We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more

Discover More along Hadrian’s Wall

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

Location: Northumberland

Duration: 6 nights

Board Basis: Full Board

Travel Dates: Sep 2026, Apr-Oct 2027

Itineraries available: 1

Choice of Walking Grade: 1 details

Non-members From

£1,499

pp

Members From

£1,469

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Step back in time with an in-depth tour of Hadrian’s Wall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Britain’s most spectacular ancient landmarks. Find out what life was like in Roman Britain as we explore top visitor attractions and award-winning museums along the wall including Housesteads – the best-preserved Roman fort in Britain – and Vindolanda, an archaeological site that boasts carefully reconstructed towers and temples, excavated ruins, and a museum home to some of the oldest surviving Roman artefacts ever found in Britain.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
We love the Centre of Britain Hotel in Haltwhistle. It’s one of the region’s oldest buildings and part of the hotel was once a 15th century Pele Tower used by the Border Reivers. Later it became a Manor House, excise office, and a coaching inn. Comfortable rooms come kitted out with  TV, radio, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a hairdryer and safe. Drying and washing facilities are available, too. And to really get you into the Hadrian's Wall spirit, the hotel usually organises a Roman banquet-themed meal for your final evening. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 1

Gentle walking grade 1

Short, easy walks on level paths with no stiles. Ideal for relaxed walking and active sightseeing. Typically, 2-3 miles (3-5km) or less, with little if any ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Viewing the very best sections of the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall
  • Visiting Roman forts including Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Housesteads, and Chesters
  • Exploring Tullie House, Lanercost Priory and the Great Museum of the North
  • Staying in one of our carefully-selected partner hotels
  • Sharing the experience with a group of like-minded people
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation

  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 

  • Daily packed lunches

  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  

  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader

  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

  • Tickets to Carlisle Cathedral, Tullie House, Vindolanda, Roman Army Museum and Segedunum


Itinerary

Itinerary

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    [title] => Arrival Day
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Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will be at reception at 18:00 to meet the group and for a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.

Please note: If you are not already a member of English Heritage, we would recommend joining. Many of our members are already members of English Heritage too, so we have not included the entrance to English Heritage or National Trust properties in this programme, as they will receive free entrance to these properties when they show their membership card. It is often cheaper to be a member than to pay entrance to the sights individually.

For those of you with English Heritage and/or National Trust membership – please bring your membership cards with you.

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Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will be at reception at 18:00 to meet the group and for a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.

Please note: If you are not already a member of English Heritage, we would recommend joining. Many of our members are already members of English Heritage too, so we have not included the entrance to English Heritage or National Trust properties in this programme, as they will receive free entrance to these properties when they show their membership card. It is often cheaper to be a member than to pay entrance to the sights individually.

For those of you with English Heritage and/or National Trust membership – please bring your membership cards with you.

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    [title] => The Border City - Carlisle
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Known as Lugavalium by the Romans, the city of Carlisle is steeped not only in Roman history but in stories of the Border Reivers and the Anglo-Scottish wars, too. We'll begin with a walking tour of the city’s historic centre. We’ll pass Carlisle Castle, St Cuthbert’s Church, Guildhall and the town walls. Alternatively, you can explore independently and take time to visit the castle (English Heritage members receive free entrance). We then visit Carlisle Cathedral (entrance included) to admire its medieval paintings and stained glass, before our final visit of the day to Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery (entrance included) where we’ll learn about the city’s cultural and historical significance. 

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Known as Lugavalium by the Romans, the city of Carlisle is steeped not only in Roman history but in stories of the Border Reivers and the Anglo-Scottish wars, too. We'll begin with a walking tour of the city’s historic centre. We’ll pass Carlisle Castle, St Cuthbert’s Church, Guildhall and the town walls. Alternatively, you can explore independently and take time to visit the castle (English Heritage members receive free entrance). We then visit Carlisle Cathedral (entrance included) to admire its medieval paintings and stained glass, before our final visit of the day to Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery (entrance included) where we’ll learn about the city’s cultural and historical significance. 

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    [title] => Lanercost, Birdoswald & Walltown
    [introduction] => 
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Today begins with a visit to Lanercost Priory (English Heritage property - entrance not included) which was built in 1166 with red sandstone taken from Hadrian's Wall. There’s a short photo stop at one of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall – Banks East Turret – before arriving at 2000-year-old Birdoswald Roman Fort (English Heritage property - entrance not included). Once home to 1000 soldiers, the exhibitions here give us a good introduction to the history of Hadrian’s Wall.

A short walk (approx. 1 mile) from Birdoswald to Gilsland, takes us along a fabulous section of the wall, before our coach transfers us to the Roman Army Museum (entrance included) at Walltown. Enjoy the short film, The Eagles Eye, for a fascinating glimpse into life as a Roman soldier.

Alternatively, if the weather is nice, there’s also the option of visiting Walltown Country Park to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.

