The Romans and Hadrian's Wall Day Tour from Windermere

Highlights

  • Leave Windermere Tourist Information Centre at 9:15am, and travel into the Lake District National Park, an area known for its mountainous fells, forests and lakes. Gaze out of the window to take in the scenery, then pass north to Penrith and beyond, into the Debatable Lands north of Carlisle. Stop at Lanercost Priory to see a church built within the ruins and some stained glass windows, designed by pre-Raphaelite Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Then, head to Hadrian’s Wall where you’ll spend the longest portion of your tour, walking past the towers and “milecastles” that dot the route. After lunch at the Roman Army Museum (own expense), you’ll continue along Hadrian’s Wall to see key points of interest such as the Fell End and Sunny Rigg. Pass the Great Chester fort and have your camera ready for Steel Rigg — one of the wall’s most photo-worthy spots. Finally, stop at Vindolanda, an old Roman fort where the ancient Vindolanda writing tablets were found. These important records of Roman life were deemed “Britain’s top treasure,” as the oldest surviving handwritten documents in the country. Take a look inside the Vindolanda museum to see a large collection of artifacts from the extensively excavated site. Your day trip ends with a drop-off at the start point in Windermere.

Summary

Leave Windermere Tourist Information Centre at 9:15am, and travel into the Lake District National Park, an area known for its mountainous fells, forests and lakes. Gaze out of the window to take in the scenery, then pass north to Penrith and beyond, into the Debatable Lands north of Carlisle. Stop at Lanercost Priory to see a church built within the ruins and some stained glass windows, designed by pre-Raphaelite Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Then, head to Hadrian’s Wall where you’ll spend the longest portion of your tour, walking past the towers and “milecastles” that dot the route. After lunch at the Roman Army Museum (own expense), you’ll continue along Hadrian’s Wall to see key points of interest such as the Fell End and Sunny Rigg. Pass the Great Chester fort and have your camera ready for Steel Rigg — one of the wall’s most photo-worthy spots. Finally, stop at Vindolanda, an old Roman fort where the ancient Vindolanda writing tablets were found. These important records of Roman life were deemed “Britain’s top treasure,” as the oldest surviving handwritten documents in the country. Take a look inside the Vindolanda museum to see a large collection of artifacts from the extensively excavated site. Your day trip ends with a drop-off at the start point in Windermere.

Tour info

Duration
8 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

The Hadrian’s Wall tour travels out of the Lake District for the day and up to the Scottish Borders. The main focus of the day is the Wall of which we travel along viewing its remains of turrets, mile castles and forts. During your day you will have time to enjoy the Roman Army Museum, exploring the history of the Romans and learning what it was like to work on the ‘Wall’. A highlight of the tour is Vindolanda, a Roman settlement; one of Europe’s largest excavation sites and is still being worked on today. 

What’s included?

  • Transport in a small mini-coach

  • On-board commentary in English

  • Entry/Admission - Roman Army Museum

  • Entry/Admission - Vindolanda

  • Food & drink

  • Additional Entrance fees

  • Drivers gratuity (Optional)

  • Entry/Admission - Lanercost Priory

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 8h 30m

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Mountain Goat Tours

About operator:

With over 40 years experience of the Lake District, the Mountain Goat is nationally and internationally recognised by many coach and tour operators as their first and foremost Lake District tour specialist. From Holidays and Short Breaks to half-day and full-day guided mini-coach tours; this is the ideal way to explore the spectacular scenery of the Lake District and beyond.

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