Newcastle — Hadrian Wall, Durham And Alnwick

Three Strong Choices

Hadrian Wall runs 73 miles across northern England and the best preserved central section is 50 to 70 minutes from the Port of Tyne. Housesteads Roman Fort has the most complete fort layout, on a ridge with dramatic views, and involves an uphill walk from the car park. Vindolanda has an active excavation and a museum holding the writing tablets that record ordinary Roman soldiers letters. Durham is 45 minutes south: the cathedral and castle sit together on a peninsula in a river loop and form a World Heritage Site, and the cathedral interior is one of the great Norman buildings in Europe. Alnwick Castle is 50 minutes north, used as Hogwarts exterior in the first two Harry Potter films, with the Alnwick Garden beside it.

Choosing And Timing

You can do one of these properly or two in a rush, and we recommend one plus a shorter second stop. Practical points: Housesteads and Vindolanda are exposed moorland and cold and windy even in August, so bring a layer regardless of the forecast; the walk at Housesteads is uphill on grass and unsuitable for limited mobility, whereas Vindolanda is flatter. Durham involves a steep climb from the car parks to the peninsula, though there is a shuttle bus. Alnwick is the easiest walking of the three and the best choice for families. Newcastle city itself has the quayside bridges and a good covered market for a short call or a wet day.