Roman Britain: The Province at the Edge of the Empire
“There is distant Britain, the furthest people of the world.” Horace
Trip Summary
This delightful itinerary takes two weeks to complete. It features six outstanding overnight destinations which will provide you with a wonderful taste of the diverse riches of Britain. It affords you the opportunity to savor Roman Britain’s most compelling sights and beautiful landscapes at a reasonable pace.
Rest assured that you will also have ample time to enjoy many of England and Scotland’s other stellar attractions as well. You will visit ancient bustling market towns and the region’s most vital and appealing cities. Quaint shops, cozy pubs and inviting eateries await you. It is time to immerse yourself in this “Green and Pleasant Land ” beloved by the Romans of millennia past and by travelers today.
Perfectly Posh Travel creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
Days 1 and 2
London
London (Londinium) served as the political and administrative capital of Roman Britain for centuries. It also was the financial and commercial center of Britannia and both the province’s major port and the hub of its extensive road system.
The city was founded by the Romans in 47 AD and soon replaced Colchester as the provincial capital. By the second century AD, it was a thriving urban center covering 330 acres. It was Britannia’s largest city with a peak population of about 60,000.
Londinium boasted all the important attributes of a successful Roman city including walls, a bustling forum, baths and an amphitheater. Its busy wharves hosted ships hailing from throughout the western half of the Roman Empire which brought pottery, wine, olive oil and luxury goods to be distributed
throughout the region. Historian Bedoyere has described London as “Roman Britain’s greatest legacy.”
Today, of course, London is the dynamic capital of the United Kingdom. It is a global leader in finance, education and culture. It is considered one of the greatest cities in the world. London has a huge metropolitan population of about 15 million. London hosts over 18 million visitors per year making it the world’s number one destination for international tourists.
London is worth at least a week on any traveler’s Great Britain itinerary. We will spend two days enjoying Roman themed attractions in the city’s historic center. We will then spend two days on its outskirts visiting some of Roman Britain’s most intriguing sights.
Central London Sites
Museum of London
The best place to begin your journey through Roman Britain is at the outstanding Museum of London. This comprehensive museum traces the history of the great metropolis from its Roman founding in 47 AD until the present day. Its Roman galleries contain numerous artifacts as well as helpful reconstructions that give context to the ancient city.
London Wall Walk
At the start of the third century AD, imperial authorities built a roughly two mile wall stretching in a half circle adjacent to the River Thames. Significant remnants of the Roman wall remain today, in many cases with medieval and Tudor additions clearly evident. The wall was one of the largest construction projects undertaken in Roman Britain and required the transport of 85,000 tons of rock. The wall was 15 feet high and effectively extended from the Tower of London through Bishopstate (which was the city’s main entrance) along to Noble Street back near the river. There are numerous websites outlining this walk. Walking London’s ancient Roman wall makes for a delightful experience. As you wander through the nooks and crannies of Old London you will feel that you are participating in an archaeological scavenger hunt. You can start your wall walk at the Tower tube station. There is a statue of the emperor Trajan in front of a significant stretch of wall.
London Mithraeum
This excellent site is often overlooked by tourists but is well worth a visit. Mithras was a prominent near-eastern mystery cult deity who was particularly popular with soldiers. This intirgueing temple was constructed in the third century AD. The temple features an enjoyable sound and light show complete with special effects. A visit here is not to be missed.
The British Museum
The British Museum, in Bloomsbury, is simply put one of the greatest collection of antiquities in the world. This storied institution is home to the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. For our purposes, the Museum contains the finest collection of artifacts and art from Roman Britain to be found anywhere. The quality and comprehensiveness of the collection is simply breathtaking. Be sure to note impressive glass and silverware displays. The statues and mosaics from this long ago era in British history are second to none. The collection can be found in room 49.
Greater London
Roman Wall and the Emperor Trajun
The British Museum
Artifacts Found at the London Mithraeum
Imperial Bronze Portraits at the British Museum
Day 3
Colchester
Colchester is about an hour train ride northeast of London. It was originally known as Camulodunum and was established as a legionary fortress in 43 AD. It was the site of the first official Roman triumph held in Britain when the Emperor Claudius arrived here (supposedly riding an elephant!) during his brief sojourn to the island.
