Arguably the most famous and best-preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads (Vercovicium) is an absolute must-see. Located just a short drive or walk from the Twice Brewed Inn, this site offers visitors a chance to explore the remains of a large Roman fort and understand what life was like for the Roman soldiers stationed there.

Set on an elevated plateau, Housesteads offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it easy to see why the Romans chose this strategic location. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved barracks, granaries, the hospital, and even a Roman latrine—one of the best examples of ancient sanitation in the Roman Empire.

The Housesteads Museum is another highlight, where visitors can view a collection of artefacts discovered at the site, including Roman weapons, tools, pottery, and inscriptions. The museum also provides fascinating insight into daily life on the Roman frontier through interactive displays and informative exhibits.

Don’t Miss:

• The spectacular views from the top of Housesteads, which offer a perfect vantage point over Hadrian’s Wall as it snakes across the rugged Northumberland landscape.
• The Roman latrine, a glimpse into ancient engineering.

Just a short distance west of Housesteads, Walltown Crags is another fantastic stop along the Hadrian’s Wall Path. This dramatic section of the wall showcases the rugged beauty of the landscape, with towering cliffs and breathtaking views. Walltown is ideal for walkers who want to experience a more remote part of the wall, with fewer crowds but just as much historical significance.

The crags themselves provide some of the best walking experiences along the wall, and nearby, the Walltown Quarry Country Park offers a pleasant spot for a picnic or a more relaxed exploration of the local environment. Here, you can learn about the geology of the area and enjoy the serene setting that contrasts with the imposing nature of the Roman structure.

Don’t Miss:

• The Walltown Turret (Turret 45A), a well-preserved Roman watchtower that offers insight into how Roman soldiers kept watch over the northern frontier.

Further west, near Gilsland, you’ll find Birdoswald Roman Fort (Banna), another significant Roman military site along Hadrian’s Wall. Birdoswald is notable for its continuous occupation, with evidence that the site was used not only in Roman times but also throughout the Dark Ages and into the mediaeval period.

Birdoswald is one of the best places to see the longest stretch of Hadrian’s Wall still standing. The fort itself features remnants of the commanding officer’s house, granaries, and barracks. Visitors can also explore the Birdoswald Visitor Centre, which offers exhibits detailing the fort’s history, the wall’s construction, and the lives of those who lived there during the Roman occupation.

Don’t Miss:

• The extensive stretches of the original Roman wall, which provide a rare opportunity to see this ancient structure in its most complete form.
• The reconstruction of the Roman gateway and defences, giving you a sense of the scale and ingenuity of Roman military architecture.

No trip to Hadrian’s Wall would be complete without a visit to Vindolanda, one of the most important and well-preserved archaeological sites in Britain. Located just a few miles south of the wall and close to Twice Brewed, Vindolanda offers an incredibly rich insight into Roman life on the frontier.

Vindolanda was a key Roman fort and settlement, predating Hadrian’s Wall itself. The site is renowned for the ongoing archaeological excavations that continue to uncover new discoveries each year. Among the most significant finds are the Vindolanda Tablets, the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain, offering a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of Roman soldiers and their families.

The Vindolanda Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts uncovered during these excavations, including Roman footwear, jewellery, pottery, and tools. The museum also features reconstructions of Roman buildings, such as a Roman house and a temple, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience life as it would have been during the Roman occupation.

Don’t Miss:

• The Vindolanda Tablets, which provide an unparalleled insight into Roman communication, daily chores, and military life.
• The reconstructed Roman buildings and the ongoing excavations, which visitors can observe as archaeologists continue to make new discoveries.

For those seeking one of the most scenic and dramatic spots along Hadrian’s Wall, Steel Rigg is the place to be. Located close to Twice Brewed and just a short walk from our Hadrian’s Wall hut, Steel Rigg offers some of the most iconic views of the wall as it traverses the steep ridges and crags of the landscape.

This section of the wall is particularly impressive, as it clings to the edge of a sheer escarpment, with views stretching out over the Northumberland National Park. Steel Rigg is also an excellent starting point for walkers looking to explore some of the most challenging and rewarding stretches of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, including the nearby Sycamore Gap, made famous in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Don’t Miss:

• The awe-inspiring views of Hadrian’s Wall as it winds across the rugged terrain.
• Sycamore Gap, just a short walk from Steel Rigg, one of the most photographed spots along the wall.