Lordenshaw Hill Fort: Ancient Iron Age Stronghold in Northumberland National Park
Explore Lordenshaw Hill Fort, a captivating 2,000-year-old Iron Age hillfort nestled in Northumberland’s serene National Park landscape.
Lordenshaw Hill Fort is a remarkably well-preserved Iron Age hillfort located within Northumberland National Park near Morpeth. Dating back around 2,000 years, this circular fort features double ramparts, defensive ditches, and remains of stone roundhouses. Surrounded by prehistoric rock art and burial cairns, it offers visitors a glimpse into ancient community life amid tranquil, scenic landscapes at the foot of the Simonside Hills.
A brief summary to Lordenshaw Hill Fort
- Northumberland National Park, Morpeth, NE46 1BS, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in late autumn or winter for the best visibility of earthworks and rock carvings, when low vegetation and angled sunlight reveal subtle features.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for the gentle climb from the nearby car park and to comfortably explore uneven ground within the fort.
- Bring binoculars or a camera to capture panoramic views of the Simonside Hills and Cheviot landscape surrounding the fort.
- Combine your visit with a walk on the nearby Simonside Hills for a rewarding outdoor experience with rich historical context.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
Drive to Lordenshaw Hill Fort via the B6342 south of Rothbury; parking is available near the site with easy access. The journey from Morpeth takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Parking is free but limited, so plan accordingly during peak times.
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Bus and Walk
Take a regional bus from Morpeth to Rothbury, which runs several times daily; from Rothbury, the fort is about a 5 km walk or a short local taxi ride. The walk includes gentle terrain but is not suitable for wheelchairs. Bus fares range from £5 to £10 one way.
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Walking
For hiking enthusiasts, access the fort via the Lordenshaws Loop trail starting at the nearby car park. The walk is approximately 2 km with gentle slopes, suitable for most fitness levels and offering scenic views of the surrounding hills.
Lordenshaw Hill Fort location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Lordenshaw Hill Fort
A Window into Iron Age Life
Lordenshaw Hill Fort stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Iron Age communities in Britain, dating back roughly 2,000 years. This roughly circular fortification, about 140 meters in diameter, was designed to protect a settlement of approximately 100 people. Its outermost defensive ditch, once up to 2.5 meters deep and 9 meters wide, remains one of the best-preserved features, encircling the site with imposing earthworks. The fort has two main entrances facing east and west, with the eastern entrance still showing standing facing stones up to 0.8 meters high.Archaeological Features and Structures
Inside the fort, the inhabited area spans roughly 70 meters in diameter and is divided by a natural scarp into two levels. Visitors can explore the remains of several stone roundhouses, including a prominent 5.3-meter diameter hut with walls standing about one meter high. Four smaller circular features along the southern edge suggest additional structures or activity areas, although their exact purpose remains uncertain. Outside the western entrance lies a large rectangular enclosure with medieval ridge and furrow plough marks, indicating the site's continued agricultural use long after its original occupation.Surrounding Prehistoric Landscape
Lordenshaw Hill Fort is enveloped by a rich archaeological landscape that includes ancient trackways, burial cairns, and some of the region’s most spectacular examples of prehistoric rock art, notably cup-and-ring marks carved into stones. These enigmatic petroglyphs hint at ritualistic or ceremonial practices dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, adding layers of cultural significance to the site. The fort’s location at the foot of the Simonside Hills affords stunning panoramic views over Rothbury and the Cheviot Hills, enhancing its historical ambiance.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The fort is easily accessible, situated just 400 meters from a well-maintained car park along a good road, making the gentle climb to the site suitable for most visitors. The path leads from the western entrance into the southern part of the fort, allowing exploration of the earthworks and stone structures. Seasonal conditions affect visibility of some features, with low vegetation in summer sometimes obscuring lower ground details, while snow and low-angle sunlight in winter can dramatically highlight the topography and rock carvings.Integration within Northumberland National Park
As part of the expansive and tranquil Northumberland National Park, Lordenshaw Hill Fort offers a unique blend of natural beauty and deep historical roots. The park is renowned for its unspoiled landscapes, dark skies, and rich heritage, including Roman sites and medieval remains. Nearby visitor centers provide resources and information to enrich the experience, while the park’s extensive walking and cycling routes invite visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s cultural and natural tapestry.Preservation and Cultural Significance
Lordenshaw Hill Fort is a protected archaeological site that provides invaluable insights into prehistoric defensive architecture and community organization. Its well-preserved earthworks and stone remains make it a key landmark for understanding Iron Age Britain. The surrounding rock art and burial sites deepen its importance as a cultural heritage site, illustrating the continuity of human presence and spiritual expression in this part of Northumberland for thousands of years.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
- Historic
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
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- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
