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Famous Historical Hadrian’s Wall Landmarks

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Famous Hadrian’s Wall Historical Landmarks: Must-See Hadrian's Wall Attractions Along Britain’s Roman Frontier 

Stretching coast to coast across northern England, Hadrian’s Wall is one of Britain’s most iconic historical sites — and a must-visit destination for history lovers, walkers, and families alike. Built nearly 2,000 years ago under the orders of Roman Emperor Hadrian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site once marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can explore forts, milecastles, museums, and Hadrian’s Wall visitor centres that bring its fascinating story to life. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a walking holiday, here’s our guide to the most famous Hadrian’s Wall attractions you won’t want to miss and why you should combine with a stay at our Hadrian's Wall campsite at Herding Hill Farm.

What are the links between Hadrians Wall and Herding Hill Farm?

  • Our Wigwam Cabins are named after famous Hadrian’s Wall attractions 
  • Our campsite logo highlights one of the world’s most photographed trees found at Sycamore Gap - read about the New Chapter for Sycamore Gap after the tree's sad felling in 2023
  • 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.


What is the History of Hadrian’s Wall ?

  • Built by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Construction began in AD 122.
  • Stretches 73 miles from coast to coast
  • Hadrian's 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 attractions 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. 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 Hadrian's Wall Attractions

In alphabetical order here are the list of famous Hadrian's Wall attractions, as well as those with Hadrian's Wall Visitor Centres. There is something for everyone on 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 and see the longest remaining part of the wall, with gorgeous dramatic views of the distinctive Whin Sill crags in the background on a clear day. There is also a popular café and gift shop. This fort, built to guard one of the longest continuous stretches of wall still visible today, is home to an excellent Hadrian's Wall visitor centre with interactive exhibits and displays on Roman life and military strategy. It’s also a great starting point for scenic walks along the wall — ideal for families, hikers, and photographers alike.
  • Brocolitia - home to the remains of a third century Brocolitia 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. For anyone wanting to understand the story of Hadrian’s Wall in a fun and engaging way, the Roman Army Museum is a must. Whilst only slight remains can be seen, using interactive exhibits, 3D films, and life-size reconstructions, it brings to life the story of the Roman soldiers who built and manned the wall. Visitors can learn about Roman training, weapons, tactics, and daily life — making it one of the most popular Hadrian’s Wall visitor centres for families and school groups. It’s also just a short walk or drive from Vindolanda, making it easy to visit both on the same day. Cafe and gift 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 - set on the banks of the River North Tyne, at Chesters Roman Fort, close to Hexham, you can explore the well-preserved bathhousess, barracks, steam room, stables 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 and there is also a museum and Hadrian's Wall visitor centre. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts unearthed at the site. The riverside setting makes this one of the most picturesque Hadrian’s Wall attractions, perfect for a summer picnic after exploring the ruins.
  • 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 best-preserved and most impressive sites along Hadrian’s 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, perched high on a dramatic ridge, the site boasts impressive views of Hadrian’s Wall and the the Northumberland countryside. Less than 6 miles from our Hadrian's Wall campsite. The site also contains one of the oldest toilets you will ever see. Once home to around 800 soldiers, it offers a unique glimpse into life on the Roman frontier. Wander through the remains of the barracks, granaries, hospital and imagine what life was like for the soldiers who lived here nearly two millennia ago. Don’t miss the on-site museum, where artefacts from the site help tell the story of Roman Britain.
  • 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, Hadrian's Wall visitor centre, shop and a delicious cafe
  • Vindalonda - just a few miles south of Hadrian’s Wall, 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 active archaeological digs and excavations still take place here every year, with many archaeologists choosing to stay at Herding Hill Farm when they are on a dig. This Roman fort and civilian settlement has yielded thousands of extraordinary artefacts, including shoes, tools, jewellery, and the world-famous Vindolanda writing tablets — some of the oldest handwritten documents in Britain. The on-site museum is one of the best Hadrian’s Wall visitor centres, packed with objects that offer a vivid picture of daily life on the frontier. Kids and adults alike will love watching archaeologists at work during the digging season, bringing new discoveries to light before your eyes.
  • 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. This fort once guarded the River Tyne crossing and now features a reconstructed Roman bathhouse, a museum filled with fascinating artefacts, and an observation tower offering panoramic views of the site. It’s one of the most accessible Hadrian’s Wall visitor centres and a great introduction to the wall’s history, especially if you’re exploring from east to west.


Plan Your Visit to Hadrian’s Wall 

From ancient forts and living archaeological sites to immersive museums and spectacular viewpoints, there’s no shortage of unforgettable Hadrian’s Wall attractions to explore. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family on holiday, or an outdoor adventurer, the Roman frontier offers something for everyone. Be sure to stop by one or more of the many Hadrian’s Wall visitor centres during your trip — they’re the best way to uncover the stories, artefacts, and people behind this incredible piece of world heritage. So pack your walking boots, step back in time, and get ready to discover the legacy of the Roman Empire on Britain’s most famous ancient monument: Hadrian’s Wall.


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