Camulodunum served as the original capital of the Roman province of Britannia. The city was raised during Boudica’s rebellion in 61 AD but was soon rebuilt as a flourishing Roman provincial city. It’s almost two miles long wall was built in the late first century AD. The city boasted the impressive Temple to the Divine Claudius, the largest Greco-Roman temple in Britain, and the biggest known
Roman theater in Britain which could seat 500 spectators. The city reached its peak in the third century AD when it was home to an estimated population of 30,000.
Today, Colchester proudly emphasizes its Roman heritage and has a population of over 120,000. The city is well off the standard English tourist track but provides for a fine outing from London. It contains some of the finest Roman attractions in Britain and a bustling local shopping precinct.
Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester’s Castle Museum is housed in the city’s twelfth century Norman fortress. It is situated at the entrance to the city’s signature castle park which boasts Roman remains and lovely gardens. This wonderfully accessible museum contains what has been described as one of the best collections of Roman artifacts in Britain. Be sure to admire the tombstone of the centurion Marcus Favonius Facilis, the earliest known Roman sculpture in Britain, and the beautiful Colchester Vase featuring a pair of gladiators. The foundations of the Temple of Divine Claudius can be viewed in the Museum’s basement. This outstanding museum has stellar collections of Roman glassware and jewelry, yet it is never stuffy or staid. Be sure to enjoy its chariot race simulator. It may be hokey but it is a lot of fun!
The Balkerne Gate
The remains of Colchester’s well preserved Roman walls are evident throughout the city. These are the finest examples of Roman city walls to be found in Great Britain. The Balkerne Gate constructed in the first century AD served as the west gate to the city and was the entry point for the road from London. It is the largest and one of the best preserved Roman gates in the United Kingdom.
Finally, look for the meager ruins of the Butt Road Church which are near the circus. This church was constructed in 320 AD and is one of the oldest known Christian houses of worship in the United Kingdom. Artifacts from the church’s cemetery are on display in the Castle Museum.
Colchester Castle
Tombstone of Marcus Favonius Facilis
Colchester Vase
Balkerne Gate
Day 4
West Sussex
Directly south of London, the region today known as West Sussex contains a treasure trove of Roman sights. Anchored by its ancient capital of Chichester, the area is home to the remains of two spectacular Roman villas and a monumental Roman fortification.
Chichester
The charming old city of Chichester is the county town of West Sussex with a population of about 30,000. The area around the city is believed to have played a major role during the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD. This city center today stands on the foundations of the Roman town of Noviumagus Reginorum. The Roman settlement was fully developed by 75 AD and a major road known as Stane Street connected Chichester to London.
Chichester is home to the magnificent 900 year old Chichester Cathedral. This church is built on Roman foundations. Note the black and white second century mosaic that can be seen beneath the cathedral’s medieval floor. Next to the Cathedral is the modern Novium Museum. It houses the remains of a first century AD Roman bathhouse.
The city’s Roman wall originally extended almost two miles and was over six feet thick. Take an enjoyable stroll along Chischester’s wall; the lower parts are of Roman origin with later additions built on top. You will have the opportunity to see much of this prosperous town including its fine parks and gardens. All in all Chichester is a thoroughly enjoyable destination.
Fishbourne Roman Villa
A thirty minute drive out of town will bring you to the famous Fishbourne Roman Palace, which is generally considered to be the finest and largest Roman villa in Britain. Unlike most Roman villas here, the site dates all the way back to the first century AD. This massive 100 plus room residence was larger than Buckingham Palace and is famous for its mosaics and lavish wall paintings. Be sure to explore its restored gardens as they are the only known example of Roman gardens in Northern Europe.
Bignor Roman Villa
End your day north of Chichester at the spectacular Roman villa at Bignor. This palatial compound was constructed over two hundred years after Fishborne in the early fourth century AD. The striking mosaics found here are Bignor’s highlight. The onsite museum gives a fine introduction to this large villa situated in the lovely West Sussex countryside south of London.
Chichester
Roman Garden at Fishbourne
Dolphin Mosaic Fishbourne Villa
Travel Tips
London is rightly regarded as one of the greatest cities in the world. It would take any traveler weeks just to sample all the attractions that this world capital has to offer. Spend extra days here to stroll its charming neighborhoods, see a West End theater production and shop at its grand department stores.