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Today begins with a visit to Lanercost Priory (English Heritage property - entrance not included) which was built in 1166 with red sandstone taken from Hadrian's Wall. There’s a short photo stop at one of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall – Banks East Turret – before arriving at 2000-year-old Birdoswald Roman Fort (English Heritage property - entrance not included). Once home to 1000 soldiers, the exhibitions here give us a good introduction to the history of Hadrian’s Wall.

A short walk (approx. 1 mile) from Birdoswald to Gilsland, takes us along a fabulous section of the wall, before our coach transfers us to the Roman Army Museum (entrance included) at Walltown. Enjoy the short film, The Eagles Eye, for a fascinating glimpse into life as a Roman soldier.

Alternatively, if the weather is nice, there’s also the option of visiting Walltown Country Park to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.

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    [id] => 01kwy2xmns71f0hr2anazgk5bd
    [title] => Housesteads & Vindolanda
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Our first stop today is Steel Rigg – the most photographed section of Hadrian’s Wall. It’s a striking landscape of crags and loughs, with the Roman wall running dramatically along the ridge. We’ll then stop at The Sill National Park Centre to learn about the area’s geology and ecology in its small but fascinating exhibition. 

Next, we visit Housesteads – the most complete Roman fort in Britain (an English Heritage/National Trust property; entrance not included). There’s plenty of time to explore before we move on to what many consider the highlight of the day – Vindolanda (entrance included). Alongside the impressive fort remains, Vindolanda boasts beautiful gardens and a world-class museum displaying remarkable finds, including Roman writing tablets, shoes, ceremonial horse masks, and even wigs. Don’t miss the Vindolanda Tablets – they’re some of the oldest surviving handwritten documents ever found in Britain and even contain a birthday party invite from 100AD. 

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Our first stop today is Steel Rigg – the most photographed section of Hadrian’s Wall. It’s a striking landscape of crags and loughs, with the Roman wall running dramatically along the ridge. We’ll then stop at The Sill National Park Centre to learn about the area’s geology and ecology in its small but fascinating exhibition. 

Next, we visit Housesteads – the most complete Roman fort in Britain (an English Heritage/National Trust property; entrance not included). There’s plenty of time to explore before we move on to what many consider the highlight of the day – Vindolanda (entrance included). Alongside the impressive fort remains, Vindolanda boasts beautiful gardens and a world-class museum displaying remarkable finds, including Roman writing tablets, shoes, ceremonial horse masks, and even wigs. Don’t miss the Vindolanda Tablets – they’re some of the oldest surviving handwritten documents ever found in Britain and even contain a birthday party invite from 100AD. 

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    [title] => Chesters & Corbridge
    [introduction] => 
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Chester’s cavalry fort (English Heritage property; entrance not included) boasts a scenic setting on the banks of the River Tyne and is ours to explore this morning.  Chesters was originally the grounds of a country house, home to John Clayton, the man responsible for the initiation and restoration of the wall around 1832. The museum here displays his finds at various sites along Hadrian’s Wall and is a memorial to his mammoth efforts.

From Chesters we head to Hexham, recently voted as one of the happiest places to live in Britain. We’ve time here to enjoy our lunch and stroll around the shops and galleries, or to visit Hexham Abbey, or its historic Gaol.

We’ll move on to Corbridge for a visit to the ruins of a once-thriving Roman garrison town (English Heritage property; entrance not included), and the chance to explore this pretty village. Alternatively, sit and relax with a drink or two in one of its many pubs or teashops, or even in a converted Pele Tower.

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Chester’s cavalry fort (English Heritage property; entrance not included) boasts a scenic setting on the banks of the River Tyne and is ours to explore this morning.  Chesters was originally the grounds of a country house, home to John Clayton, the man responsible for the initiation and restoration of the wall around 1832. The museum here displays his finds at various sites along Hadrian’s Wall and is a memorial to his mammoth efforts.

From Chesters we head to Hexham, recently voted as one of the happiest places to live in Britain. We’ve time here to enjoy our lunch and stroll around the shops and galleries, or to visit Hexham Abbey, or its historic Gaol.

We’ll move on to Corbridge for a visit to the ruins of a once-thriving Roman garrison town (English Heritage property; entrance not included), and the chance to explore this pretty village. Alternatively, sit and relax with a drink or two in one of its many pubs or teashops, or even in a converted Pele Tower.

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    [title] => Segedunum & Newcastle-upon-Tyne
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

We travel to the east coast for our final day, following the route of Hadrian’s Wall to the rather aptly-named Wallsend, and its Roman fort – Segedunum (entrance included). Explore the fascinating exhibits and climb the 35metre viewing tower for the best views over the site.

From here our coach takes us into Newcastle-upon-Tyne, locally known as the “Toon”, for a visit to the Great Museum of the North (free entrance). After the visit there’s the option to explore independently, or your leader will offer a short walking tour of the town.

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We travel to the east coast for our final day, following the route of Hadrian’s Wall to the rather aptly-named Wallsend, and its Roman fort – Segedunum (entrance included). Explore the fascinating exhibits and climb the 35metre viewing tower for the best views over the site.

