Housesteads Roman Fort

The fort’s construction began around 122 AD during the rule of Emperor Hadrian. Its strategic position allowed for the monitoring and defence of the northern frontier against the Picts and other tribes. The garrison at Housesteads was home to an infantry regiment known as the Cohors I Aelia Dacorum, hailing from the Danube region. It was a bustling and self-sufficient community, housing around 800 soldiers and their officers.

The fort’s layout, with its standard Roman grid pattern, included a headquarters building, granaries, barracks, and a hospital, along with defensive walls and a gatehouse. Remarkably, remnants of these structures remain remarkably well-preserved, offering insights into Roman military and daily life.

Over the centuries, Housesteads Fort underwent alterations and was intermittently occupied, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of the northern frontier. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic and visited segments of Hadrian’s Wall.

Housesteads Roman Fort near Bardon Mill (Photo: Craig Booth [CC BY-SA 2.0])

What to see at Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads Roman Fort is a well-preserved site showcasing Roman military architecture and providing an insight into life on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Visitors can explore the foundations of barracks, granaries, a headquarters building and a hospital, providing valuable insights into the organisation of a Roman garrison.

Notably, Housesteads is renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman latrines, offering a unique glimpse into ancient sanitation practices.

One of the site’s highlights is a segment of Hadrian’s Wall, featuring an accessible wall walk. This experience allows visitors to traverse the ancient fortifications and absorb breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The fort also offers a glimpse into ongoing excavation work and archaeological findings, contributing to our understanding of Roman military life in Britain. Additionally, the on-site museum showcases a wealth of artefacts, including Roman weaponry, personal items and decorative pieces, shedding light on the soldiers’ lives and the cultural influence of the Roman Empire in the region.

Interactive displays and informative panels throughout the site provide a deeper understanding of Housesteads Fort’s history, purpose and significance.

Visiting Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads Roman Fort is in the countryside around 3¼ miles (5.25km) north of the village of Bardon Mill. It is also close to Vinolandia, another significant Roman site, and many visitors combine a visit to Housesteads with a visit to Vindolanda.

It is open year-round, although it is only open on weekends during the off-peak season.

The entry fee is around 15% cheaper if you pre-book your tickets online in advance. Admission is free of charge for English Heritage members and holders of a valid English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass.

On-site visitor facilities include a gift shop, which also sells drinks and snacks.

Allow 1½–2 hours for your visit to Housesteads Roman Fort.