Things to See and Do at Housesteads Roman Fort
Housesteads is Britain’s most complete Roman fort. Visit, and you can enjoy astonishing views of Hadrian’s Wall, explore Roman history in a hands-on museum, and spend time discovering the rugged Northumberland landscape. Below are some of the highlights you can enjoy when visiting Housesteads.
Explore an amazing Roman Fort
Imagine what life was like for the 800 soldiers living and working at Housesteads in the Roman period. The fort's original name was Vercovicium, meaning 'the place of the effective fighters'.
At the very edge of their empire, the soldiers were secure and self-sufficient within the fort. The 5-acre fort displays the remains of gateways and a turreted wall: inside are a wealth of clearly traceable buildings, including the commandant’s house, hospital and the famous multi-seater communal loos.
Take a journey through time with a tour of the fort. Our knowledgeable volunteer guides lead tours during school holidays.
See astonishing views of Hadrian's Wall
Look east from the north wall of the fort, and you will see Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing proudly in the rugged Northumberland National Park.
The view from Housesteads’ barrack blocks overlooking Hadrian's Wall Country is a sight to behold. No wonder Housesteads became a powerful base for the Roman Army: you really can see for miles!
Uncover our Roman Collection
Explore life on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire inside Housesteads Museum. The story of Housesteads and its people is told in an engaging multimedia display.
Don’t miss the short film that traces the history of the fort and recreates its original appearance. Every aspect of Roman life here is illuminated by displays.
The fascinating collection of Roman artefacts gives you a snapshot of life 2,000 years ago. See Roman altars, dedication stones, jewellery, tools and weapons, all excavated from the fort. Look out for the impressive, winged statue, Victory. It’s a wonderful example of classical sculpture found lying in the landscape around the fort.
Have some Family Fun
Children can dress up, touch replicas of Roman objects and explore the exhibition and fort with the help of Felix the Roman soldier.
Kids can then run wild in five acres of amazing countryside, check out the famous communal toilets; and bring a kite to fly within the ruins of the fort.
Play a game of 'I spy' on the edge of the Roman Empire and get stuck into garden games on the grass.
Discover the Visitor Centre
Housesteads is run jointly by English Heritage and the National Trust, and entry is free to members of both organisations. You will find a warm welcome at the National Trust Visitor Centre. It's a great spot for a restorative hot drink or a local homemade snack.
There is a fairly strenuous 10 minute walk from the visitor centre up to the museum and fort.
- Plan your visit to Housesteads Roman Fort – Hadrian's Wall today.
- Walk through history with the Housesteads Roman Trail.
- Find more places to visit and things to see and do at Hadrian's Wall