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Birdoswald Roman Fort - Gateway to Hadrian's Wall History

Explore one of Hadrian’s Wall’s best-preserved Roman forts with immersive ruins, stunning views, and engaging family-friendly exhibits.

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Birdoswald Roman Fort, located in Cumbria along Hadrian's Wall, is one of the best-preserved Roman forts in Britain. Known as Camboglanna in Roman times, it offers visitors atmospheric ruins, a visitor centre with interactive exhibits, and stunning views over the River Irthing gorge. The site includes the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall and provides insight into life on the Roman frontier.

A brief summary to Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall

  • Gilsland, Brampton, CA8 7DD, GB
  • +443703331181
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays outside peak summer months for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.
  • Pay for parking at the visitor centre first, as the car park ticket machine can sometimes be out of order.
  • Wear comfortable footwear due to uneven ground and slopes around the fort and along Hadrian's Wall.
  • Take time to explore the visitor centre’s interactive displays, especially if visiting with children.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Hadrian's Wall Path for breathtaking views and additional ruins.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    The AD122 and 681 bus routes run year-round between Hexham and Haltwhistle, stopping at Birdoswald Roman Fort. Travel times vary between 30 to 50 minutes from Hexham. Tickets are affordable, typically under £5 one-way. Bus travel offers a scenic and eco-friendly option with a 20% discount on walk-up tickets upon showing your bus ticket at the visitor centre.

  • Car

    Driving to Birdoswald Roman Fort takes approximately 25 to 40 minutes from Carlisle via the A69 and B6318 roads. Parking is available about 200 metres from the site with space for over 50 cars. Parking fees apply for non-members of English Heritage, usually around £5–£7 per day. Note that the car park ticket machine can sometimes be out of order, so pay at the visitor centre first.

  • Walking

    Birdoswald is a popular stop on the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail. Walking to the fort involves uneven terrain and some slopes, suitable for those with moderate fitness and comfortable footwear. Typical walking times from nearby villages like Gilsland range from 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall

Ancient Stronghold on the Roman Frontier

Birdoswald Roman Fort, known to the Romans as Camboglanna, stands as a remarkable testament to the Roman Empire’s northern frontier in Britain. Founded around 112 AD, this fort was strategically positioned along Hadrian's Wall to guard the empire’s boundary and control movement across the landscape. Its distinctive playing-card shape, with gates facing east, west, and south, reflects typical Roman military architecture. Excavations reveal continuous occupation from the late Roman period until about 500 AD, making Birdoswald unique for its evidence of post-Roman activity.

Archaeological Riches and Wall Remnants

The fort is attached to the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall, which rises over two metres high here, offering visitors a vivid glimpse of this ancient defensive structure. Nearby lies the impressive remains of Willowford Bridge, which once carried the Wall across the River Irthing. The fort’s ruins include gateways, defensive walls, barracks, and granaries, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Irthing gorge. The site also includes remains of a vicus, or civilian settlement, and a cemetery, illustrating the broader community that supported the military presence.

Engaging Visitor Experience and Education

Birdoswald’s visitor centre enriches the experience with interactive displays and artefacts that bring Roman Britain to life. Exhibits are designed to engage all ages, featuring hands-on activities such as Lego wall-building, quizzes to discover your Roman role, and signalling games. The centre also houses a café and facilities, making it a welcoming spot for families and history enthusiasts alike. The site is a popular stop for walkers on the Hadrian's Wall Path, blending outdoor exploration with educational opportunities.

Scenic Setting and Natural Beauty

Set in one of the most picturesque locations along Hadrian’s Wall, Birdoswald overlooks the River Irthing gorge and rolling Cumbrian countryside. The fort’s elevated position offers sweeping panoramic views, allowing visitors to appreciate why the Romans chose this site for surveillance and defense. The surrounding landscape invites peaceful walks along the Wall and nearby trails, with opportunities for photography and nature appreciation.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Birdoswald stands as a vital link in understanding Roman military strategy and frontier life. Its long history of occupation, well-preserved ruins, and connection to the Wall’s engineering marvels provide a rich narrative of Roman Britain. The site’s management by English Heritage ensures ongoing conservation and interpretation, preserving this cultural treasure for future generations.

Access and Visitor Information

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, Birdoswald offers ample parking and is accessible by bus routes connecting nearby towns. The terrain involves some uneven ground and slopes, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Visitors typically spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the fort, visitor centre, and adjacent Wall sections. The site is family-friendly, with engaging displays for children, and includes amenities such as restrooms and a café.

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