Logistics
London is a huge city. It is advised to stay somewhere in central London with ready access to the Underground. The itinerary’s Roman sights in central London (Days 1 and 2) can be easily reached by foot and by the Underground. Colchester (Day 3) can be easily reached by train or by car from London in about one hour. Chichester (Day 4) can be reached by train or car in 90 minutes. From Chichester, Fishbourne can be easily reached by car or bus in under 20 minutes. The Bignor Roman Villa can be reached from Chichester by car in 20 minutes or by bus in 40 minutes. You can return from Birnor to London by car or train in 90 minutes.
Gloucestershire (Chedworth and Cirencester) and Bath is the next destination on our itinerary. For travelers with cars, Chedworth is 90 minutes from London, Cirencester is a 20 minute drive from 16 Chedworth and Bath is a 50 minute drive from Cirencester. For travelers without a car, it makes sense to take the train from London to Bath. From Bath you can take a taxi or Uber to Chedworth
and Cirencester.
Days 5 and 6
Gloucestershire
We head west from London traveling along the routes of the old Roman roads known as the Portway and Fosse Way. Our destination is the lovely region of Gloucestershire which developed into one of the wealthiest regions of Roman Britain. There is a saying that “if you scratch Glouceshire you find Rome.” Our first destination is the impressive Chedworth villa nestled in the charming Cotswolds Hills. A short drive away is the pleasant market town of Cirencester which two thousand years ago was the second largest city in Britannia. We will spend the night, and the next day and night, in the elegant city of Bath.
Orpheus mosaic
Corinium Museum
Roman Bath
Chedworth Villa
This beautifully situated villa dates back to the fourth century AD which was the golden age of aristocratic rural retreats in Britain. This prosperous plantation adjoined two major Roman roads and was undoubtedly one of the area’s finest homes. The expansive site showcases fine mosaics and a bath complex. The museum displays artifacts found at the site.
Cirencester
Further down Fosse Way is Cirencester which was known as Corinium Dobunnorum in Roman times. The city was second in area only to London. It was known as a commercial center for the wool trade and for the production of fine mosaics.
Cirencester’s standout attraction is its Corinium Museum which does an excellent job of presenting the city’s rich history. It displays some of the finest mosaics in Britain and impressive column capitals. These remains are a good indicator of the Roman town’s economic vitality and sophistication.
The Museum sells a Roman Town Trail Guide which provides for an enjoyable walk through Cirencester’s charming downtown shopping byways. You can visit the city’s forum, walls, amphitheater and other Roman ruins.
Cirencester also features impressive buildings made of lovely cotswold golden limestone. This charming market town with a distinctly local flavor is well worth a visit independent of its Roman legacy.
Bath
Bath is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable destinations in the United Kingdom. Indeed, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts over 6 million visitors per year. Bath’s outstanding Roman ruins, its stunning Georgian architecture and its inviting and gracious commercial streets make the
city a travel jewel. It rivals Hadrian’s Wall as Britain’s top Roman attraction.
Bath was known as Aquae Sulis in ancient times and unlike all other Romano-British towns existed solely as a spa and place for recreation. It was Britain’s most cosmopolitan center outside of London and attracted visitors from throughout the Empire.
Aquae Sulis was built at the site of a natural hot spring that today still gushes 250,000 gallons per day of 115° Fahrenheit mineral rich water. Over the centuries a massive temple and baths complex was constructed here at the hot water spring dedicated to the local celtic deity Sulis, whom the Romans equated with their god Minerva. The spring was contained within a wall to create a pool
whose waters were reputed to have great medicinal powers. Eventually, a grand healing and leisure complex was developed here containing a full scale Greco-Roman temple, baths and related commercial structures. The result was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Roman Britain.
The ancient Great Bath itself has been restored and provides visitors with a compelling experience. While the statue lined terrace encircling the Great Bath is a 19th century creation, the bases of the columns, the pavement and the pool itself all date back to the Roman era.
The adjoining Bath Museum is simply outstanding. It provides a wonderful introduction to the baths and to daily life in Roman Bath. Displayed here are numerous impressive artifacts that were found in the area including coins, drinking vessels and curse messages that were inscribed on sheets of metal
and hurled into the spring. Be sure to see the altar in the temple courtyard with its statue of the goddess Sulis Minerva.
