vercovicium, is a well-preserved Roman fort guarding Hadrian's Wall that's nearly 2,000 years old. It's one of the most complete Roman forts you can find along Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northumberland, northern England.

Built around 124 AD, Housesteads was one of 17 forts along the Wall. For over 200 years, it was home to the Tungrian infantry soldiers, about 800 strong, from modern-day Belgium. Read on to learn more about what to see at Housesteads Roman Fort, timings, directions, and more to plan your visit.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Housesteads Roman Fort

Booking your tickets online scores you a discount of up to 15% on entry. Plus, if you're a member of English Heritage or the National Trust, you get in for free!
Opening times change depending on the season, so check their website before you go.
The Visitor Centre has a cool video for a quick history lesson before you explore the fort itself. Also, some signs might be a bit worn, so grab a pamphlet, audio guide, or guidebook to get the full story.
The fort is on a hill, so it's a bit of a hike (wear comfortable shoes!). It's also on an exposed ridgeline, so dress warmly and bring some wind protection. There are some steep drops around the edges, so be careful, especially with little ones.
Housesteads Roman Fort is partially accessible for people with reduced mobility owing to its uneven terrain.
As this is a historic site, note that you can only walk on the actual wall in the small wooded area at the rear of the fort.
You can walk the paths around the fort and Hadrian's Wall for free. But trust us, the fort itself is worth the entry fee for the full experience.

Why visit Housesteads Roman Fort?

Step back in time: Housesteads Roman Fort is one of the best-preserved Roman forts you'll ever find. Explore the ancient military architecture and imagine Roman soldiers guarding the frontier nearly 2,000 years ago!
Part of Hadrian’s Wall: This fort was part of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the very same ground as Roman soldiers who patrolled this impressive feat of Roman engineering.
A treasure trove of ancient artifacts: The site has been subject to extensive archaeological excavations, yielding a wealth of artifacts and information about the Roman Empire's presence in northern Britain.
Scenic location: Not just history, Housesteads boasts stunning views of the Northumberland countryside. It's the perfect place for a dose of ancient history with a side of natural beauty.
Learning experience: Whether you're curious about Roman battle plans or the daily routines of soldiers, Housesteads Roman Fort has something for everyone.

What to see at Housesteads Roman Fort

Roman fort

Ever wondered what life was like for the 800 soldiers who lived at Housesteads Roman Fort? Back then, the fort was called Vercovicium, which means "place of the effective fighters." These soldiers were stationed at the edge of the Roman Empire on Hadrian's Wall. Inside the fort, they had everything they needed: a barracks block, a hospital, a Commander's House, granaries, and even communal toilets, which happen to be the oldest Roman toilets in the UK.

Hadrian’s Wall

Gaze out from the fort's north wall to see Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching majestically across the wild Northumberland National Park. No wonder Housesteads became a Roman powerhouse. From the high vantage point of the barrack blocks, you can see for miles across the stunning "Hadrian's Wall Country." Out of all the Roman forts along the Wall (there were 16!), Housesteads is the most complete one left in Britain, showcasing all the original features of a Roman fort.

Museum

At the Housesteads Museum, you'll delve into how the Romans built this fort and the civilian town ('vicus') nearby. Check out the short film with recreations of what the original buildings would have looked like and meet Felix, a fun character who helps younger visitors explore the museum. But the real treasures are the Roman objects found at the fort used over 2,000 years ago, including altars, dedication stones, jewelry, tools, weapons, and even an impressive winged statue called 'Victory'.

Toilets

Housesteads Roman Fort has the best-preserved public toilets from Roman Britain! The toilets were located at the lowest point of the fort, in the Commander's House, the hospital, and some barracks. People would have sat on wooden or stone benches with holes. However, none of these seats have survived from Housesteads. Remains of a cistern holding almost 24,000 liters of water were also found! There was another channel with water for washing up afterward.

Plan your visit to Homesteads Roman Fort

Timings

Getting there

Facilities

Tips and guidelines

Dine

Stay

Opening times:

April 1 to October 27: 10am to 5pm every day

October 28 to March 31: 10am to 4pm every day

Closed: December 25

Best time to visit: Plan your visit to Homesteads Roman Fort during spring or autumn to avoid crowds and enjoy the pleasant British weather.

