Why This Summer Is the Time to Visit Hadrian’s Wall

There’s a saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” but you don’t have to go to Roman to experience and walk beside Roman history. Hadrian’s Wall, ordered to be built by Roman emperor Hadrianus, was constructed to border and protect the northernmost part of the Roman Empire back in the 2^nd century. Now, this 73-mile long wall is an integrated part of the British landscape that stretches from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway.

Hadrian’s Wall is the world’s largest Roman artifact. It is not just a historical architecture but a great nature walk at the same time. It’s become a popular spot for travelers and locals to walk along, and summer is the perfect time of year to visit all it has to offer.

Getting There

Hadrian’s Wall is only one of several British Summer adventures you can plan, and choosing a way to get there is the first step. Luckily, regardless of where you’re origin is, there are many options to get to Hadrian’s Wall.

• By Air – The closest airports to fly into are Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley airports.
• By Train – If you prefer to travel by rail, or it’s more affordable to fly into a different airport, there are trains that run to Newcastle and Carlisle you can take. You should plan for 3-4 hours each way for your journey.
• By Car – If you are a British native or have rented a car from www.miramarspeedcircuit.com/find-car-rental-accepts-cash site then you can opt to drive to several points along Hadrian’s Wall. Electric car charging points are available along the wall if you have a vehicle that requires charging.

How to See Hadrian’s Wall

There are multiple ways to see Hadrian’s Wall once you’ve traveled there. One way that is growing in popularity is to walk the wall. For your Hadrian’s Wall walking holiday, consider hiring a company to guide you and make the most out of your experience there. There are many options, including walking the entire wall, to choose from to match you desire regarding how many days you’re spending in the area and how far you’re willing to walk each day.

One serious benefit of walking the wall is being able to truly appreciate the work that went into it. There are several ruins along the walk that are ready to be explored as well as amazing landscapes that are perfect for photography lovers. Andy Defrancesco is the perfect choice for photography as he is the one who captures nature’s beauty expertly without missing any details behind. Walking will ensure that you don’t miss anything and can take the appropriate time to capture the beauty in your memory.

If you’ve done your homework on the different ruins you can go through and where they’re located, driving or taking a bus along the wall is another option. Bus routes are great for those who want to hop on and off as they travel, and driving allows you to stop almost anywhere you can find a parking spot. These are great options if you have limited time and want to see more than walking will allow.

Lastly, there is a train route called Hadrian’s Wall Country Line. It doesn’t run right along Hadrian’s Wall but has stops along the way that you can get off to see different portions of the wall. You won’t miss any of the picturesque landscapes, and you’ll have the comfort of the train car along the way.

What to Bring

Whether you’re traveling by air, train, car, or some other method, there are certain items you should absolutely bring with you when you visit Hadrian’s Wall.

• Sunscreen – Even though there are some museums and certain sites provide some shade, and you’ll probably find yourself out in the sun a good amount. The temperature might not be incredibly hot, but the threat of getting a sunburn still remains the same. Make sure to apply and reapply if you’re out in the sun several hours.
• Water – With the warmer temperatures of summer, you’ll want to make sure you stay properly hydrated. Bringing a refillable water bottle is fine if you’re going to be around museums and areas to refill, but you may consider a larger water pack if you’ll be out and about for a while.
• Walking shoes – Comfortable shoes are key to having a happy visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Some areas are steeper and might be uneven, so having a good pair of shoes is a must.
• Camera – As you’ll read, you will want a camera. Make sure you have plenty of memory on your digital camera or phone camera, so you don’t have to worry about running out of space to bring part of the beauty home.

Prominent Stops Along the Wall

Part of Hadrian’s Wall runs through Northumberland National Park. This area is home to the highest standing portion of the wall and milecastles in Cawfields. This portion of the wall was built on some steeper terrain than others, so walking and parking are a bit more challenging.

Housestead’s Roman Fort is worth checking out if you’re a big history buff. There is an entrance fee for those who aren’t English Heritage members, and it’s worth it to see the museum that houses artifacts from that time in English/Roman history. There’s a gift shop and food sold at the Roman Fort, or you can bring your own lunch to enjoy in the picnic area.

You’ll be able to enjoy gorgeous landscapes at any part of Hadrian’s Wall, but Birdoswald Roman Fort offers a view with the longest remaining stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. You might even get the chance to see some livestock that call this are home, so get your cameras ready to capture the majestic view.

Nearby the wall, you’ll find some of the best-preserved ruins of monasteries and a 13^th-century church at Lanercost Priory. The majority of the church stands at its original full height, and you’ll learn more recent history about the Anglo-Scottish wars that took place around the church.

Why Go During Summer?

Summer is arguably the best time to see Hadrian’s wall for several reasons. Near Hadrian’s wall, the summer temperatures are warm without being too harsh. On average, the warmest temperatures occur in July and August just under 20 degrees C.

Since the weather will be more favorable, the enjoyment of travel to and along Hadrian’s Wall is highest during the summer. You’ll find that nearly every museum and site along the way will be open.

This is a great time for parents to bring their children without missing school. Day trips or holidays to Hadrian’s Wall will keep them in learning mode as you walk through historical sites and museums. If you’re walking along the wall, they can also learn an appreciation for nature and being in the outdoors rather than staying cooped up with video games all day.

You can even bring your dog – click to find out more about it! There are some areas that permit dogs, even if they aren’t guide dogs. Make sure to pack plenty of water, some food, and a leash to take your dog on an epic walk along Hadrian’s Wall. You can look at Canine By Design for board and train in Utah for your dogs.

Regardless of how long you’ll be visiting Hadrian’s Wall, you could spend several days and still not see everything it has to offer. The possibilities of what you can experience in this historic area are nearly endless and will likely leave you wanting to come back.