Birdoswald Roman Fort
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Overview
The perfect place for a family day out, Birdoswald Roman Fort is set above the dramatic Irthing Gorge, with a picnic area now looking out over it. The remote five-acre remains of the Roman fort and settlement at Birdoswald is the most interesting spot in this western expanse of Hadrian’s Wall. It was built in about ad 125 when its Roman name was Banna, and at its busiest would have housed up to 500 foot soldiers. They were there to protect the wall and, in particular, the bridge across the River Irthing, from the Scots. The part of the wall that runs eastwards from Birdoswald towards Harrow’s Scar is the longest visible remaining stretch. You can explore the perimeter wall of the fort with its entrance gates and part of one turret, while the interactive visitor centre brings to life a vivid picture of Birdoswald in Roman times. Excavations have unearthed the granaries, added in about ad 200, and other finds have included an Arm Purse, containing 28 silver coins, and some delicate gold jewellery now on display in Carlisle’s Tullie House Museum.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open Apr-Sep, daily 10-6; Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-19 Feb & 25 Feb-Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4; 20-24 Feb, daily 10-4. Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan. Tearoom closed BHs
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
About the area
Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.
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Nearby places to stay
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Caravan & Camping
Herding Hill Farm Touring & Camping Site
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- BBQ
- Picnic Area
Nearby places to stay
Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant
Farlam Hall Hotel is a delightful country house with a history dating back to 1428, although the building today is the result of 19th-century alterations. Run by a friendly and enthusia...
Old School House
The Old School House is close to Hadrian's Wall and the Pennine Way long distance footpath. It offer comfortable bedrooms, spacious public areas and drying and storage facilities for wa...
Herding Hill Farm Touring & Camping Site
Nestled in rural Northumberland, just 1.5 miles from Haltwhistle and close to the iconic Hadrian's Wall, Herding Hill Farm Touring & Camping Site offers a stunning setting with breathta...
Herding Hill Farm, Glamping site
Located above the town of Haltwhistle and very close to Hadrian’s Wall, this developing glamping site is ideally suited for walkers, ramblers and historians alike. Separate from the tou...
Old Brewery Cottage and Old Brewery Coach House
Two stone-built Grade 2 listed cottages nestled behind the owners' residence but with independent access. Set in a gravelled courtyard and with off-road parking, the cottages are ideal ...
Oak Cottage
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Garth Cottage
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Ash Cottage
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