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Hadrian's Wall

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

When the Roman successfully invaded Britain in 43 AD, they quickly overcame the southern British tribes, despite annoyances like the revolt of the Iceni under Boudicca. It was a different story in the north, where tribes from what is now Scotland were a constant thorn in the Roman's side.

Despite the fact that the Romans were able to advance far into modern Scotland, they were unable to hold the territory they gained, and they retreated back into what is now Northumberland and Cumbria. In 122 AD the Emperor Hadrian decided to erect a defensive barrier that would keep the northern tribes at bay, and make it easier for the Roman legions to control the border of Roman territory.

Hadrian's engineers built an extraordinary wall of stone, following the course of high ground and taking advantage of natural defensive positions, from the North Sea at Wallsend to the Irish Sea. Part way through its construction, Hadrian's Wall was redesigned on a smaller scale, so that you have sections of what is called 'broad wall', and sections built to a narrower width.

Along the wall were regular mile castles, which, as the name suggests, were spaced at mile intervals. Between mile castles were small turrets, defensive positions intended to house only a few men at a time. Along the course of the Wall were several larger forts, housing the troops who manned the Wall. The largest and best preserved of these is Housesteads, in Northumberland.

There are several sections where the Wall is very well preserved, notably near Gilsland, Birdoswald, and Haltwhistle. The Hadrian's Wall National Trail now follows the course of the Wall through fabulous countryside, giving voisitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Roman legionnaries who manned this outpost of the Roman Empire so many years ago.

To get a better idea of all the places to see along the course of the Wall, see our list of Hadrian's Wall attractions. more details ...

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Hadrian's Wall Attractions

About Hadrian's Wall
Attraction Type: Roman
Location: The B6318 is by far the best way to access points along the wall. The road follows the course of the Wall through much of western Northumberland.
Website: Hadrian's Wall
Location map
OS NY797 686
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Housesteads Fort - 0 miles (Roman) Sewingshields Raman Wall (Hadrian's Wall) - 1.4 miles (Roman) Vindolanda Roman Fort - 2.4 miles (Roman) Winshields Roman Wall (Hadrian's Wall) - 2.9 miles (Roman) Carrawburgh Temple of Mithras - 4.1 miles (Roman) Cawfields Roman Wall (Hadrian's Wall) - 5.2 miles (Roman) Black Carts Turret (Hadrian's Wall) - 5.7 miles (Roman) Wark Castle - 6.4 miles (Castle)

Nearest Towns and Villages Haydon Bridge - 4.6 miles away Haltwhistle - 5 miles away Wall - 7.4 miles away Chollerford - 8 miles away Hexham - 9.2 miles away Corbridge - 12.4 miles away Bewcastle - 14.9 miles away Blanchland - 15.3 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Hadrian's Wall

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Braemar - 4 miles from Hadrian's Wall Haydon Bridge, Northumberland Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £200

Gate House - 5.7 miles from Hadrian's Wall Allendale Town, Northumberland Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £164

Middles Cottage - 13.2 miles from Hadrian's Wall Hexham, Northumberland Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £250

More Self Catering near Hadrian's Wall

Nearest Hotels

Hadrian Lodge Hotel - 2.7 miles from Hadrian's Wall Haydon Bridge, Northumberland Stay from: £100.00

Carraw Bed and Breakfast - 3.6 miles from Hadrian's Wall Humshaugh, Northumberland Stay from: £70.00

Langley Castle Hotel - 4.3 miles from Hadrian's Wall Haydon Bridge, Northumberland Stay from: £155.00

More Hotels near Hadrian's Wall

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Old Repeater Station - 1.5 miles from Hadrian's Wall Haydon Bridge, Northumberland From: £108.00

Grindon Cartshed - 1.5 miles from Hadrian's Wall Haydon Bridge, Northumberland From: £60.00

Strand Cottage B&B - 2.5 miles from Hadrian's Wall Hexham, Northumberland From: £100.00

More bed and breakfasts near Hadrian's Wall

Once Brewed
Northumberland National Park Centre
Military Road
Bardon Mill
Hexham
Northumberland
England
NE47 7AN
Tel: 01434 344396
Fax: 01434 344787
Email: tic.oncebrewed@nnpa.org.uk
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