{"id":3650,"date":"2026-09-21T10:59:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T08:59:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T16:39:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T14:39:21","slug":"hadrians-wall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/hadrians-wall\/","title":{"rendered":"Hadrian's Wall: history, sites to see and hiking"},"content":{"rendered":"

Le Hadrian's Wall<\/strong> It stretches across the north of England from one sea to the other, covering approximately 117 kilometers. Built by the Romans nearly 1,900 years ago, it remains the largest surviving Roman Empire site in the UK. We've been organizing trips to the region since 2012: here's its history, the must-see sights, and our tips for exploring it, whether on foot or by car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story of Hadrian's Wall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 122 AD, Emperor Hadrian visited the province of Britain and ordered the construction of a fortified border. The wall thus connected Wallsend, on the Tyne, to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. It measured approximately 80 Roman miles, or roughly 117 kilometers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wall was more than just a barrier. Forts, small forts placed every mile, and watchtowers primarily served to control passages, collect taxes, and monitor the northern populations. Furthermore, thousands of soldiers from across the Empire lived there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 1987, the wall has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is notably part of the "Frontiers of the Roman Empire" property, along with the Antonine Wall in Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Hadrian's Wall mark the border with Scotland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No, that's a misconception. The wall is entirely in England, south of the current border, especially in its eastern section. Furthermore, the Romans built the Antonine Wall further north, around 142 AD, between the estuaries of the Forth and the Clyde. However, it was abandoned after about twenty years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Must-see sites along the wall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Housesteads Roman Fort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perched on a ridge, Housesteads is the most complete Roman fort in Britain. It includes barracks, headquarters, a hospital, and even latrines. The site is managed by English Heritage<\/a>, which publishes the schedules and prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vindolanda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just south of the wall, Vindolanda is an active archaeological site. Its museum displays, among other things, the famous Vindolanda Tablets, letters written on wood by soldiers and their families. One of them is an invitation to a birthday party, written by an officer's wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chesters Roman Fort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located on the banks of the North Tyne, Chesters was home to a cavalry garrison. Its baths, among the best preserved in the country, allow us to imagine the daily life of the soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel Rigg, Crag Lough and Sycamore Gap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is arguably the most spectacular section of the wall, following the cliffs of the Whin Sill above a small lake. The famous sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap was illegally felled in September 2023. The landscape, however, remains one of the most photographed in England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birdoswald and Segedunum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To the west, Birdoswald preserves a long section of the wall and offers a beautiful view over the Irthing valley. To the east, Segedunum, in Wallsend, marks the beginning of the wall and features a lookout tower overlooking the fort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking along Hadrian's Wall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Hadrian's Wall Path follows the wall for 135 kilometers, from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. Hikers typically complete it in six or seven days, with stages of 15 to 25 kilometers. Furthermore, trail markings and practical information are available on the website of the National Trails<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're short on time, the central section, between Chollerford and Birdoswald, offers the most beautiful scenery. In any case, never walk on the wall itself: it's fragile and protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our tips for visiting Hadrian's Wall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n