Travel Tips
Bath has much more to offer than just its Roman attractions. Any thoughtful traveler could easily spend two or three days here. Not to be missed sights include the Georgian Pump Room (famous for its formal tea), Bath Abby and such residential architectural gems such as the Bath Circus and the Royal Crescent. If you arrive during the high tourist season, you will feel like a true Roman fighting the crowds and delighting in Bath’s gracious and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Logistics
Bath has a sophisticated tourist infrastructure. For a truly local Georgian experience stay at the Royal Crescent Hotel.
Chester is our next destination. Chester can be reached from Bath by car in three hours or by train in about four and one-half hours. Nearby Liverpool is an appealing alternate destination and is a similar distance from Bath.
Days 7 and 8
Chester
Chester is the county town of Chesire and has a population of about 100,000. This charming largely Victorian city sits astride the River Dee as it makes its way through the English countryside to the Irish Sea. It boasts some lovely medieval buildings and is a showcase for the black and white half-timber structures built as part of the 19th century’s British Tudor revival movement. Chester’s engaging city center has few modern buildings to diminish the town’s appealing step back in time atmosphere.
Chester bills itself as “Britain’s most Roman city.” It was founded as a prominent Roman settlement in 79 AD and was home to a large army camp. Over time the town saw the development of a substantial civilian settlement adjacent to the military compound. The city’s original Roman grid plan is still evident in the downtown’s central crossroads. Chester’s impressive city walls also date back to Roman times although they have been extensively rebuilt. Roman remains can be found throughout Chester including near the city walls and in the basements of downtown buildings.
Today, Chester is a busy, somewhat touristy town. It makes for an excellent home base to explore Cheshire and the lovely surrounding countryside. Alternatively, travelers can make the vibrant nearby city of Liverpool their home base; Chester makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip from Liverpool.
Chester
Liverpool
City Wall
The undoubted highlight of any visit to Chester is the walk atop its impressive restored city wall. The wall provides for a delightful stroll around the circumference of the old town. Fine examples of almost two thousand year old Roman masonry can be seen between Eastgate and Northgate.
Grosvenor Museum
The Grosvenor Museum houses the collections of Chester’s Archaeological Society. Its Roman Newstead Gallery has a fine array of artifacts. A particular focus is on Chester’s military history as the home of Rome’s XX Legion. There is also a collection of Roman tombstones which shed light on the lives of the soldiers, citizens and slaves who lived in Roman Chester.
Deva Roman Experience
For something completely different check out the Deva Roman Experience. This theatrical, live action, special effects driven experience brings Roman Chester to life. It is fun for all ages!
Chester Amphitheatre
The remains of Chester’s amphitheater are close to the Grosvenor Museum just outside the city wall. It was reportedly the largest amphitheater in Britannia and could seat over 8,000 spectators. Next to the amphitheater is the charming Chester Roman Gardens displaying Roman architectural remains in a verdant setting.
Travel Tips
Chester is well worth a full day. Travelers with extra time may want to consider visiting the bustling city of Liverpool. The capital of the Merseyside region is a must see sight for Beatles fans. Even travelers not smitten with the Fab Four will find Liverpool an entertaining and enjoyable English urban experience. It features outstanding museums, impressive Victorian architecture and a
distinctly local “scouse” culture.
Liverpool is a colorful city that is home to the ferries crossing the River Mersey. The city has a metropolitan population of over 2 million and boasts a lively music scene, impressive Georgian, Victorian and modern architecture and a contemporary, busy downtown as well as a plethora of Beatles sights.
Liverpool has the second highest number of art galleries, museums and nationally recognized historic buildings and parks in the United Kingdom. It is the fifth most visited city in the country. It has an excellent tourist infrastructure of hotels, restaurants, tours and events. Get off the standard United Kingdom tourist track and give it a look. You will be impressed and surprised!
Logistics
Chester is a delightful spot to spend a night. As evening falls and the sun sets, the city’s evocative atmosphere can not help but charm you. The Chester Grosvenor Hotel is recommended.
