North East - Northumberland

Roman Vindolanda offers the visitor an award winning museum and the opportunity to explore the most exciting archaeological site in Europe, a site that gets bigger every year! The unique conditions in the Vindolanda soil means textiles, leather and wood have survived nearly 2000 years and metal such as coins, jewelry and writing pens come out of the ground shining like new. Vindolanda is home to the ‘Vindolanda Writing Tablets’, these small thin wooden letters were voted Britain’s top treasure by the British Museum. A collection of these precious documents along with thousands of other extraordinary artefacts from everyday Roman life are displayed in the modern museum. Live excavations take place between April and September each year and visitors can watch history being uncovered right in front of them. In addition you can also enjoy the beautiful gardens outside the Chesterholm Museum, explore the replica Roman buildings and make use of the excellent tea room overlooking a delightful stream and temple. Look out for the range of bespoke Vindolanda items in the gift shop which include replica jewelry of artefacts found at this site. Group discounts are available and groups can also benefit from a talk from a member of the archaeological team at Vindolanda.

Seven miles to the west of Vindolanda the past comes to life at the Roman Army Museum situated next to one of the most complete sections of Hadrian’s Wall. The Roman Army Museum uses stunning real 3D technology in a specially designed film theatre to illustrate what life was really like for the soldiers who were serving on the edge of the Empire. The museum houses interactive displays which engage the visitor with the Roman past. This accessible museum has its own Latin classroom with a teacher who emerges from the past via a hologram to give an entertaining lesson in maths and morals, this really is a school room with a difference and entertaining for children and adults alike. Make sure you also take a seat at the recruitment tent and see if you have what it takes to sign up to 25 years in the Roman Army. The museum has a tea room and souvenir shop filled with local produce and unusual gifts. Extra discounts are available to groups who visit both the Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda – the perfect day out on Hadrian’s Wall.