The Best Places to Explore Along Hadrian's Wall
There's plenty going on along the wall, whether you're looking to release your inner archeologist, walk for miles or dine out at some of the region's best culinary spots
The most significant stretch of the 73-mile-long wall lies in Northumberland, where you’ll find fortifications, bath houses and even temples. The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail which opened in 2023 actually runs the whole length of the wall between Wallsend in the east and Bowness on Solway on the west coast, but passes through some of the most rugged, remote and most beautiful landscape in the country here, and Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park. You can hike or bus (the aptly named AD122) your way along this stretch and there are stunning cycle routes to follow too. But Hadrian’s Wall Country, including the many sites of the Roman ruins, is really begging to be explored on foot.
Cawfields is one of the easiest Hadrian’s Wall milecastles to reach by car, but also encompasses one of the highest standing sections of the entire wall. Expect steep slopes where the wall hangs on the edge of the sheer crags of the Whin Sill with views over the quarry lake. From here, head around three miles east to see the now treeless, but still iconic, Sycamore Gap. Continue and you’ll end at Housesteads Roman Fort.
Base Camp
South-west of the wall, almost mid-way along its length and in a woodland setting overlooking the picturesque Tyne Valley, Layside has three luxurious self-contained rooms and offers bed and breakfast to its guests, hosted by seasoned travellers Sophie and Kevin who will be on hand to prepare breakfast and recommend local activities. From its mid-point along the wall heading east from Layside you’ll find the famous (now empty) Sycamore Gap, Milecastle 39 and Housesteads Roman Fort – and to the west are Cawfields Quarry, Walltown and the Roman Army Museum.
In the village of Henshaw, Henshaw Barn is a luxurious, boutique B&B offering wholesome food home-cooked by your classically-trained chef-cum-host John, and dinner can be provided by pre-arrangement. Near to Chesters Roman Fort, the best preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain, is Chesters Stables, offering luxurious self-catering accommodation sleeping between two and eight guests, while in nearby Acomb village, The Sun Inn is a popular pub with cosy ensuite accommodation.
South of the wall, near Newbrough, you’ll find The Red Lion which offers six luxury bedrooms, as well as welcoming log fires, delicious freshly-made food, local real ales and a great pub atmosphere.
This rural part of the North East might not be where you’d expect to find Michelin stars, but you’d be wrong. Foodies should head to Hjem tucked away within the popular pub, The Hadrian at Wall where there are rooms too. The 24-seat restaurant, which boasts a stunning open kitchen, brings the flavours and style of Scandinavia to the Tyne Valley with an ambitious tasting menu and holds a Michelin star.
Perfect Weekend
Start at The Sill, just a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall. Free to enter, it features exhibitions, a rooftop walk, café and shop, and it’s a great place to learn more about the history of the wall and the surrounding countryside.
Don’t miss Birdoswald Roman Fort to the west which sits on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall and where you can join a tour to guide you through the 2,000 year history excavated from the land. To the east, Housesteads, set high on an escarpment on the wall, is where you can see the remains of the oldest toilets you’ll ever see.
Done enough walking? Push yourself to your limits at Matfen’s Go Ape, climbing 30-feet high into the tree tops, where swings, rope ladders, zip wires and a range of obstacles will have your heart racing. Or, if it’s real rest and relaxation you’re after then head to the award-winning five-star Matfen Hall. Set in 300 acres of unique parkland and with a luxurious spa and championship golf course, stay over to make the most of the hall’s five different dining and drinking areas.