Liverpool has an impressive tourist infrastructure and there is no shortage of high quality hotels. Hard core Beatles fans may want to stay at the Beatles themed A Hard Days Night Hotel right in the Cavern Quarter. For a welcoming local boutique hotel, the warm and inviting Hope Street Hotel, right near the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, is highly recommended. There are numerous Beatles theme tours available. The Magical Mystery Tour bus tour gives a fine overview of all the Beatles sights.
Our next destination is York. York is a 1 hour and 30 minute hour drive or train ride from Lincoln.
Day 9
York
York is the county town of Yorkshire with a population of about 150,000. The city is known for its strong Roman heritage. It was founded as a fortress called Eboracum in 71 AD and covered an area of 50 acres. The iconic York Minster was actually built over the camp’s headquarters. York was the northernmost city of the Roman Empire.
York has the distinction of having played host to three Roman Emperors: Hadrian, Septimius Severus and Constantius. In addition, Constantine the Great was declared emperor here by his army in 306 AD.
York’s historic core is simply a delight. It is justly famous for its evocative medieval streets with timber framed buildings, its numerous museums and its awe inspiring York Minster. York attracts over 8 million visitors a year. In 2018 the Sunday Times ranked York as the best place to live in Britain.
The Yorkshire Museum
The Yorkshire Museum is set in a lovely park right near the York Minster. It contains an outstanding Roman collection of artifacts that bring Roman York to life. Be sure to see the head of the emperor Constantius who was the father of Constantine the Great and the embalmed body of a two thousand year old Roman gladiator. Also note the Newton Hoard of over 1,500 coins. This small but charming museum is a delight.
Multangular Tower
Outside in the Museum’s garden is the Multangular Tower built right into York’s impressive wall. This ten sided tower was built around 300 AD as a defensive fortification. The ba ds of red brick are indicative of the layers of construction dating back to Roman times. The larger upper stones date to medieval times.
Minster Undercroft Museum
The stunning York Minster is the largest Gothic Church north of the Alps. With its soaring architecture and spectacular stained glass windows, it is undoubtedly one of Britain’s greatest cultural icons.
The Undercroft Museum is housed in a space created by excavations conducted by archaeologists at the Cathedral. This excellent state of the art museum explains the history of this site with a focus on its origins as a Roman fort. On display here is a section of wall of the fort’s camp headquarters and a painted wall from a hall used by officers in the late fourth century AD.
Statue of Constantine
Right outside the Minster’s exit is the impressive status of the Emperor Constantine. There is also a Roman column that dates to the first century AD.
The Roman Bath Pub
Be sure to stop by the Roman Bath Pub in St. Sampson’s Square. After enjoying a pint or a coke, head downstairs to its cellar. There you will find the remains of a legion’s bathhouse. There are even tiles with the prints of sandaled feet made millenia ago.
York Minster
The Shambles
Roman Bath Pub
Multangular Tower
Head of Emperor Constantius
Travel Tips
York is a delightful destination that encourages visitors to linger. Try to allocate at least one full day to fully explore the city’s impressively preserved medieval core and some of its unique museums. For a change of pace stroll the charming promenade along the meandering Ouse River.
Logistics
York is home to many fine hotels. Upon leaving York, our next destination is Hadrian’s Wall. If you head directly to Hadrian’s Wall. Housestead Roman fort is about a two hour drive from York. After visiting the wall you can spend the night in Carlisle. If you do not have a car, consider taking the short train ride from York to Durham (45 minutes). From Durham you can visit the wall by taxi or on a tour.
Day 10
Carlisle / Hadrian’s Wall
The cathedral town of Carlisle is located about 120 miles west of York. This small, enjoyable city is renowned for its majestic nine centuries old castle, its bustling downtown and its distinctly local vibe. It makes for a convenient overnight base from which to visit Hadrian’s Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall is the best known Roman edifice in Britain. The Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of this great stone wall when visiting the region in 122 AD. The wall marked the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire for centuries. It stretched across the entire island from coast to coast.
The wall was, in fact, part of a vast military complex consisting of forts, settlements and roads as well as the wall itself. There were twelve forts along the wall together with other military structures. The wall was designed to be about 6 feet wide and 15 feet high with ditches running on either side of it. It is a stupendous 75 miles long. It has been described as the best Roman frontier site in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region surrounding Hadrian’s Wall contains the greatest concentration of Roman sights to be found in Britain.
