Housesteads Roman Fort | Exploring Northumberland
We first visted Housesteads Roman Fort for Peanut's first birthday, and we loved it so much we’ve been back since! We loved not only the chance to explore the fort itself, but the stunning views and everything else this area has to offer.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about Housesteads Roman Fort, and how you can enjoy this family-friendly day out in Northumberland for yourself.
About Housesteads Roman Fort
Housesteads is Britain's most complete Roman fort. It was built in stone soon after the start of construction on Hadrian's Wall. It is one of 15 forts built along the wall, and was garrisoned by nearly 10,000 men. It was originally built to guard the North-West frontier of the Roman Empire.
When is Housesteads Roman Fort open?
You can visit the fort everyday between 10am and 5pm. Access to Hadrian's Wall and the path that follows its course is available outside of these times.
How much does visiting Housesteads Roman Fort cost?
With the site owned by National Trust and managed by English Heritage, members of either can visit Housesteads Roman Fort for free - simply show your membership card when you arrive.
Alternatively you can purchase tickets:
Free for under 5s
£5.90 for a child's ticket
£8.60 for a consession ticket
£10 for an adult's ticket
£15.90 for a family ticket (1 adult, up to 3 children)
£25.90 for a family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children)
Where can I park?
To the south east of the Fort itself is a car park managed by the Northumberland National Park. Charges apply after the first 15 minutes, which are free. Up to three hours is £4.00, with additional time costing £2.00 per hour to a maximum of £10.
Please note: Charges apply to all users, including English Heritage and National Trust members and Blue Badge holders.
To find the car park, use this post code: NE47 6NN
What is available at Housesteads Roman Fort?
The fort
With so many ruins excavated at Housesteads Roman Fort, there are plenty of places for you to explore. Whether the history is something you love, or you have children that just want to play hide and seek, there are hours of fun to be had within the boundaries of the fort ruins.
Both our summer 2022 and spring 2023 visits saw wonderful weather to allow us to explore and enjoy the views from the fort. Additionally, small signs indicate what used to be located in each area from the stables and halls, to the commander's office, and amazingly preserved baths and toilets.
Hadrian's Wall
Housesteads Roman Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as being the Roman Empire’s best-maintained outpost in northern Europe; it is also home to one of the widest, most well preserved stretches of Hadrian's Wall. Depending on how far you fancy walking, you can follow Hadrian's Wall to visit Milecastle 37, the famous ‘Robin Hood tree’ at Sycamore Gap, and more.
A small play fort and slide
Behind Housesteads Café, alongside the picnic benches and before you head through the gate to walk up to Housesteads Roman Fort, is a small wooden play fort. You climb inside as well as climb up the ladder at the side or walk up the beam at the back. Once at the top, you can use the fireman's pole or slide to make your way back to solid ground. Munchkin absolutely loved it, and despite it not being a huge playground, spent a good amount of time playing here.
Museum and Roman collection
The small museum is situated to the left of the fort, in a stone building. Here you can discover a history of the fort including:
Discover names of people who lived here.
View the model recreation of the fort.
Children can dress up as mini Roman soldiers.
View pieces of jewellery, pottery, and more that were discovered during excavations.
FAQs about our family days out
Is it suitable for children and / or dogs?
Although this day out is not one that is fully accessible, it is one that is a family-friendly choice. The short hike up to the fort from the car park is simple enough, but could be quite difficult for younger family members, particularly if they're not used to these kind of family adventures. As for dogs, just as the Roman's held our four-legged friends in high esteem, they are still welcome to come and enjoy Housesteads alongside their human companions.
Although your furbaby is welcome to enjoy the visitor centre (on a lead), Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort, they are not allowed within the museum.
My brother used an all-terrain stroller and even that was quite difficult to move across the rocky pathway. John and I chose to carry Peanut, but Munchkin (2.5 years on our first visit and 3 years on our second) managed the trip up and down on his own two feet.
Are there facilities available?
There are accessible toilet and changing facilities available adjacent to the car park and café. Additional portaloos are available just down the lane from the museum up the hill beside Housesteads Roman Fort itself.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
The Housesteads café is the perfect apot to grab yourself a hot drink, homemade Cumberland sausage rolls, snacks, light bites and more. There are seats and tables available too.
Alternatively, as we always do, bring your own lunch! Behind the café you will find a couple of picnic benches to sit and enjoy your food.
Housesteads is a lovely place to visit, and a great spot to enjoy Hadrian's Wall and the beautiful countryside of Northumberland National Park. With the information in this post you now have all you need to take some time to visit and enjoy Housesteads for yourself and your family.
For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces along Hadrian's Wall, check out the other blogs in my days out and travel blog. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in the Northumberland? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.
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