birdoswald

discover Birdoswald Roman Fort a living legacy

Birdoswald Roman Fort boasts a remarkable location high above the river gorge, offering breathtaking views and a wealth of history. The site is well excavated and provides a unique perspective on how life continued here after the Romans departed, spanning from around 400 AD through the Dark Ages and right up to today.

Originally, the fort was likely constructed from turf and timber, before being rebuilt in stone, the remains that visitors can see today. Its elevated position above the River Irthing makes Birdoswald an ideal destination for families and for those walking or cycling along Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria. The visitor centre offers valuable insights into life from Roman times onwards, featuring engaging interactive displays, a variety of artefacts, and a detailed model showing the Wall at its original height. The tearoom serves delicious locally made cakes and treats, while the grounds are a haven for wildlife. 

From the fort, visitors can explore an excellent stretch of Hadrian’s Wall heading east to the escarpment above the extensive foundations of the Willowford Roman Bridge. Though the bridge now rests high and dry in a field due to the river’s changed course, it is accessible by a steep path and crossed by a modern footbridge, which was dramatically installed by an RAF helicopter. Outside the fort lies the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall still visible today. Inside, imaginative and interactive exhibits introduce guests to the history of the Wall and the broader story of Roman Britain.

The displays at Birdoswald Roman Fort invite visitors of all ages to discover Hadrian’s Wall, learn about its construction, and explore the lives of the people who once inhabited the site. Hands-on activities allow visitors to create a model of the Wall and assemble a Roman arch. Within the fort, families can follow clues and solve puzzles to hunt for a spy, exploring the three main gates and enjoying the stunning view over the ravine of the river Irthing.

With its welcoming café and enviable location along the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, Birdoswald makes an ideal base for exploring the picturesque Cumbrian countryside.