The wall was built according to an ancient source “to separate Romans from the Barbarians.” It actually is unclear what was the Roman’s motivation behind this immense construction project. Hadrian may have wanted to protect Britannia from the Picts in Scotland and to impress both the barbarians and his Roman subjects with Rome’s power. A force of over 10,000 troops was required
to man the wall.
Surprisingly, once the great wall was completed, the Romans started to expand northwards yet again. In 142 AD, the Roman garrisons left Hadrian’s Wall and advanced to a new defensive position, the Antonine Wall in Scotland. The Antonine Wall was abandoned in around 160 AD. The soldiers stationed there returned to Hadrian’s Wall which would be manned until the fall of Roman Britain in the early fifth century AD.
Roman Footwear
Vindolanda Tablets
Vindolanda Army Compound
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian Wall Sights
A visit to Hadrian’s Wall is an evocative experience for any traveler interested in Roman history. Visiting the numerous sights along the wall will undoubtedly be a highpoint of your journey through Roman Britain.
It provides the traveler with a unique opportunity to envision life in a Roman frontier zone and to gain insight into the practices of the mighty Roman military machine that dominated the Roman world for centuries. You can visit outstanding museums and impressive ruins. Most enjoyably, you can walk for miles along the wall itself imagining the life of a Roman soldier stationed here so far from home.
There are fascinating sights to see all along the wall. To do this justice would require a few days. Travelers with only one day to spend at the wall should focus on its central portion, specifically the roughly ten mile stretch extending from the Roman Army Museum in the west to the remains of Housesteads Fort in the east.
A visit to the wall makes for an unforgettable experience. The huge military complex both dominates and is immersed in the breathtakingly beautiful undulating northern landscape. You can not help but be struck by an overwhelming feeling of being at the very edge of the ancient Greco Roman world where you’re facing an uncivilized barbarian abyss.
Roman Army Museum
The Roman Army Museum provides a state of the art introduction to the Roman Army and to the life of the soldiers stationed at this remote outpost. The Museum’s introductory film, “The Edge of the Empire: The Eagle’s View” gives an excellent introduction to military life on Britain’s frontier. The videos and displays make the complex nature of Rome’s vast military enterprise understandable.
Vindolanda
This vast archaeological site showcases the remains of a huge Roman fort which originally was constructed in 85 AD prior to Hadrian’s Wall and was in use for 400 years. Most of the remains visible today date back to the early fourth century AD. The large site is still under excavation so you may have the opportunity to see archaeologists at work. Volunteers are welcome here.
Vindolanda’s stellar museum features fascinating artifacts that have been found in the vicinity. The boggy landscape surrounding the site has served to preserve organic items that otherwise would have been lost in the mists of time. For example, the museum boasts the world’s largest collection of Roman leather made items, a wooden toilet seat and a womens wig.
The Vindolanda Museum’s most important attraction is its collection of ancient wooden writing tablets. These handwritten messages from long ago were written in ink on postcard sized wooden sheets and date to around 100 AD. They provide a fascinating look at the everyday life lived here by ordinary Romans two thousand years ago. The tablets include a birthday party invitation, contemptuous descriptions of the local Britons and letters to loved ones back home. Reading the translations of those very human, ancient missives makes for a compelling experience.
Housesteads Roman Fort
Housesteads Fort is probably the top attraction at Hadrian’s Wall and perhaps the single most impressive Roman sight in Britain. Its spectacular setting at the top of a steep hill overlooking the English countryside adds an added touch of drama to this isolated fortification located roughly at the center of the wall.
The Housesteads Museum is worth a visit. There are artifacts on display including household items such as a woman’s tweezers and cutlery. The impressive ruins of the fort include internal buildings such as the camp’s headquarters, hospital and commanding officer’s house. Housesteads also is famous for its latrine block, the best preserved Roman toilets in existence.
Walking the Wall
No trip to Hadrian’s Wall is complete without a walk along, or on top of, the wall itself. The three mile walk west of Housesteads to the Steel Rigg Car Park is reputed to be one of the area’s finest walks. In the section near Housesteads you can even walk along the top of the wall.
