Hadrian’s Wall Personal Tour

We provide one day personal tours to Hadrian’s Wall leaving/returning to Edinburgh during the main tourist season (April to September inclusive), although we remain available for school visits and other projects all year round. For a personal tour we can take from one to six people in a private group.

Included in the tour is your very own guide in full Roman military gear (Quintus himself!) and a vehicle and driver for the day. We can also recommend and book accommodation on your behalf for overnight stays.

SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR A ONE DAY TOUR

The tour will begin at your accommodation and depart at 9.00am and arrive back at approximately 7.00pm.

Roman Army Museum

The first site we will visit on our historical journey is the Roman Army Museum. Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian’s Wall and based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier. Explored through reconstructions, objects excavated along Hadrian’s Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s inspiring interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film, the museum pays unforgettable homage to Rome’s military accomplishments in Britain.

The Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda are both run by the Vindolanda Trust and you can purchase a joint ticket which will enable you to visit both sites. Prices are £10 for adults, £5.50 for a child, £8.50 for OAPs and students and £29.00 for a family ticket (for 2 adults and 2 children). The entry price is not included in the ticket price of the tour.

Cawfields Roman Wall

The next site is a fine stretch of Hadrian’s Wall on a steep slope, with turrets and an impressive milecastle, probably built by the Second Legion. We will park at a nearby carpark and walk a short distance along a scenic path to reach this site.

Vindolanda Museum and Fort

For the third and final site on the tour we will be visiting Vindolanda Museum and Fort. Vindolanda lies just to the south of the curtain wall of Hadrian’s Wall and has a very different ‘feel’ to other sites along the Wall. It lies upon the first Roman frontier in the north – The Stanegate Road and in a stunning landscape which lets your imagination really connect with its past. Although first built by the Roman army before Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda became an important construction and garrison base for the Wall. During this time Vindolanda was demolished and completely re-built no fewer than nine times. Each re-build, each community, leaving their own distinctive mark on the landscape and archaeology of the site. During the summer months there are live excavations of the site by volunteer archaeologists.

Important information about the tour

All tours will be conducted in English with some Latin terminology thrown in.

There will be some walking involved on uneven ground at the site. Unfortunately our tour may not be accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues. Participants should wear sturdy boots/shoes and bring along some form of waterproof clothing.

No lunch will be provided on the tour so we recommend bringing your own packed lunch or buying lunch at the cafe at the Roman Army Museum.

If you require further information on any of these options please fill out our enquiry form and Real Roman Tours will get back to you as soon as possible.