About
Birdoswald Roman Fort sits beside the longest continuous surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall, above the ravine of the River Irthing. Its gates and defences show how a frontier fort worked, while the visitor exhibition introduces the people who built and occupied the Wall. Hands-on activities let children assemble an arch, try signalling and follow clues around the fort, making the site particularly suited to a family visit. The surviving Roman remains are spread among grass and later farm buildings, so use the displays to understand what is visible and what lies below ground. Visitors with children often praise the interactive approach, while those expecting a large artefact collection may prefer to combine it with another Wall museum. A circular route towards Gilsland extends the visit into the surrounding landscape. Dogs on leads are allowed outside only. There is a cafe and toilets, but uneven ground can be slippery after rain.
OpenSee all times
- Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall10:00 – 17:00
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open daily 10:00-17:00 until 24 October 2026, then daily 10:00-16:00 from 25 October to 1 November. From 2 November to 2026-12-20, open weekends 10:00-16:00. Check the official calendar for holiday and later dates.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Accessibility: The exhibition and much of the excavated site are accessible, but uneven grass, cobbles and inclines restrict some areas. Gated disabled parking is around 50 metres from the entrance; use the latch or contact staff.
PricingFree with English Heritage membershipEH memberFree entryNon-member£12.70
Free entry with English Heritage membership
Entry
Non-member prices
Adult£12.70
Child (5-17)£6.30
Concession£11.80
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£31.80
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)£19.00
Pricing details
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £10.90 off-peak and £14.50 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £5.40 off-peak and £7.20 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £10.00 off-peak and £13.60 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £27.20 off-peak and £36.30 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £16.30 off-peak and £21.80 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
ParkingParking not known
The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.
Parking details
Visitor car park for over 50 cars about 200 metres from the site. Free for EH members; non-members pay, but EH does not state the current tariff on the pages checked.
Follow current signs and any operator conditions.
Walking routes1 route
Birdoswald to Gilsland circular walk(opens the full route on the National Trust site)
WalkDog access not confirmed1hr30 to walk
EH identifies a circular walk to Gilsland of about 1.5 hours starting at Birdoswald. Use the visitor car park, charged for non-members with tariff unconfirmed. Fort admission is separate from the surrounding public paths; check local signs and terrain.
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