Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall

School Visits

Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place for a school visit, you can explore the extensive remains of the Roman Fort and the longest continuous remaining stretch of this magnificent World Heritage Site can be seen here. Inside, the exhibition has interesting interactive displays and artefacts, as well as a model of the Wall at its full height.

Curriculum Links

A visit to Birdoswald offers curriculum links across three key stages:

  • KS1-3 History: A local history study
  • KS1 History: How people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world
  • KS2 History: The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain: the 'Romanisation' of Britain and the impact of technology, culture and beliefs
  • KS3 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge before 1066

Free Self-led Visits

We offer free entry to qualifying learning groups. By booking a free education visit, you can discover Birdoswald Roman Fort and get up close to the ruins in your own way. Explore the once bustling fort, see the longest remaining stretch of Hadrian's Wall and imagine what life would have been like on the edge of the Roman Empire in the visitor centre. Download the free resources below to help ensure students get the most out of their learning before, during and after your visit.

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Accommodation

There aren’t many places on Hadrian’s Wall where you can actually go to bed and wake up in a Roman Fort. The 39 bed group accommodation in Birdoswald’s Farmhouse is perfect for school and education groups.

Benefits include:

  • Central location for exploring Hadrian’s Wall Country and the World Heritage site.
  • Flexible catering: self-cater or use the range cooker, kitchen and eating area.
  • Tearoom on site including fresh soups, sandwiches, cakes and hot/cold drinks.
Find out more

PLAN YOUR TRIP

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Parking is located approx 200 metres from the site with room for over 50 cars.
    • EDUCATION ROOM: The education room is available as a bag drop off and lunch space.
    • TOILETS: Toilets, including accessible toilets, are available on site. 
    • LUNCH: The café serves a selection of soups, sandwiches, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. You are welcome to bring a picnic. Benches are located in main courtyard, orchard and near the south of the fort with breath-taking views over the River Irthing.
    • SHOP: A shop containing a selection of English Heritage gifts is located in the old farm buildings.
    • EXHIBITION: The visitor centre has a new exhibition full of hands-on activities. Here you can discover the history of Hadrian's Wall and Birdoswald Roman Fort.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • 1 April-5 November: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • 6 November-23 December: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 26 December-1 January: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 2 January-9 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 10 February-18 February: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 19 February-28 March:Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Hadrian's Wall Teachers' Kit (KS1-4+)

    Use the information and activities in this Teachers' Kit to explore the story of Hadrian's Wall. Walk the Wall in your Playground, carry out a Wall Safari or find out more about daily life for people along the wall. 

  • Birdoswald Roman Fort Handling Collection (KS2-KS3)

    This pack will help you use the Roman handling collection at Birdoswald Roman Fort. To book this resource, contact our Education Bookings Team.

  • Birdoswald Roman Fort Teachers' Resource Pack (KS2-KS3)

    Featuring historical information and sources, this pack gives an overview of Birdoswald Roman Fort's history.

  • Birdoswald Roman Fort Activity Trail (KS2-KS3)

    Use our Activity Trail to help KS2 and KS3 students explore Birdoswald Roman Fort. 

  • Local Learning: Hadrian's Wall

    Discover the unique historic environment around Hadrian's Wall with our suggested reading, activities and video resources. 

  • Curators' Collections: Hadrian's Wall

    Explore objects from our collections at Hadrian’s Wall to learn more about life on the Roman Empire’s northernmost frontier.

  • Teaching the Romans

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your Romans teaching.

  • Why was Hadrian's Wall Built?

    Watch our short animation to discover why Hadrian ordered a wall to be built on the Roman Empire's fronter in Britannia. 

  • How did the Romans Change Britain?

    Watch our short animation to find out more about how Roman rule impacted Britain. 

  • Meet a Roman Legionary

    Join Marcus the legionary on Hadrian's Wall to discover what life was life on the Roman Empire's northernmost frontier. 

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