Stretching across the lush landscapes of Northern England, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most iconic remnants of the Roman Empire. Built under the instruction of Emperor Hadrian in AD 122, this 73-mile-long stone structure once marked the northern boundary of Roman Britain, serving as both a defensive barrier and as a symbol of the power Rome held. Today, the remains of the wall wind through picturesque countryside, offering visitors a chance to step back in time while also enjoying the scenic sights of rural England.
From remarkably preserved Roman forts to panoramic hills, there are countless spots that boast breathtaking views of the wall and a beautiful rural backdrop, effortlessly combining history and nature. Whether you are an avid hiker or a history enthusiast, the spots in this guide highlight the best places to immerse yourself in the enduring legacy of Roman Britain.
Walltown Crags, Northumberland National Park
Nestled within Northumberland National Park, Walltown Crags is one of the most breathtaking sections of Hadrian’s Wall. The landscape is rugged as it snakes along the crags, offering striking views of the Roman stonework while blending seamlessly with the natural rock formations in its path.
It is not just visual appeal that makes Walltown Crags a great spot, but also its accessibility. Just a short walk from a nearby car park you can find sweeping views of the surrounding countryside where the wall stands as a testament to Rome’s reach into Britain. The elevation of the area allows for stunning photograph opportunities, particularly at sunrise and sunset where the light adds a new layer to the historic landmark.
The Walltown area also offers activities beyond the wall itself, like the wildlife-rich Walltown Quarry Country Park, which is an exploration into the region’s industrial past.
Parking is available at Walltown Country Park, and bus routes such as the Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus can also be used to reach this remote section of the wall.
Housesteads Roman Fort and Museum
Perched atop the Whin Sil escarpment, Housesteads Roman Fort is one of the many beautifully preserved sites along Hadrian’s Wall. Offering visitors an exciting chance to walk in the footsteps of Roman Soldiers whilst also boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding country, Housesteads showcases the ingenuity of Roman engineering.
Housesteads Fort was one of the 16 permanent forts that were originally built along the wall and once held a garrison of around 800 soldiers. Today, visitors can explore the fort’s remains including the barracks, granaries, latrines and the commanding officer’s house. The site also has a rare surviving feature, the communal toilets, which offer a fascinating glimpse into what life was like on the Roman frontier.
Beyond the wall, the museum offers deeper insight into the fort’s history through artifacts and reconstructions that bring the past to life. A short walk from Housesteads along the wall reveals some of the most iconic views of Hadrian’s Wall, stretching across the rolling Northumberland countryside.
The nearest train station to Housesteads is Haltwhistle, 7 miles away, but on-site parking is available, and the Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus provides convenient access.
The Sycamore Gap, Northumberland
Sycamore Gap, the most photographed spot along Hadrian’s Wall, is a stunning natural landmark where the ancient wall dips between two dramatic hills. This gap used to perfectly frame a lone sycamore tree before it was illegally felled in 2023. Set against the vast Northumberland countryside, this location has become a symbol of the wall’s beauty and was even featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The stonework of the wall, contrasted by the sweeping countryside, makes the area one of the most visually striking along the ruin’s 73-mile stretch. The walk to the gap from Steel Rigg car park takes visitors along a particularly scenic section of the wall, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Whether you visit at sunrise, sunset or at night under the stars, this location showcases the beauty and isolation of this remarkable Roman structure.
The nearest parking areas to the Sycamore Gap are at Steel Rigg and The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, which are both around one mile away.
Birdoswald Roman Fort
Another of the remarkably preserved forts along the wall, Birdoswald Fort is perched above the winding River Irthing. This site not only boasts extensive Roman ruins but also features the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall still standing today. This makes it one of the best spots to experience the sheer scale and craftsmanship of this impressive Roman border.
Birdoswald was a key military outpost in Roman Britain, housing a garrison of approximately 1,000 soldiers who were tasked with defending the edge of the empire. Visitors at the fort can see what remains of the barracks, granaries and defensive walls as well as the visitor centre, which provides insight into life on the wall through interactive exhibits.
Whether you are following the wall east towards Hare Hill, or west towards Willowford, Birdoswald is a fantastic starting point for scenic walks with stunning views in every direction.
Given its rural locale, the best way to reach Birdoswald is by car.The Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus (AD122), however, runs seasonally from spring to autumn, connecting all major points along the wall.
Chesters Roman Fort
Located near the River Tyne, Chesters is a cavalry fort that offers a unique perspective on the Roman occupation of Britain. It also has the best-preserved bathhouse in the country. Strategically placed to guard a key crossing point of the river, visitors can view the commandant’s house, the fortified gates and the stables. Beyond the ancient stone walls of the fort is a museum built by Victorian architect John Clayton that houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including intricate carvings, inscriptions and everyday items like coins and pottery.
Unlike the dramatic peaks and troughs of the Walltown Crags section of the wall, the view from Chesters is more serene, with remnants of the wall stretching out towards the river and leading to the remains of an old stone bridge.
Easily accessible by car, bus or train, visitors can ride on the Tyne Valley Line and get off at Hexham. A short ride on the Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus will then take you straight to the fort.
Heddon-on-the-Wall
A small village near Newcastle, Heddon-on-the-Wall is home to one of the thickest surviving sections of Hadrian’s Wall, providing what is perhaps the clearest look at the original Roman craftsmanship. This two-metre-wide stretch of the wall is surrounded by gentle slopes and flat terrain, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to explore without a strenuous hike.
An excellent vantage point to see how the wall once extended toward the eastern frontier of Roman Britain, Heddon-on-the-Wall serves as a great starting point for walkers following a western route towards Chesters Fort and Steel Rigg.
The closest train station to Heddon-on-the-Wall is Wylam station, which is just four miles away. Visitors can then take a six minute bus ride from Wylam to reach Heddon-on-the-Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall is far more than just an ancient boundary line, it is one of the last remnants of a former empire and as such possesses a timeless beauty and storied past. From the dramatic cliffs of Walltown Crags to all of its well-preserved forts, there are numerous locations along the wall each offering unique experiences and unrestricted views of the ancient stonework.
