Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours
Address:
Humshaugh, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4DB
Carrawburgh Roman Fort is one of 16 forts along the 73-mile long Hadrian’s Wall, which was begun around AD 122. Carrawburgh housed a garrison of about 500 soldiers – first from south-west France, later from southern Belgium – responsible for defending the frontier of the Roman Empire. Occupying a slightly raised natural terrace, overlooking the Northumberland National Park, it sits between the Roman cavalry fort at Chesters and the infantry fortress at Housesteads.
Nearby stands the fascinating temple to the god Mithras, built by the soldiers of Carrawburgh. Mithraism was a Roman religion inspired by a god originally worshipped in the eastern Empire. According to legend, Mithras captured and killed a sacred bull in a cave, which Mithraic temples were intended to evoke. The temple was probably built by soldiers at the fort around AD 200 and destroyed about AD 350.
Read more about Carrawburgh’s history.
Before You Go
Access: The site is reached through a field, parts of which are uneven and can become muddy. Not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Please be aware that the site is also prone to flooding in wet weather.
Parking: There is a Northumberland National Parks car park at the site. Charges apply.
Please be aware: Farm livestock is likely to be present.,
Teachers' Kit: Download our education pack for Hadrians' Wall with various sections aimed at KS1-2, KS3, and KS4+. Other teaching resources can be found on our 'Learn' pages.
Drone flying: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions. Please see our drone filming guidelines for more details, or email our Filming team.
The postcode provided is for the nearest possible location.
Plan a Great Day Out
The Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh is part of the Chesters Roman Trail.
A must see along the trail is Chesters Roman Fort which includes Chesters Museum and houses a collection of Roman finds discovered by antiquarian John Clayton (1792-1890). Many finds came from Carrawburgh, including over 13,000 coins and other items of value left as gifts to the water goddess Coventina. Some of these are now displayed in the museum at Chesters.
Chesters Roman Fort also has a tearoom, selling delicious hot and cold refreshments. There are also toilet facilities, a picnic area and gift shop.
