Birdoswald Roman Fort

Banna

A Roman fort overlooking the River Irthing gorge, close to one of the longest continuous stretches of surviving Hadrian's Wall.

Birdoswald (known in Roman times as Banna) lies in Cumbria. Its fort walls, granary and gateway remains are well preserved, and an on-site exhibition traces the story from Roman times to medieval farmsteads. On the east side of the fort, a continuous section of wall about 1 km long runs on, and you can walk on to the Willowford bridge abutments. The site is managed by English Heritage and is about 35 km from Hexham. You can reach it by the B6318 or on the AD122 bus, and it pairs well with a visit to Lanercost Priory.

Opening hours

About 10:00–17:00 (shorter hours or closed in winter)

World Heritage · Roman ruins

Nearby sights

Thirlwall Castle
Roman Army Museum
Lanercost Priory
Walltown Crags
Cawfields Quarry
The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre
Kielder Water & Forest Park
Steel Rigg & Crag Lough

Places to eat nearby

Twice Brewed Inn
Battlesteads Hotel Restaurant
Danielle's Bistro
The Rat Inn