Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum: Gateway to Hadrian's Wall

Historic Significance of Segedunum

Segedunum Roman Fort was a vital military installation guarding the eastern terminus of Hadrian's Wall, the famous 73-mile barrier built on Emperor Hadrian's orders in AD 122 to defend Roman Britain from northern tribes. Housing around 600 soldiers, the fort controlled the important River Tyne port, facilitating trade and military logistics. Its strategic location at Wallsend made it a key frontier outpost for nearly three centuries, playing a crucial role in the Roman Empire’s northern defenses.

Immersive Museum and Archaeological Site

Today, Segedunum offers a comprehensive museum experience with interactive galleries that bring Roman life vividly to the fore. Exhibits include Roman coins, artifacts, and detailed recreations of fort buildings such as cavalry stables, reconstructed by dedicated volunteers. Visitors can explore the excavated ruins of the fort, gaining insight into Roman military architecture and daily routines. Across the street, a preserved section of Hadrian's Wall allows for an authentic encounter with this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Panoramic Views from the Tower

A standout feature of the site is the 35-meter-high viewing tower, accessible via lifts, which provides sweeping vistas across the Tyneside area. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the landscape that shaped Roman frontier strategy and enjoy iconic views of the River Tyne and surrounding urban and natural scenery, blending history with stunning visual perspectives.

Seasonal Events and Educational Programs

Segedunum hosts a dynamic calendar of exhibitions, historical re-enactments, and craft workshops, especially during school holidays. These programs engage families and history enthusiasts alike, offering hands-on experiences that deepen understanding of Roman Britain. The museum’s commitment to education is reflected in its free entry policy for under 22s and local NE28 residents, fostering community connection to this heritage site.

Visitor Facilities and Accessibility

The museum is equipped with accessible toilets, lifts with tactile buttons and voice announcements, and baby changing facilities. While the café is currently closed, a gift shop offers books and souvenirs related to Hadrian's Wall and Roman history. The site is a short walk from Wallsend Metro station and includes a free gated car park with Blue Badge spaces. Visitors are advised to check seasonal opening hours and possible maintenance closures before visiting.

Connection to Hadrian’s Wall and Regional Heritage

Segedunum serves as the eastern gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, linking visitors to the broader narrative of Roman Britain’s frontier. It complements other regional Roman sites, enriching the cultural landscape of Newcastle and North Tyneside. The fort’s preservation and museum interpretation provide a vital link to the past, inviting exploration of military, social, and economic aspects of Roman frontier life.