Things to see and do at Birdoswald Roman Fort
There’s plenty to see and do at Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. From exploring the Roman remains with a clue-cracking quest, to investigating the hands-on museum exhibitions, there’s a lot to enjoy for visitors of all ages. We’ve pulled together some of the highlights for you on this page.
See the longest stretch of Hadrian's Wall
Visit Birdoswald Roman Fort and discover one of the most awe-inspiring views in the north of England. Birdoswald sits on the longest surviving continuous stretch of Hadrian's Wall.
Stand on the same ground as the Roman soldiers who once patrolled and guarded their empire.
Be blown away by the most famous Roman frontier spanning as far as the eye can see before you. This incredible feat of Roman engineering has dominated the landscape since AD 122.
Discover the fort
Explore the most impressive remaining defences of any fort along the Wall today. Follow the perimeter of the fort walls to find gates and watch towers, and be sure to stop off at the main east gate, which is the best preserved fort gate on Hadrian's Wall.
For over 300 years, Birdoswald was one of 16 forts built as part of the Hadrian's Wall frontier system. But the site has been occupied since and there's a further 1000 years of history just waiting to be uncovered too. Discover the remains of a Dark Age hall, a medieval tower house and stories of the infamous border 'reivers'.
Step into the Roman story
March like a Roman soldier through a 4m-high gatehouse to find the exhibition at Birdoswald. Get your head around the history of Hadrian's Wall with lots of hands-on fun and games.
Big and little kids alike can get creative with bricks to discover how Hadrian’s Wall was built. Take a quiz to work out what role you would have played in the Roman army. Summon your troops with a signalling game as you find out about what Hadrian’s Wall was for.
You can even peek through a periscope to see the same view as the Roman lookouts, at the original height of the Wall. The exhibition at Birdoswald is the perfect place to start if you're new to Roman history. Or you can read more about the People of Birdoswald here before you go.
Get hands-on with the family
Dive into the story of Hadrian's Wall with the help of our life-sized illustrated Roman characters. Enjoy plenty of play and discover as you go – we recommend taking a turn on the have-a-go crane to find out what skills were needed to build Hadrian’s Wall.
Head out to the fort and get exploring with a clue-cracking quest. Test your luck at replica Roman games and activities as you find out more about life at Birdoswald during the Roman era.
If you need it, take time out in the new family room. There's space to sit or feed, a sink to use as you need, and Roman-themed soft play area to keep little ones busy.
Explore the landscape
Look no further than the cliff edge to get a taste of the fort's surroundings. The view over the Irthing valley will take your breath away. Once you've seen that view, you won't be able to resist venturing out into the countryside beyond the Birdoswald - rugged and unchanged for centuries.
Lace up your walking boots and set out to see the impressive remains of all of Hadrian’s Wall's defining features. Nearby you'll find Harrow's Scar milecastle (a type of small fort), a turret and the Roman bridge abutment at Willowford. Here’s a trail you can follow if you want to explore further.
Grab a bite to eat
Relax after your adventure with a hearty Cumbrian dish or a Roman refreshment in the cafe at Birdoswald Roman Fort.
We have a selection of sandwiches and soups, hot and cold drinks, and you can satisfy your sweet tooth with one of our cakes and desserts. There are plenty of children's options on the menu too.
Pull up a chair inside the rustic style café or kick back on a picnic bench outside. Peckish walkers, cyclists and passers-by are welcome too. Thank you! Every coffee or sweet treat you buy helps English Heritage continue its important charity work.
You can find allergen and nutritional information here.