Famous Historical Hadrian’s Wall Landmarks
Exploring the Famous History of the Hadrian’s Wall Landmarks
If you’re planning a trip to Northumberland, no visit would be complete without exploring some of the Hadrian’s Wall attractions, one of the most famous historical landmarks in Britain. Stretching across the north of England, Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for history lovers, walkers, and families alike. Staying at our Hadrian's Wall campsite, Herding Hill Farm, just a short distance from this iconic site, and discover its fascinating story.
What are the links between Hadrians Wall and Herding Hill Farm?
- Our Wigwam Cabins are named after famous landmarks on Hadrian’s Wall.
- Our campsite logo highlights one of the world’s most photographed trees found at Sycamore Gap
- Our Northumberland campsite is just 1 mile from one of the most spectacular sections of Hadrian's Wall running East and West from Cawfields Quarry
- The AD122 Hadrian's Wall bus stops at our campsite entrance and stops at all the Hadrian's Wall attractions between Hexham and Haltwhistle. The AD122 bus is called that because AD122 refers to the year 122 AD, which is the year construction began on Hadrian's Wall by order of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Herding Hill Farm is just minutes away from Hadrian’s Wall, making it the perfect base for history lovers. After a day of exploring Roman forts and ancient ruins, you can return to our 5-star site to relax in a hot tub lodge, glamping pods or pitch your tent under Northumberland’s famous dark skies. With luxury facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere, Herding Hill Farm offers everything you need for a memorable stay close to all the Hadrian's Wall attractions.
The History of Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Construction began in AD 122 and stretched 73 miles from coast to coast. The Wall marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain and was designed to protect against invasions from the north, as well as to control trade and movement.
Made from stone and turf, Hadrian’s Wall stood as a powerful symbol of Roman strength and engineering. It was lined with many Hadrian's Wall landmarks including mile castles, forts, and turrets, many of which can still be explored today. Walking along the remains of the Wall, it’s easy to imagine life as a Roman soldier on this dramatic frontier.
Walking Hadrian’s Wall
One of the best ways to appreciate the history of the Hadrian’s Wall landmarks is to walk sections of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail. Whether you fancy a short stroll near Herding Hill Farm or a longer hike, the trail offers breathtaking views of the rugged Northumberland landscape. The Wall winds across rolling hills, dramatic ridges, and open countryside, giving you a sense of both its scale and beauty.
Hadrian’s Wall Today
Today, Hadrian’s Wall is not just a historical monument – it’s part of Northumberland’s identity. Visitors from all over the world come to explore its ruins, learn about Roman Britain, and experience the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. The Wall has even inspired TV series and films, making it a cultural icon as well as a historical one.
Famous Landmarks of Hadrian's Wall
Arbeia
Located just above the
entrance to the River Tyne at South Shields, the World Heritage Site Arbeia Roman Fort
guarded the main sea route to Hadrian’s Wall and was a key supply base for
other forts, housing some 600 Roman troops. On a visit to the fort, immerse
yourself in the world of the Romans, explore full-scale reconstructed buildings
and see one of the finest collections of finds from Roman Britain, as well as
enjoying gladiator battles, falconry displays, Roman re-enactments and
storytelling.
Birdoswald
Run by English Heritage, Birdoswald Roman Fort is a popular site to begin exploring Hadrian’s Wall and
is only 8 miles from our campsite here at Herding Hill Farm. Here you can
explore the fort’s ruins, visitor centre and see the longest remaining part of
the wall, with gorgeous views of the distinctive Whin Sill crags in the
background on a clear day. There is also a popular café and gift shop.
Brocolitia
Home to the remains of a third century Roman temple, dedicated to the god worshipped by Roman soldiers. The Roman name of Brocolitia was probably based on the original Celtic name for the area meaning ‘Badger Holes’.
Broomlee Lough and Crag Lough
Located close to
Housesteads Roman Fort, Broomlee is one of four Roman Wall Loughs, formed by glaciers in the last ice age.
