Northumberland National Park

You travel on old Roman Dere Street, which linked the supply ports of the south of England up to modern day Scotland. Your first stop on this tour is the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh dominated by a magnificent 12th century Augustinian Abbey. On arrival in Jedburgh, you may have time to take a short walk through the narrow streets and visit this impressive ruin. Continuing south we make a stop at the scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the two countries for the past 700 years. The tour continues towards Hadrian’s Wall. We follow the road that takes us along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You have time to walk beside the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the ‘barbarians’ to the north. You continue your journey along the wall where your guide will recommend the best of the sites to visit. Next up is an optional activity but one we think you'll love. Exploring the archaeoligical site of Vindolanda* allows you to step into the lives of those who lived at this Roman auxiliary fort. After years of excavation, many incredible things have been found, from shoes to jewelry, bones to pottery. With history alive in your mind, you turn north and travel back to Edinburgh through the Galloway hills.

Visit intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, explore the town of Melrose, journey to the Scottish Borders, and see Hadrian’s Wall on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious, and has achieved worldwide fame since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. This beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel has long been the subject of speculation about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings. Visit the charming town of Melrose for lunch, then cross the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar. Follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids here until the end of the 16th century. Then visit one of the world's most important Roman monuments: Hadrian’s Wall. Travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall. Upon returning to Edinburgh, stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch your legs and take photos of the famous abbey.

Visit the historic Housesteads Roman Fort with a pre-booked entrance ticket. Set on an escarpment and flanked by dramatic stretches of Hadrian's Wall, uncover the lives of the self-sufficient soldiers who lived here. Stand on the edge of a formidable empire and take in awe-inspiring 360-degree vantage points. During your tour of the site, imagine what life was like for the 800 soldiers living and working here during the Roman period. Learn about every aspect of their life including clothing, tools, weaponry, religious beliefs, and medicine. See the barracks block, hospital, Commander's House, granaries, and communal toilets. Then, head into the museum to visit the mini-cinema. See the fort brought to life in film with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings and meet Felix, the character who guides younger visitors around. Next, discover the fascinating collection of Roman finds to give you a snapshot of life, 2000 years ago. See Roman altars, dedication stones, jewellery, tools and weapons, all excavated from the fort. Look out for the impressive winged statue, Victory, a wonderful example of classical sculpture found lying in the landscape around the fort. Finally, take the Housesteads Trail covering some of the most tranquil parts of Northumberland National Park. Run wild in 5 acres, dress-up as a Roman soldier and play a game of 'I spy' on the edge of the Roman Empire.

Feel Roman history come to life as you discover just what Britain was like under the Caesars on this 2-hour tour of Hadrian's Wall. Explore this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide dressed in an authentic costume of the era, and discover hidden archaeological gems. Hear your guide weave a narrative from both sides of the wall — the tales of the natives and the stories told by the occupying forces — and walk along the iconic central section of Hadrian's Wall. See a milecastle (a rectangular fortification) and one of the best sections of the Vallum defensive ditch. Throughout your tour, admire the magnificent backdrop of the Northumberland National Park, and enjoy some of the best views across the rugged moorland vistas.

Walk along the iconic central section of Hadrian’s Wall, followed by a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman Forts in Britain. Discover the unique stories of the Roman museums and archaeological sites in Northumberland on this 4.5-hour guided tour. As your guide explains the history of each site, they will also weave in the importance of the surrounding landscape to reveal what makes each place so special. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the stunning views across Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall.

This self-drive road trip route covers the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coast, on a trip of 189 miles (303km) and includes a guide for 15 towns and villages. HOW IT WORKS This online guidebook is designed to take the guesswork out of planning your multi-destination trip. No need for endless internet searches—everything you need is in one place, carefully curated with recommendations and helpful links to dive deeper into each destination. Pick and choose from a variety of ideas, including top attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences and customise your journey to suit your needs. Tailor the itinerary to fit your schedule, with flexible options ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Ideal if you’re travelling with your own car, campervan or rental vehicle. Get started today with instant access (choose the nearest date as with 1 year’s access, there’s no need to wait until your travel date). Use on smartphone, tablet, or desktop. ........................................................................................................................................................ WHAT’S INCLUDED: Plan your road trip around Northumberland, taking in the National Park and the stunning coast. This flexible itinerary covers an 189-mile (303km) route over 15 destinations. This is divided into the National Park and the coastline. Choose your own itinerary and time frame. Use the guidebook to choose how to spend your time, example: • Hexham: Visit this charming market town, Hexham Abbey, and easy access to Hadrian’s Wall. • Hadrian’s Wall: Spend a day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, for stunning Roman forts, scenic walks, and immersive museums. • Northumberland National Park: Use the guide to discover the beauty of the park, including gems like Simonside, with its breathtaking views, and Kielder Forest, renowned for its serene landscapes and wildlife. • Iconic Castles: Explore the coasts’ numerous iconic castles such as Alnwick Castle and Warkworth Castle, planning your visits with the route and guide. • Northumberland coast towns and villages: make time to visit coastal gems such as Bamburgh, Amble, and Craster, each offering unique coastal beauty and rich heritage. • Lindisfarne: cross the fascinating tidal causeway to explore Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island) and its historic abbey. • Includes an overnight stays map for locating accommodation or campsites on the route. Plus so much more to discover! HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

The tour will depart at 08:15 from Edinburgh and return to the original departure point at approximately 19:30. You will leave Edinburgh to stop in the village of Roslin, where you will be able to see the ruins of its castle and the famous Rosslyn Chapel, a Gothic structure built during the 15th century that maintains its mysterious attraction. It is well-known all over the world for the connections established by Dan Brown with Masonic and Templar theories.                                                                                                                     Later on, you will cross the green fields of the Lowlands, and reach Jedburgh, a small town in the border between England and Scotland. After crossing the border, you will go through the Northumberland National Park, one of the most important national parks in England, where you will visit the main attraction of your journey: Hadrian's Wall. This structure, a UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most impressive Roman works of engineering. It splits the island in two parts, and it was the empire's northern frontier. You will also visit the military camp of Vindolanda.

Head to Cawfield Quarry and find your expert, local guide, dressed in an authentic Roman costume of the era. The tour is set in the spectacular Northumberland National Park, which makes a magnificent backdrop to explore the hidden archaeological gems of Hadrian’s Wall by foot. Follow your guide as he weaves a narrative from both sides of the wall. Listen to Roman history come to life as you discover what life was like for Britons under the rule of Rome. Learn the tales of the natives, and the stories told by occupying forces as you explore the local’s favorite sections of this breathtaking world heritage site. After the tour, head to your choice of nearby Roman Museums, including Vindolanda Roman Fort, The Roman Army Museum, Housesteads Roman Fort, or Chesters Roman Fort. Here, learn even more about the fascinating times of Britain under Roman rule, and see incredible artifacts left behind from the era.