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Birdoswald Fort (Hadrian's Wall)

Birdoswald Fort
(c)
Birdoswald Fort (Hadrian's Wall) - General view of granary (c) Leahill Turret west of Birdoswald. The remains of one of a network of signal towers. - (c) Birdoswald Fort, Hadrian's Wall - Roman auxiliary infantry practising combat in the Drill Hall, Reconstruction drawing by Philip Corke (c) Birdoswald Fort, Hadrian's Wall - Remains of Roman walls with tree and visitors on the horizon (c) Birdoswald Fort - (c) Birdoswald Fort - (c) Birdoswald Fort - (c) Birdoswald Fort - (c) Birdoswald Fort - (c)

For those who want an introduction to Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria, or an overview of its history and appearance at one single site, Birdoswald is the place to visit.

Not only can a Roman fort, turret and milecastle all be seen here: but also, to the east, the longest continuous stretch of Wall visible today. The Visitor Centre has interesting displays and reconstructions, tracing the history of the Wall via audiovisuals, strikingly life-like figures and excavated artefacts: these also tell the intriguing story of Birdoswald and its people over the past 2,000 years.

Birdoswald likewise has the best preserved defences of any of the 16 major forts which supported Hadrian's frontier system. Known to the Romans as 'Banna', from the early 3rd century its garrison was a thousand-strong infantry unit originating in Dacia (modern Romania). Three main gates of their fortress are still traceable, along with perimeter walls, angle towers, granaries and an unusual drill hall.

Overlaying these, another distinctive feature of Birdoswald, are the remains of the successive buildings raised here after the Roman withdrawal. First, in the 5th century, a large timber hall - now marked out by posts - was built, perhaps for a local British chieftain. Later a medieval fortified tower rose here, replaced by an Elizabethan 'bastle house', a defence against the notorious 'Border Reivers'. Finally the present attractively turreted farmhouse was built: its outbuildings now house a cosy teashop, a well-stocked shop for souvenirs, and the displays. The fort sits along the line of the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail and is the perfect resting place for walkers.

 

Staying at Birdoswald

Fancy a holiday with a twist? If you would like to stay within the walls of the fort, there is a 39-bed farmhouse, which can be booked for groups. A great base for exploring this and other sites on the Wall, it is also an excellent educational resource.

To find out more about staying at Birdoswald, please call 016977 47602 for a information pack.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-5.30pm (last admission 5pm) Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.50
Children:
£2.30
Concession:
£3.80
English Heritage Members:
Educational Groups:
Education charge applies - please call for details
Details:
There are free education visits, and Discovery Visits which incur a charge.

How do I get there?

Address:
Cumbria - CA8 7DD
Road Access:
4 miles west of Greenhead off B6318. Signposted from A69Carlisle-Hexham road at Brampton roundabout
Train Access:
Brampton 8 miles, Haltwhistle 7 miles
Bus Access:
Stagecoach in Cumbria AD122 Carlisle - Hexham railway station(Apr-Oct)
Map Location:
Telephone:
016977 47602

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Baby changing facilities Exhibition Education Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Shop Picnic area Events Hazardous Available to hire for corporate and private events Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Access:
Disabled access (to visitor centre, toilets, shop, tearoom and part of site. Disabled parking on site)
Parking:
Car parking charges refunded on admission

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together plus one free place for every additional 20 paying visitors. Free entry for coach driver, tour leader and English Heritage members.
Coach Parking Facilities:
A car & coach park is provided 100 metres to the north-east of the fort. Adjacent to the entrance is a coach dropping-off point for passengers not wishing to walk to the entrance.
Average Length of Visit:
At least 1 hour
Guided Tours:
Guided tour of the site - £2 per person (minimum groups size 20), which  must be booked at least 4 weeks in advance

Further Info

Accommodation: If you would like to stay within the walls of the fort, there is a 39-bed farmhouse, which can be booked for groups. It provides a great base for exploring this and other sites on the Wall, and is an excellent educational resource.
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