Visit Hadrian's Wall and experience what it was like to be a Roman soldier defending Rome's most northerly border
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Hadrian's Wall & Vindolanda Fort Tour - 10 hours (approx)
For anyone interested in Roman history in Britain, this is the tour for you. Our tour will transport you back almost 2,000 years when Emperor Hadrian ordered that a defensive wall be built across what is now the northern border with England. The Romans were unsuccessful in conquering the Caledonian and Pictish tribes in the northern part of Britain. They withdrew their troops south and thus Hadrian’s Wall was built.
It stretches 73 miles from the River Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth on the west. It was and still is a formidable sight. It stood 15 feet tall with a fort every Roman mile.
Before arriving at Hadrian’s Wall we will leave Edinburgh and head south to the border town of Jedburgh. This ancient town is a perfect stop for a short break and a leg stretch. As well as a photo opportunity at the Mary Queen of Scots house and the 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, your guide will explain the importance of this Borders town.
We then head down to Vindolanda Roman Fort and Vicus (support village). This is a fascinating place that was occupied from AD 85 until AD370. Excavations by archaelogists are uncovering new artefacts every year. The extensive museum at Vindolanda contains some truly amazing artefacts. Shoes, weapons, boxing gloves, armour, arrowheads and coins have been found and preserved. Most interesting of all are the Vindolanda tablets. These are actual written messages on slithers of wood bark and are believed to be the earliest equivalent of postcards. There is also a superb café here where we can have lunch.
The separate Roman Army museum have a deal with Vindolanda that allows access to both on the one entry ticket. This bigger museum follows a time line of all the Emperors of Ancient Rome and their occupation of Britain. They also show an amazing short movie portraying the life of an average soldier stationed at Hadrians wall.
Our penultimate stop is Mile Castle 42. This is basically a mini-fort that was used to police the wall from unruly Scots. And before we head back to Edinburgh our final stop will be at the Temple of Mithras.
We then head north crossing seamlessly from England into Scotland. The Cheviot hills are a sight to behold. The rolling farmland of the borders country is so idyllic, so green and just absolutely gorgeous.
Hadrian's Wall & Vindolanda Fort Tour - 10-12 hours (approx)
- Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours
- Availability: 8.00am – 6.00pm
- Excludes: Admission fees to attractions
Step back 2,000 years to when Emperor Hadrian ordered that this incredible wall be built to defend Rome's most northerly border against the Picts of the North. On this tour we will visit the following locations:
- Hadrian's Wall
- Vindolanda Fort
- Roman Army Museum
- Mile Castle 42
- Temple of Mithras
- Jedburgh (Scottish Borders Town)
Additional details
- This private tour takes visitors to Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda Fort, Roman Military Museum, Mile Castle 42, Temple of Mithras and Jedburgh.
- Tours run all year round, unless shown as unavailable on the booking calendar.
- If you are planning to visit over the Winter months, please check with us before booking that all of the attractions are open.
- Pick-ups and drop-offs are made at all hotels and guesthouses within the city centre. Multiple pick-ups are not available.
- This tour is not suitable for passengers from cruise ships due to the limited time in port.
- Children must be accompanied by their parents or an appropriate adult.
- Cost of entry to any attractions is not included in the cost of this tour. Prices on request.
- Your experienced driver guide will accompany you at all stages.
- Cancellation fees apply (see Terms and Conditions).
- Your tour vehicle will be either luxurious Mercedes V Class for up to 7 passengers or our Mercedes S Class for up to 3 passengers
