Roman Fort Tour & Hadrian's Wall with Iles Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for those with basic walking stamina; mostly flat terrain with some uneven surfaces at the fort.
Overview
Discover the Roman frontier first-hand on a half-day tour with Iles Tours, featuring Segedunum Fort and the Great North Museum in Newcastle. Walk ancient walls and uncover the rich history of Hadrian’s Wall within an urban setting.
Roman Fort of Newcastle - Half Day Tour of Hadrian's Wall
Ages 6+ • 4 Hours • Discover the ruthless creative culture that conquered much of the known world!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Visit Hadrian's Wall!
Duration
4 Hours
About
Hadrian’s Wall, the UNESCO world heritage site is the frontier of the Roman Empire. The frontier extended for 80 roman miles and covers many landscapes. On this half-day tour, we will focus on the fort at the east end of the wall - Segedunum. The fort is home to fantastic reconstructions of the Roman way of life - such as a section of the wall which can be viewed and walked along. You will be able to step into the Roman world and learn about this fantastic, ruthless but creative culture that conquered much of the known world. We will start the tour at the fort of Segedunum - now called Wallsend. Home to the mixed cavalry and infantry unit from France- the fourth cohort of Lingones these troops were stationed to ensure that the frontier was not crossed by the river as much as by attacking the wall. Following this, we will go to the Great North Museum in Newcastle which has one of the largest collections of Roman artefacts in the North of Britain. Your guide will interpret these and give you an insight into Roman life at the Northern frontier of the Empire. This tour is great for those who love history, wish to discover more about the Romans while being close to an urban area.
Includes entry to the fort of Segedunum and the Great North Museum both of which are in urban Tyneside and Newcastle
What to bring
All weather clothing and walking shoes. We suggest a camera to capture images on the tour.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces at Segedunum and navigating museum spaces.
Bring weather-appropriate gear
Northern England weather can be unpredictable; pack waterproofs and layers.
Camera recommended
Plenty of photo opportunities exist both outdoors at the fort and indoors at the museum.
Arrive early
Give yourself time to fully experience both Segedunum and the Great North Museum without feeling rushed.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mute swans frequent the Tyne estuary close to the fort grounds.
- Occasional sightings of peregrine falcons nesting on nearby industrial structures.
History
Hadrian's Wall was constructed beginning in AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian, marking the northern limit of Roman Britain and representing a strategic military defense line.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to maintain the integrity of Segedunum’s ruins while managing urban development pressures to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Newcastle upon Tyne
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides comfort and stability on uneven historic stone paths and light trails.
Waterproof jacket
Shield yourself from the frequent showers of northern England.
spring specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture detailed Roman ruins and vibrant landscapes along the wall.
Layered clothing
Allows easy adjustment to changing temperatures throughout the tour.