Overview: History, what to expect, and dramatic setting
Housesteads Roman Fort (Vercovicium) in Northumberland is Britain’s most complete Roman fort and a fundamental part of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around AD 124, it was garrisoned for over 300 years by up to 800 auxiliary soldiers, whose origins stretched from Tungria (modern Belgium) to Germany and the Netherlands. The fort is strategically located on the dramatic Whin Sill escarpment, providing astonishing views of the Wall and the wild, open countryside.
Visitors can expect a steep but rewarding walk from the car park to the fort. The site itself offers a tangible glimpse into Roman military life, with the clear foundations of barracks, the commander’s house (praetorium), granaries, and the amazingly preserved communal latrines. The site includes a modern, step-free museum (managed by English Heritage) that displays Roman finds and features an interactive exhibition to help visitors understand how soldiers and their families lived on this northern frontier.
To skip the explanations and just book Housesteads Roman Fort tickets, head this way.
Housesteads Roman Fort opening times
The fort is open all year round, but closing times vary slightly by season. The site is jointly owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage.
- Summer season (29 March to 25 October): Open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
- Winter season (26 October to 27 March): Open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
- Last entry: Last admission to the fort is generally one hour before closing (e.g., 4:00pm in summer, 3:00pm in winter).
- Closures: The fort is closed on 24 and 25 December.
Housesteads Roman Fort admission fees and tickets
Admission prices vary depending on whether you book online in advance or pay on the day. There’s a 15% discount for booking in advance, and The prices shown below are for the 2025/2026 season and should be considered general admission rates.
| Ticket type | Online price (Standard season, checked December 2025) | On-the-day price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (17+ years) | £9.00 | £10.90 | Online booking guarantees the best price and entry. |
| Concession (65+ / Student) | £8.10 | £10.00 | Applies to seniors, students, and jobseekers with ID. |
| Child (5-17 years) | £5.40 | £6.80 | Children under 5 are admitted free of charge. |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | £23.40 | £28.60 | Family tickets offer a reduced total rate. |
| Family (1 adult + up to 3 children) | £14.40 | £17.70 |
Free entry: Admission to the fort and museum is free for English Heritage members and National Trust members.
Is it worth paying for English Heritage membership?
Entry prices for English Heritage sites, including Dover Castle, Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle, can seem extremely expensive. This is clearly a deliberate ploy to push visitors towards taking out annual English Heritage membership.
Membership gives free access to more than 400 sites across the country, and costs £82. That is, unless you get a special deal – there was a 25%-off Black Friday deal in November 2025, for example.
Whether that £82 is worth it depends on how many sites are near you (there are lots in the south of the country, not so many near me in Yorkshire). And, critically, whether you’re going to visit them with children.
Each member can take up to six children with them free of charge. Given the steep one-time entry fees, an adult member with two children is likely to recoup the cost of their membership by visiting just two or three sites within the year.
For an individual without children, I’d say English Heritage membership is worth it only if you’re planning to blitz a few sites in one year. For an individual with children, membership is a smart investment that will likely pay itself back within one school holiday. To me, it’s a no-brainer.
The real question is whether it’s worth renewing English Heritage membership after a year. That’s debatable, as you’re unlikely to go to many of these sites twice. I eventually renewed after I was offered 20% off the price. I’ll probably recoup the membership price visiting two sites in summer next year, even if I’ve ticked off most of the best ones near me.
If you buy membership through this link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Access, parking, and the approach to the fort
Housesteads is located on a steep hillside, which significantly impacts accessibility.
- The walk: The fort and museum are located 750 metres uphill from the main car park, via an uneven, steep path. Visitors should allow approximately 15–20 minutes for the walk up.
- Accessible parking: Very limited accessible parking spaces are available at the top of the hill, near the museum. Visitors requiring this parking must inquire at the National Trust Visitor Centre in the bottom car park upon arrival.
- Parking fees: The car park is managed by Northumberland National Park. A charge applies to all users, including EH and NT members. The fee is generally £3.00 for up to 3 hours.
- Accessibility within fort: The museum and shop are step-free. The fort itself is a partially excavated outdoor site with uneven, grassed ground and low walls, making it difficult for many wheelchairs and mobility equipment.
Five great things to do in Northumberland
- 🏛️ Discover Roman Britain on a full day tour along Hadrian’s Wall.
- 🎬 Visit the filming locations for Vera on a day tour from Newcastle.
- 🌊 Take a guided Pilgrims Path walk across the sands to Holy Island.
- 🏰 Explore Harry Potter’s Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle.
- 👻 Learn about Hexham’s gruesome, dark side on a storytelling tour.
Nearby attractions for Housesteads Roman Fort
The fort is centrally located on Hadrian’s Wall, offering convenient access to other key Roman sites:
- Hadrian’s Wall Path: The fort sits directly beside some of the most dramatic and well-preserved sections of the Wall. Visitors can walk east or west to explore milecastles and turrets.
- Vindolanda Roman Fort: A major, separate Roman fort and museum located a short drive south of Housesteads, known for its extensive ongoing excavations and the famous Vindolanda writing tablets.
- Chesters Roman Fort: Another Roman fort on Hadrian’s Wall, best known for its well-preserved bathhouse.
- The Sill: The National Landscape Discovery Centre, located a short drive away, provides extensive information about the landscape, history, and ecology of Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding National Park.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the walk to the fort steep? | Yes, the fort is located 750 metres uphill from the car park on a steep, uneven path. Visitors with limited mobility should enquire about accessible parking at the top. |
| Are dogs allowed at Housesteads? | Yes, dogs are welcome in the fort and the grounds but must be kept on a short lead. They are not permitted inside the museum. |
| Is the car park free for members? | No. The car park is managed by the National Park, and a fee applies to all users, including English Heritage and National Trust members. |
| How long should I plan for the visit? | The recommended sightseeing time for the fort, museum, and the walk is approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend walking along the Wall. |
| How do I get the discounted price? | The lowest ticket prices are secured by booking online in advance of your visit. Full-price tickets are available on the day. |
More Northumberland travel
Other Northumberland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to Corbridge Roman Town.
- Lindisfarne Priory visitor tips.
- How to get the best out of a visit to Alnwick Castle.
- A practical guide to Dunstanburgh Castle.
- Seals, saints and stars on a journey around Northumberland.
