H adrian's Wall winds its way along 80 miles of breathtaking English countryside, from Wallsend in the east to Solway Firth in the west. With its wealth of extraordinary Roman remains along the wall's length it's a terrific touring destination.
A good starting point is Segedunum (meaning 'strong fort') which is to the east of Newcastle town centre. It is a combination of visitor centre, museum and historic site.
A lift takes you up to a viewing gallery, several floors above the site, allowing you to get a real idea of the layout of a Roman fort. Due west is Corbridge, on the outskirts of which is a Roman site that pre-dates Hadrian's Wall by 40 years. The site of Corstopitum was used by the Roman governor of Britain as a staging post during a failed attempt to conquer Scotland. The town has two main streets and a market square, with buildings dating from the 1500s.
The town of Hexham is worth a detour. Its covered market in the main square is a great place to pick up a good book or some fine local produce. The town's gaol is the oldest recorded prison in the UK and has been frightening tourists for centuries. Further west is the site of Vindolanda, which is under continuing excavation by volunteers. It is a fascinating place to visit and you, too, can volunteer – although you will need to book a year in advance.
The city of Carlisle is useful for stocking up on supplies for a visit to the final, most westerly, stretch of the wall at Bowness on Solway where you will discover the official start/finish point of the Hadrian's Wall Walk.
However you decide to explore the wall, either behind the wheel or on foot, there's no doubt you'll be impressed with this marvellous feat of Roman engineering.

Roman Army Museum
This museum is packed with locally retrieved Roman artefacts. Check out the Eagle Eye film, shown at regular intervals throughout the day, for a bird's eye flight above Hadrian's Wall.
Tel 01697 747485
Web www.vindolanda.com

Twice Brewed Inn
This pub is popular with the excavators and archaeologists of nearby Vindolanda and its location on the main road near major tourist attractions means that it gets very busy at peak times.
Tel 01434 344534

Corbridge Roman Town
This site is at the intersection of Dere Street and Stanegate, near the River Tyne crossing. Take the audio tour to find out what the remains reveal about the different periods of Roman occupation.
Tel 01434 632349
Web www.english-heritage.org.uk

What's NEW
Metro Centre
If the kids become a little tired with all things Roman, perk them up again with a trip to the new Metro Land theme park, with its roller coaster, 11-screen cinema and ten-pin bowling alley. The centre is also Europe's largest shopping mall.
Tel 0191 493 0219
Web www.metrocentre-gateshead.co.uk

The Gincase centre and farmhouse tea room
This tea room and craft centre, one mile outside Silloth-on-Solway, sells delicious Cumbrian home bakery, coffees and teas, hot and cold lunches. There is also a variety of arts and crafts to peruse and buy. Every item is hand made by local Cumbrian craftsmen, so you might do well to pick up a unique souvenir to take home with you.
Tel 016973 32020
Web www.gincase.co.uk

Secret Snail
Travel tips and local info

Parking Update
Motorhome-friendly carparks

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Money off coupon for selected parks