Discover our UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hadrian’s Wall is situated in Northumberland, stretching from the west coast at Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to the east coast at Wallsend in Tyne and Wear. It runs near the modern-day border between England and Scotland, right through the heart of the Northumberland countryside and National Park.

Hadrian’s Wall is a historic Roman fortification built to guard the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. It was constructed in 122AD under the orders of Emperor Hadrian to protect Roman Britain from invasions by northern tribes and to control immigration and trade. Today Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy this iconic historic site, beloved by locals and tourists across the world. So if you are wondering why visit Hadrian’s Wall take a look at our guide, with more on walking Hadrian’s Wall, the best accommodation a stone’s throw away from the wall itself, as well as top tips on the most scenic spots along the length of Hadrian’s Wall.

Hadrian’s Wall is approximately 73 miles long, spanning from coast to coast across northern England. Hadrian’s Wall runs right through the heart of Northumberland’s countryside, with Roman forts including Chesters Roman Fort, Birdoswald Roman Fort and Housesteads Roman Fort being some of the most popular for locals and tourists to visit.

Hadrian’s Wall was built between AD 122 and AD 128 during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The construction of the wall is one of the most pivotal moments in Northumberland’s history, and has helped to shape the local towns and villages along the length of the wall that we see today, including popular tourist destinations Corbridge and Hexham.

Walking the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall typically takes about 6 to 8 days, depending on one's pace and the number of stops made along the way for rest and sightseeing. Take a look at our guide to walking Hadrian’s Wall for top tips on the best attractions and destinations to stop off at along the wall, including Chesters Roman Fort with their tearoom for afternoon tea, the fascinating museum at Vindolanda, or to explore the remains of Corbridge Roman Town.

Some of the best places to see Hadrian’s Wall include Housesteads Roman Fort, Birdoswald Roman Fort, and Chesters Roman Fort. These sites offer well-preserved sections of the wall, Roman collections to explore within their museums, and exciting events for visitors to enjoy. Whether you choose to visit one of the Roman Forts, or decide to walk Hadrian’s Wall there are so many scenic spots to choose to see Hadrian’s Wall from.

The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is the designated walking path that follows the entire length of the wall. It is 84 miles long, slightly longer than the wall itself due to some deviations and loops. The Hadrian’s Wall walk allows visitors to take full advantage of the most scenic sections along the wall, stop off at the most popular attractions and Roman Forts, including Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda fort and museum, as well as sections of the wall used in iconic films and television.

To walk Hadrian’s Wall, you can follow the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, which is well-marked and offers various services along the route. Plan your walk with a detailed map, and consider booking accommodation along Hadrian’s Wall  in advance, especially during peak seasons, with the local area offering a wide range of hotels, B&Bs, inns, hostels, holiday cottages and campsites for visitors to choose from.

To visit Hadrian’s Wall, you can start at any point along the wall and explore various sections. To visit roman forts and sections of the wall running through Northumberland, you can travel by car or public transport, to major sites like Housesteads, Vindolanda, and Chesters, and then hike and cycle short segments.

There are a wide array of accommodation options along Hadrian’s Wall for visitors to choose from, including bed and breakfasts, inns, and campsites. Popular places to stay include the towns of Hexham, Haltwhistle, and Corbridge, which offer various amenities for walkers. Some of our favourite accommodations options include Wydon Farm B&B, Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort and Battlesteads hotel.

The town of Hexham is one of the closest and most convenient towns near Hadrian’s Wall. It serves as a good base for exploring various sections of the wall, resting up in one of Hexham’s accommodation options, refuelling at one of their range of restaurants and pubs, ready for another day of exploring Roman forts and getting a glimpse into Roman life.

One of the best parts of Hadrian’s Wall to visit is the central section near Housesteads Roman Fort and Steel Rigg. This area offers stunning scenery, well-preserved wall sections, and extensive Roman ruins. This area was the section of the wall where the Sycamore Gap tree once stood, prior to being felled in September 2023. Visitors can still explore this section, visiting where the Sycamore Gap tree used to stand.

Yes, you can camp along Hadrian’s Wall at designated campsites. Some of our favourite campsites running along Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding area include Hadrian’s Wall campsite at Melkridge and Hadrian’s Meadow campsite.