Birdoswald Fort (Hadrian's Wall)

I'm afraid that I was really disappointed by my visit to Birdoswald. Maybe it was because I'd recently visited Housesteads, Vindolanda and Chesters Roman Fort and I'd been spoiled but basically I don't think Birdoswald offers value for money. As an English Heritage member I got in 'free' but for non-members it is £5.20 for an adult, £4.70 for a Concession and £3.10 for a child. Parking at the bottom of the hill will also set you back £3 (refundable for English Heritage members). On entry there is a small visitor centre with information about the history of the site and beyond that lie the remains of the Roman Fort. When we visited only one of the display boards in the main outside area had any information on them although they were clearly meant to have. I appreciate that these sites are not 'Disney' and can only present what is there for them to present but I genuinely believe that Birdoswald is very over-priced. I would be seriously unhappy if I was a parent who had paid for a family to visit here. Halve the admission prices and they would be getting somewhere close to getting it right but as it stands I can't recommend it.  

A good stopping point on the Hadrians Wall Path.
Good views from the wall, you can get a hot drink and refreshments take a toilet break. Weather permitting you can sit at a picnic table in pleasant surroundings. If you are lucky you may see some Roman soldiers!!

A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of what was once Hadrian’s Wall.

With probably the best-preserved defences of any Wall fort, this was an important base for some 1,000 Roman soldiers. The section of Wall to the east, also of stone replacing turf, is the longest continuous stretch visible today.

Archaeological discoveries have revealed a great deal about Roman military life at Birdoswald. Three of the four main gateways of the fort have been unearthed, as have the outside walls, two granary buildings, workshops and a unique drill hall.
The Birdoswald Visitor Centre provides a good introduction to Hadrian’s Wall, and tells the intriguing story of Birdoswald and the people who have lived here over the past 2,000 years. There is also a tearoom, and a well-stocked shop for souvenirs.