Corbridge Roman Town

Nestled in Northumberland’s scenic Tyne Valley, Corbridge Roman Town (ancient Coria) was more than just a fort - it was once a bustling Roman Town and supply base, where romans and civilians would pick up food and provisions, right until the end of Roman Britain in the early years of the 5th century. It evolved into the most northerly Roman town in the Empire and played a pivotal role in Roman control over what is now northern England. Just over two miles south of Hadrian’s Wall, Corbridge was a thriving centre for military logistics, commerce, and civilian life. 

Corbridge is often considered part of Hadrian’s Wall defences, but it began much earlier. Their first fort in the Corbridge area was built in AD 79. This fort was used to aid the invasion of southern Scotland by Agricola. Around AD 86 the fort was abandoned, and a new fort was built at the present site. This site offered a good location for a bridge across the river.

Key Highlights of Corbridge Roman Town

• Ancient Crossroads & Strategic Hub - at the intersection of two major Roman roads — Stanegate (east–west) and Dere Street (north–south) — Corbridge was both a pivotal military base and a flourishing civilian market town
• From Timber Fort to Urban Town - established around AD 85 as a timber fort, Corbridge burned (AD 105), was rebuilt, and eventually grew into a stone-built town by the mid-2nd century, with increasingly complex structures and defences
• Walk the Roman High Street - tread on the authentic surface of the Roman main street (Stanegate), flanked by the remains of shops, workshops, administrative buildings, and houses — a vivid link to Roman urban life
• The Corbridge Hoard: A Time Capsule - discovered in 1964 by archaeologists, the wooden chest, bound with leather and iron, that became known as the Corbridge Hoard includes items like segmented armor (lorica segmentata), tools, writing tablets, and even organic remains—providing rare insight into a Roman workshop and soldier’s kit. Parts of the hoard are displayed in the museum, alongside replicas and excavation footage
• The Iconic Corbridge Lion - evocative sandstone lion sculpture, once a funerary ornament and later repurposed as a fountain head, was found in 1907 and now resides in the museum — a striking symbol of Corbridge’s layered history
• World-Class Museum & Revitalised Exhibits - immersive displays, newly shown artefacts from the hoard, and reinterpretations of town life, trade, and Roman identity on the Empire’s edge.
• Gladiator Knife Handle (2025) -  newly acquired gladiator‑shaped knife handle, found near the River Tyne, will be on display from 2025 — its design paying homage to the celeb-status of gladiators even in Roman Britain
  
• Human Stories Behind the Excavations - exhibition honours the Edwardian-era labourers — “navvies” — who unearthed Corbridge. Colourised photos and discovered names of some labourers give depth to the site's modern rediscovery.
  

Practical things to know about Corbridge Roman Town

• Dogs: Dogs welcome on a lead
• Opening Times: Open daily, with seasons varying — summer typically 10 am–5 pm (last entry 4:30 pm), weekends only in winter
  
• Tickets Price: Book online to save 15%; English Heritage members enjoy free entry. There’s a 20% discount for visitors arriving by bus. Take the AD122 Hadrian's Wall bus to the site or the 684 bus service to Corbridge village, then walk 15 minutes to the site. 

Things to do in Corbridge

Corbridge is worth a visit in its own right, it is a lovely village with a rich history, scenic walks and charming local shops.

Historic & Cultural Attractions 

• Aydon Castle Just a mile or so from Corbridge, this fortified medieval manor house is well preserved and gives a glimpse into medieval life in Northumberland
• Corbridge Vicar’s Pele (Pele Tower) This historic tower (built circa 1318) was part defensive tower, part vicarage. It now serves as an event venue / pub and is a quirky spot in the heart of the village to grab a drink
• St Andrew’s Church & Market Cross In Corbridge’s Market Place, you’ll find historic features like the Old Market Cross (which incorporates a Roman altar) and the old church nearby
• Corbridge Bridge The stone bridge over the River Tyne is itself a piece of history — the current 7‑arched structure dates from the 17th century (built 1674) and is Grade I listed 
• Riverside Walks on the Tyne The riverbanks near Corbridge offer pleasant walking paths, good for dog walks, photography, or just relaxing by the water. The views from or across the bridge are often recommended. The Corbridge Heritage Trail is a self‑guided walk through village streets, including landmarks like the Pele Tower, St Andrew’s, Market Place, old hidden courtyards and secret alleyways. 

Shopping, Eat & Drink, Independent Boutiques & Shops 

With a range of small, independent shops selling gifts, antiques, kitchenware, homeware and local produce, one of the popular things to do in Corbridge is simply to browse the streets around the attractive market square. There is free parking in town and across the river over the bridge. Some standout spots include:

• Corbridge Larder (delicatessen with many cheeses, regional food, and a café inside) 
• The Cookshop on Middle Street and Re both sell a range of home-ware
• Grants Bakery A widely recommended local bakery in the Market Place. A good spot for fresh baked goods, cakes, pastries
• Forum Books A great independent bookstore with a range of events and book signings
• The Angel is a popular pub (dog‑friendly, good menu) especially if you want a hearty meal

When you arrive back at our Northumberland campsite, the fun doesn’t have to stop there for the kids as they can explore our very own Roman fort adventure campsite playground.