The others include Crag Lough, Green Lee and Halleypike which are also close
by. A lough is a lake.
Carvoran
Also
known as Magna, the Carvoran Roman Fort is located at the Roman Army Museum and was built to protect the junction between the main Roman Road Stanegate and
Maiden Way and later became part of the Hadrian’s Wall defences. Whilst only
slight remains can be seen, the site has an impressive Roman Army museum you
can visit, as well as a café and small shop.
Cawfields
One of the highest standing
sections of Hadrian’s Wall
along this stretch you will find turrets and a milecastle, which were built by
the second legion to protect a weak spot in the wall. Cawfields Quarry is an official dark sky site, perfect for Northumberland stargazing.
Chesters
At Chesters Roman Fort, close
to Hexham, you can explore the well-preserved baths, steam room and officers’
quarters. It is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain and is less
than 15 miles drive from Herding Hill Farm. The Chester Tearoom serves
traditional Northumbrian food.
Cuddy’s Crag
Take a walk along this
section of Hadrian’s Wall for views of the stunning landscape, between Housesteads Roman Fort and Steel
Rigg, including the natural features created by the Whin Sill rock in the
region.
Housesteads
Operated by the National
Trust, Housesteads Roman Fort is one of the main landmarks of the Wall. Also known as
Vercovicium, it was built soon after the construction of Hadrian’s Wall began
in 122 AD. Not only can you visit the remains, including a Roman hospital but
the site also boasts impressive views of Hadrian’s Wall and is less than 6
miles from Herding Hill Farm. The site also contains one of the oldest toilets
you will ever see.
Milecastle
Along the wall, milecastles
were built at every Roman mile to enable Roman soldiers to control who crossed
the wall. Between each milecastle there were then two turrets, which aided the
soldiers in patrolling the wall. Poltross Burn or Milecastle 48, is the most
well preserved, and is located close to Gilsland village, not too far from
Herding Hill Farm. A Roman mile was around 1,000 paces.
Ravenglass
Venturing a little further,
you can explore the Lake District and visit the ancient coastal village of Ravenglass,
which was an important natural harbour during Roman times. The fort of
Glannoventa was located here to guard the harbour. In addition to its Roman
history, the village is also well known for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway,
which opened in 1875. Today you can still take a trip on the steam trains along
the narrow gauge line from the village to the foot of the Scafell Range.
Steel Rigg
The cliff face of Steel
Rigg is the most impressive example of how the Roman’s used the natural
landscape of the region to their advantage when maximising defences. As one of the most famous Hadrian's Wall landmarks, a visit to
Steel Rigg
will reward you with some of the best view points and walks on
Hadrian’s Wall. Park your car at The Sill, the National Landscape Discovery
Centre which has excellent exhibitions, a shop and a delicious cafe.
Sycamore Gap
One of the most famous trees in the UK, Sycamore Gap become a well-known image associated with Hadrian’s Wall and now also with
Herding Hill Farm camping and glamping site. It was the filming location for
Kevin Costner’s 1991 movie, Robin Hood Price of Thieves. Milecastle 39, also
known as Castle Nick is just to the left. Whilst sadly the tree itself was cut down in September 2023 in a mindless act of vandalism the site still produces amazing views and evocative memories and is still a ppular walk with guests. Sycamore Gap can be easily reached on
a walk from The Sill, the National Landscape Discovery Centre which has excellent
exhibitions, a shop and a delicious cafe.
Vindalonda
The Vindalonda Roman Fort and museum is one of Europe’s most important Roman
archaeological sites and comprises 9 forts built on top of each other. It is the most popular Hadrian's Wall attraction in Northumberland. The site
features the remains of a visible stone fort and excavations still take place
here every year, with many archaeologists choosing to stay at Herding Hill Farm
when they are on a dig.
Wallsend and Segedunum
Built to guard the Eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, Segedunum Roman Fort, at Wallsend housed 600 Roman Soldiers and stood for almost 300 years. Modern Wallsend is now an industrial town, but as the name suggests, was the end of the Wall.