Chesters Roman Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall

School Visits

Bring Roman Britain to life with a visit to one of the Roman Empire's northern outposts on Hadrian’s Wall. Chesters Roman Fort is one of the most complete in Britain, with baths, steam room and officers' quarters to explore. 

Curriculum Links

Bring Roman Britain and the curriculum to life with a visit to Chesters Roman Fort:

  • KS1-3 History: Local history study
  • KS2 History: The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain; the 'Romanisation' of Britain and the impact of technology, culture and beliefs
  • KS2-3 Geography: Consider why the fort was built in this location
  • KS3 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history from before 1066

Free Self-led Visits

We offer free entry to qualifying learning groups. Book a free education visit, and plan your day in your own way. Explore the remains of a tranquil riverside bathhouse and imagine the bustle of the cavalry fort, which used to house over 500 Roman troops. Then visit the museum to see the large collection of Roman finds from the site, and learn more about antiquarian John Clayton who discovered them.

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Pre-visit learning

Hadrian's Wall was an unprecidented project in ancient Europe, but why did the Romans build it, and how did they manage it? Watch this animation to find out more about this ingenious structure.

Can you identify our mystery Roman object?

Come and play history detectives with your pupils to commemorate 1900 years since construction started on Hadrian’s Wall.  Examine a special, 3D printed Roman object from our English Heritage collection and, using your historical enquiry skills, see if you can correctly guess what it is.  Visit us for free at Chesters Roman Fort and all will be revealed!  You’ll also see the real item for yourselves.

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PLAN YOUR TRIP

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: There are 60 car parking spaces available at Chesters Roman Fort. Four of these are disabled spaces. Parking is charged at £3.00, which is refundable upon entry. The coach park has capacity for six coaches.
    • TOILETS: Male/female toilets, including accessible toilets, are available on site. 
    • LUNCH: Enjoy hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, soup of the day and delicious cakes in Chesters Tea Room.
    • SHOP: The shop sells a wide range of English Heritage souvenirs and gifts.
    • EXHIBITION: The museum at Chesters Roman Fort was built in the 1890s, and still retains much of its original style. Totally unique along Hadrian's Wall, its collections are made up of around 2000 Roman finds, including a world class assortment of Roman Altar Stones. There is a disabled access to the museum (including a ramp). We recommend that pupils visit the museum in very small groups. 
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-5 November: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • 4 November-23 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 24 February-2 March: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 3 March-30 March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm

     

Learning Resources

  • Hadrian's Wall Teachers' Kit (KS1-4+)

    Use the information and activities in this Teachers' Kit to explore the story of Hadrian's Wall. Walk the Wall in your Playground, carry out a Wall Safari or find out more about daily life for people along the wall. 

  • Curators' Collections: Hadrian's Wall

    Explore objects from our collections at Hadrian’s Wall to learn more about life on the Roman Empire’s northernmost frontier.

  • Local Learning: Hadrian's Wall

    Discover the unique historic environment around Hadrian's Wall with our suggested reading, activities and video resources. 

  • Teaching the Romans

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your Romans teaching.

  • Postcard from Chesters Roman Fort

    Take to the skies above Chesters Roman Fort to discover more about the site and its surroundings. 

  • Why was Hadrian's Wall Built?

    Watch our short animation to discover why Hadrian ordered a wall to be built on the Roman Empire's fronter in Britannia. 

  • Meet a Roman Legionary

    Join Marcus the legionary on Hadrian's Wall to discover what life was life on the Roman Empire's northernmost frontier.