To walk on the wall is to journey into the distant past. You can not help but marvel at this immense and formidable fortification. It gives you a sense of what an ambitious undertaking the construction of this massive project was.
Travel Tips
Carlisle makes a convenient base following your visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Be sure to see its magnificent castle.
Logistics
Carlisle is a small city with limited hotel options. The final day of the itinerary will be spent visiting the Antonine Wall and the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow. For drivers, it’s about a ninety minute drive to Glasgow. For non-drivers, take the less than two hour train ride from Carlisle to Glasgow. The Antonine Wall is then easily accessible from Glasgow by taxi or bus.
Day 11
The Antonine Wall
Scotland was never fully incorporated into Roman Britain but the Romans made repeated efforts to extend their frontier northwards. The Romans’ fitful intermittent attempts came to naught and by 200 AD they had pretty much given up trying. There are no remains of Roman civilian settlements in Scotland. However, there are substantial reminders of military activity in Scotland largely in the
vicinity of the Antonine Wall.
The Antonine Wall is located about 100 miles north of the more famous Hadrian’s Wall. This wall was constructed starting in 142 AD during the reign of Hadrian’s successor, Emperor Antoninus Pius. It was built of turf on a stone foundation and ran for about 25 miles with a height of about 13 feet. It connected the Firth of Forth on Scotland’s east coast with the Firth of Clyde on its west coast.
As noted before, the wall functioned for only a few years and its forts were abandoned by 165 AD.
The Antonine Wall attracts far fewer visitors than its southern fellow fortification. Nevertheless, this intriguing off the beaten path sights are still well worth a visit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A fine stretch of the Antonine Wall can be found in Twechar, a 30 minute drive from Glasgow. It is challenging to find but well worth the effort. This is the highest point of the wall. There are also the remains of the Bar Hill Roman Fort.
A visit to the Antonine Wall will be a real highlight of your journey through Roman Britain. Standing at the wall, you can easily imagine being transported back in time to this remote outpost in the mid-second century AD. Alone with the blustery wind and the magnificent setting, a visit here makes for an incredibly compelling expierence.
Antonine Wall
Bar Hill Roman Fort
Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall
The Hunterian Museum
Finish your visit to Roman Scotland at Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum. This is Scotland’s oldest museum and is affiliated with the University of Glasgow.
The Museum’s Roman Gallery is simply outstanding. Its primary focus is on the Antonine Wall. Its exhibit “The Antonine Wall: Rome’s Final Frontier” should not be missed. Items on display include artifacts found at fortifications along the wall including columns, a bronze jug and fine window glass. Most impressive is the museum’s collection of 15 decorated distance stones that originally were embedded in the wall.
Hunterian Museum
Roman Milestone from Antonine Wall
Travel Tips
Both Glasgow and Edinburgh are less than an hour from the Antonine Wall. Both historic down to earth Glasgow and stately royal Edinburg are worth a visit. Both have numerous hotel options although most travelers choose to make Ediburg their homebase.
Logistics
The Antonine Wall can be challenging to find. Using a GPS may not be helpful. Your best bet is to drive through Trechar on B8023 and look for the sign showing the footpath to the wall. It will be right at Bar Hill Terrace.
You have spent an engaging two weeks experiencing the finest sights that harken back to the era when Rome ruled Britain. One can not but help but be impressed with the efforts of the Romans to turn this remote northwestern outpost at the edge of the world into a civilized, cultured part of their vast empire. The heritage of Rome shines brightly in Britain. We have seen that in Britain’s impressive Roman sights, in its vibrant legacy of prosperous market towns and in its bustling capital city of London, still serving as Britain’s commercial, cultural and transportation hub.
REFERENCES
For thoughtful travelers interested in a more in-depth look at Roman Britain, the following books are recommended:
de la Bedoyere, Guy. Roman Britain: A New History. Thames & Hudson (2014)
Salway, Peter. A History of Roman Britain. Oxford Paperbacks (2001)
Allen, Denise and Bryan, Mike. Roman Britain and Where to Find It. Amberley Publishing (2020)
Hobbs, Richard and Jackson, Ralph. Roman Britain. British Museum (2010)
Watney, John. Roman Britain. Pitkin (1996)
Salway, Peter. Roman Britain: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press (1981)
Request a Quote
The Fine Print
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.privateguided.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
