Newcastle is more than great shopping and a great night out. Our city was once a vital part of the Industrial Revolution and before that was a fortress between Scots and English throughout periods of conflict. Newcastle has a rich and varied history for both locals and visitors to explore. One of the most important heritage sites in the area is Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans East to West of northern England. Explore the heritage of the Toon for yourself by booking a stay in PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments and exploring all of the fascinating things to do in Newcastle. Our team are happy to point you in the right direction.
What is Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is a frontier which was and still is one of the most important and complete anywhere in the Roman Empire. The Wall forms part of the UNESCO Transnational World Heritage Site, Frontiers of the Roman Empire. Hadrian’s Wall lies between Bowness-on -Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend in Tyne and Wear and is around 73.5 miles long. For around three centuries, Hadrian’s Wall was a multi-cultured frontier sprawling coast to coast. It was built by up to 1500 men in just under six years, a mammoth task completed by hand around the year 122AD. It was built as a protective defence of the Roman Empire from attacks by Picts and other tribes to the north, to establish customs and trading points and physically mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
Features of Hadrian’s Wall
A lot of the wall is hidden around the rugged English countryside but a visit to Newcastle Gateshead shows you the parts that are on display. Along the wall, there are some very interesting features such as milecastles, barracks, ramparts and forts set against a dramatic backdrop. Enjoy discovering Roman bath houses, turrets and shrines as well as museums and galleries in Newcastle and South Shields. The Great North Museum Hancock in Newcastle City Centre has a fascinating collection of Roman artefacts on display. The wall can often be found in urban and unexpected locations in Newcastle. Unlike some other historic places, Hadrian’s Wall Country has something for everyone – world-class archaeology, spectacular landscapes, rare wildlife, complete solitude, vibrant cities, wonderful pubs and a population of friendly and welcoming people.
How to get to Hadrian’s Wall
Depending what part of the wall you’d like to visit, it can be quite easy to visit from our accommodation in Newcastle. During the summer months, there is a dedicated AD 122 bus from Hexham to all the major towns, Roman sites, and museums in the middle of Hadrian’s Wall Country. You can find more information about the dedicated bus on their website. The Go North East number 10 or Arriva 685 buses from Newcastle’s Eldon Square bus station go to Hexham where you can take the AD 122. During Autumn and Winter, the AD 122 bus does not operate. You can take a local taxi from Hexham or hire a car. During Winter, the more rural parts of the wall are difficult to access so you’ll need suitable clothing and footwear.
Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is a coast-to-coast walk from the North Sea to the Irish Sea alongside the iconic Hadrian’s Wall. You can start this trail just 10 minutes from our serviced apartment accommodation in Newcastle.
Heritage Sites in Newcastle
There are many fascinating places to see and things to do in Newcastle. You can visit Victoria Tunnel, a preserved 19th-century wagonway stretching from below the Town Moor to the Tyne River. Make time to visit Newcastle Castle, a medieval fortification built on the site of the fortress that gave the city its name. Newcastle Cathedral is a beautiful piece of our heritage and an impressive example of Medieval architecture dating back to the year 1350. There are museums full of ancient artefacts, galleries with historically significant artworks, beautiful architecture on every corner and our bridges are some of the best in the UK.
Hadrian’s Wall is a place where history is accessible to everyone. Adults and children learn and experience the Roman influence on our everyday lives, nearly 1900 years after they left. Add a visit to your list of things to do in Newcastle. Book a stay in PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments in Newcastle today to experience it for yourself.
