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2: Back out to the coast to Alnwick to explore Alnwick Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne,
Flodden Field, near Coldstream, before joining the A68 and A7 through St Boswells and Melrose.

Click here for road notes on this option…

Attractions

Roman Army Museum. This museum is a 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 interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film.

Birdoswald Roman Fort is the place to see the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian’s Wall and
extensive remains of a Roman Fort.

It is one of the best preserved of the 16 forts along Hadrian’s Wall. The fort is situated in a
commanding position on a triangular spur of land bounded by cliffs to the south and east
overlooking a broad meander of the River Irthing in Cumbria. In Roman times, the fort was known
as Banna (Latin for “spur” or “tongue”), reflecting the geography of the site. From Wikipedia. More
. . .

Vindolanda is one of Europe’s most important Roman archaeological sites. Situated on the
Stanegate road, the recently fully refurbished on-site museum is a display of the many ancient
objects found during the excavations. These include a collection of leather and wooden objects
that bring life in the fort and in the adjacent civilian settlement to life – shoes, clothing, tools,
cooking, crafts like wood and metal working, military equipment, and horse harness. More from
Hadrian’s Wall Country . . .

A very good account of Vindolanda, its purpose and history, can be found on the BBC website
here . . .

Housesteads Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site,
Housesteads Roman Fort takes you back to the Roman Empire. Wander the barrack blocks and
the hospital. Peer into the oldest toilets you’ll ever see, and admire the panoramic views from this
ancient fortress. The interactive museum showcases objects once belonging to Roman soldiers,
and the mini-cinema will take you on a journey through time.

Temple of Mithras. This temple to the god Mithras stands near Carrawburgh Roman Fort on
Hadrian’s Wall. Mithras was an eastern god who, according to legend, had captured and killed the
primeval bull in a cave, which Mithraic temples, always small and gloomy, were intended to evoke.

The temple was probably built by soldiers based at the fort in about AD 200. The three altars
found here (copies stand in the temple) were all dedicated by commanding officers of the unit
stationed here, the First Cohort of Batavians from the Rhineland.

Other things to see and do on your journey

The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. This facility explores and illustrates the landforms
and landscapes of Britain’s national parks and in particular Northumberland National Park. It
includes a youth hostel.

For more attractions on this trip click here . . .