Address: Near, Hexham NE47 6NN, United Kingdom

Find on Maps

By bus: AD122 Hadrian's Wall Bus (from Hexham Train Station | 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm)
Nearest stop: Housesteads Roman Fort
By car: Via M40 and M6 (From London)
Nearest parking: Northumberland National Park car park (£3 for 3 hours and £2 per hour for every additional hour)
By bicycle: Via Hadrian's Cycleway
Nearest parking: Bardon Mill

Accessible washrooms
Baby changing stations
Parking area
Food and drinks
Gift shop
Picnic area
Museum
Dogs allowed
Strollers allowed
Photography allowed

Comfortable shoes are a must! The fort is built on uneven ground, so ditch the flip-flops and wear shoes with good traction.
Leashed dogs are welcome at the fort, so your pup can join in on the Roman adventure. Assistance dogs are also allowed.
If you catch the AD 122 bus to the fort, hold onto your tickets – you can get 20% off your entry fee.
Get ready for some seriously stunning panoramic views of the Northumberland countryside from many spots around the fort. The best spots to catch a view are of course on top of Hadrian's Wall.
Strollers are allowed, and there's even a dress-up section for kids to become pretend Roman knights and explore the fort like mini-soldiers!
Wheelchair users can take advantage of the accessible toilets and handrails around the fort.

The Twice Brewed Inn: Located 4.6 km from the fort, The Twice Brewed Inn offers a cozy atmosphere and serves traditional British pub fare alongside a selection of locally brewed beers.
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre Café: Situated nearby, The Sill Café offers a range of hot and cold meals, sandwiches, cakes, and beverages. It is also located 4.6 km from Housesteads Fort.
Milecastle Inn: Located 8.2 km away from Housesteads Roman Fort, Milecastle Inn, offers a warm welcome and serves hearty meals in a traditional pub setting.

Budget stays: Travelodge Hexham (15.4km | From £49), Newbrough Bunkhouse (8.5km | From £52), The Reading Rooms B&B (6.9km | From £63)

Mid-range hotels: Anchor Hotel (7km | From £80), Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant (10.7km | From £90), The Bowes Hotel (4.3km | From £110)

Luxury hotels: The Railway Hotel and Bar (6.9km | From £115), George Hotel (13.1km | From £124), Old Repeater Station (2.9km | From £143), Langley Castle Hotel (7.8km | From £183)

Beyond Housesteads Roman Fort

Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum

Located 3.5 km from Housesteads, Vindolanda is an impressive Roman fort that is home to Roman artifacts.

Chesters Roman Fort and Museum

Chesters is a well-preserved Roman cavalry fort that gives a glimpse into the life of the soldiers that were stationed there. The fort is 12 km from Housesteads Fort.

Roman Army Museum

Located 13 km from Housesteads, the Roman Army Museum is home to artifacts that give an insight into the military tactics and equipment used by Roman soldiers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Housesteads Roman Fort tickets

What do Housesteads Roman Fort tickets include?

The tickets include admission to Housesteads Roman Fort and access to a small access to Hadrian's Wall. You can also visit the Visitor Center, the museum, and the gift shop nearby.

What is the cancelation policy for Housesteads Roman Fort tickets?

These tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled.

How long does it take to complete a Housesteads Roman Fort tour?

It will take around 2-3 hours to complete a Housesteads Roman Fort tour.

Is the fort suitable for children?

Yes! There are tons of things to see that children would love at Housesteads Roman Fort. There's a super informative short film at the Visitor Center, family-friendly facilities, and even a chance for the young ones to dress up as Roman soldiers and play around the fort and Hadrian's Wall. However, do note that the climb to the fort itself is a bit steep so prepare them for the weary climb.

Is it suitable for visitors with mobility issues?

The climb to the fort and the fort itself is uneven. Visitors with mobility issues may face difficulty navigating this terrain. However, wheelchairs are allowed and there are accessible toilets with toilets around the fort should you plan to visit.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, photography is allowed at Housesteads Roman Fort. Commercial and professional photography is also allowed with prior permission and paperwork. However, drones are not allowed at the fort.

Where can I buy souvenirs?

There is a gift shop near the Visitor Center that you can head to for Housesteads Roman Fort souvenirs.

How big is Hadrian's Wall?

The Hadrian's Wall Path is an 84-mile (135 mm) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast.

How many forts are there on Hadrian's Wall?

There were more than 80 milecastles or forts, two observation towers, and 17 larger forts.