Hadrian's Wall Uncovered

From towering gates to buried temples, this journey traces life along Rome’s northern frontier. Walk through forts where cavalry once camped, streets once patrolled by imperial troops, and museums filled with the tools of daily survival on the edge of empire. Stand on the Wall itself and imagine what it took to build a boundary on this scale.

YOUR EXPERT TOUR LECTURER

Dr Frances McIntosh

Dr Frances McIntosh is a Collections Curator for Hadrian’s Wall and the North East at English Heritage.

Her PhD on the Clayton Collection studied John Claytons work in the 19th century and the objects he discovered from Hadrian’s Wall. Before joining English Heritage in 2012, Frances worked for the Portable Antiquities Scheme  recording archaeological objects found by members of the public.

She has research interests in Roman small finds and the antiquarian study of Roman Britain, in particular Hadrian’s Wall.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the hotel from 15:00. Welcome drink followed by a talk from your tour expert Dr Frances McIntosh. Dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 2: Milecastle 48, Birdoswald Fort, Harrows Scar Milecastle, Vindolanda
We start our tour at the compact Roman fortlet of Milecastle 48, one of the best preserved on Hadrian's Wall. Discover the remains of a Roman staircase and gateway, and discover how milecastles functions as min-forts and border checkpoints. Next we stop at one of the longest continuous stretches of the Wall at Birdoswald, where we can view the extensive remains of a Roman fort and granaries to learn about the soldiers and communities that lived here. Enjoy a scenic walk along the wall to Harrows Scar to view the impressive wall sections and milecastle remains.
After lunch we drive to Vindolanda which is one of Britain's most important Roman sites. The site reveals daily Roman life through ongoing excavations, including the famous Vindolanda Tablets which date to the late 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The tablets are made from thin, postcard sized pieces of birch and oak, and include military records and personal letters. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3: Housesteads Fort, Chesters Roman Fort, and St Oswald's in Lee Church
This morning we explore Housesteads, the most iconic fort directly on Hadrian’s Wall, offering dramatic views and access to walk along the Wall itself. After lunch at the nearby George Hotel, we visit Chesters Fort, a cavalry fort in a lovely setting on the north bank of the Tyne. It was once home to troops from all over the Empire, and also features an exceptional Roman bathhouse. Our last visit of the day is to St Oswald's in Lee Church, site of the Battle of Heavenfield in AD 634. This evening, enjoy a special Roman-style banquet gala dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Carrawburgh Fort (optional), Corbridge, and Hexham
Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Mithras, a fascinating temple built by the garrison of the neighbouring fort to the God Mithras. Next, discover Corbridge Roman Town - view artefacts including a rare Roman soldier's toolkit, walk Roman streets, and explore granaries and barracks. Drive to nearby Hexham with free time for lunch (own expense) before visiting Hexham Abbey which was founded in AD 674 using stones from Hadrian's Wall. Return to the hotel by 16:30. 

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as demanding due the amount of time spent walking and standing for viewing at attractions. Most attractions are on uneven ground which may be slippery when wet, with no handrails. The majority of the sites are outdoors so please bring waterproofs and walking boots. Please note that for most sites there is a walk from the coach drop-off to the attraction (5 - 15 minutes) - some walks are steep, with steps, and on uneven, hard, abrasive surfaces. On Day 4, the short walk to Carrawburgh is through a field which can be uneven in parts and can become muddy; it is also prone to flooding in wet weather and livestock may be present. Please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team prior to booking if you have any questions.

INCLUDED

• Three nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at five-star Maften Hall Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• First night welcome dinner and talk from your tour expert
• Roman-style banquet gala dinner at the hotel on the second night
• All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - £525
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Maften Hall Hotel

This beautiful five-star country estate dates back to the 17th century, and is surrounded by 300 acres of parkland. The hotel offers 4 restaurants, a bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, spa, gardens and terrace. The comfortable bedrooms include ensuite bathroom, WIFI, TV, telephone, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. 

The car park is complimentary on a first come, first served basis. 

Hotel Website