From here our coach takes us into Newcastle-upon-Tyne, locally known as the “Toon”, for a visit to the Great Museum of the North (free entrance). After the visit there’s the option to explore independently, or your leader will offer a short walking tour of the town.

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    [title] => Departure Day
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Accommodation

Centre of Britain Hotel, Haltwhistle - Best of Hadrian's Wall

We love the Centre of Britain Hotel in Haltwhistle. It’s one of the region’s oldest buildings and part of the hotel was once a 15th century Pele Tower used by the Border Reivers. Later it became a Manor House, excise office, and a coaching inn. Comfortable rooms come kitted out with  TV, radio, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a hairdryer and safe. Drying and washing facilities are available, too. And to really get you into the Hadrian's Wall spirit, the hotel usually organises a Roman banquet-themed meal for your final evening. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Food & drink

Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals. Vegetarian choices and dietary requirements can be catered for (please give advance notice when booking).

Packed lunches

Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.

Dietary requirements

Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.

Getting here

By car

It is possible to leave your car in the Centre of Britain Hotel car park for the duration of the holiday. The hotel is located in the centre of Haltwhistle, on the main street.

By rail

For train times and route planning by train visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call +44 (0)3457 484950. Our hotel is located only ½ a mile from Haltwhistle railway station. The hotel can collect you on request from the station, but please ensure that you give the hotel a call the day before your arrival to arrange this free service.

By air

There are a number of low-cost flights from around the UK, to Newcastle and Manchester. If you are flying from overseas there are international flights to Manchester Airport and Newcastle Airport.

More Information

Hadrian's Wall is the best-known frontier in the entire Roman Empire. Our holiday travels through the centuries and follows the most spectacular sections of the wall combining a unique mix of heritage with wild and dramatic landscapes. Internationally celebrated as a World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain and stands as a reminder of the past glories of one of the world's greatest civilisations. The wall was built by order of the Emperor Hadrian, who came to Britain in AD 122. Over the next six years the army built a wall 80 Roman miles long, starting from Wallsend in the east, to Bowness on Solway in the west, with the intention of separating the Romans from the Barbarians. By the early 400's, the Empire had declined, and Britain was abandoned. Spanning nearly 2,000 years of history, this makes what we see today all the more precious for being the last remains of such an incredible Roman structure.

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and midge repellent/net and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles
  • Midge net

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.  

In The Event Of A Problem  

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you. 

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).  

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.  

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.  

Ticks  

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.  

Suggested Reading and Maps

Your  leader will carry all the necessary maps and guides. For you own interest you may consider looking at some of the following: 

http://hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall

http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/hadrians-wall

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hadrians-Wall

Hadrian's Wall Path Adventure Atlas by Geographers A-Z Map Company Ltd.

This official National Trail Map provides complete OS Explorer mapping coverage of the Hadrian's Wall Path.

Hadrian's Wall: Archaeology and History at the Limit of Rome's Empire by Nick Hodgson. This book is a good introduction to the Wall, how it was built and its purpose and about the soldiers and men, women and children who once lived there.

Each evening join your tour manager and fellow travellers to relax, enjoy a drink, and discuss your day's activities. You may like to join in an optional organised evening get together, such as a quiz.

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more
Paul Freeman - 26 September 2026

Paul Freeman has been lucky enough to spend most of his life enjoying a wide range of activities or working in the outdoors. He is about as passionate about the history and environment of Northumberland as you can get and has walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall National Trail at least 15 times. He is a volunteer for Northumberland National Park, a qualified Mountain Leader and served for over 30 years in Mountain Rescue. 

Patrick Norris – 17 October 2026

Patrick Norris might just be Northumberland’s number one fan. Not only is he chair of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership, but he can proudly boast of having walked the entire length of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail 17 times. A certified Hill and Moorland Leader, Patrick has been wowing HF Holidays guests with his knowledge of Northumbria’s history, wildlife and remote regions since 2003.   

Code: XAJ06-HCH11

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Dates & availability

Discover More along Hadrian’s Wall

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2026

26 Sep - 2 Oct 2026

6 nights. Trip notes

2027

Save £50 Per Person

25 Apr - 1 May 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,549 £1,499

pp

Members

£1,519 £1,469

pp
Single rooms

£1,819 £1,769

pp

£1,789 £1,739

pp

Save £50 Per Person

16 May - 22 May 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,599 £1,549

pp

Members

£1,569 £1,519

pp
Single rooms

£1,869 £1,819

pp

£1,839 £1,789

pp

Save £50 Per Person

27 Jun - 3 Jul 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,599 £1,549

pp

Members

£1,569 £1,519

pp
Single rooms

Save £50 Per Person

5 Sep - 11 Sep 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,599 £1,549

pp

Members

£1,569 £1,519

pp
Single rooms

£1,869 £1,819

pp

£1,839 £1,789

pp

Save £50 Per Person

3 Oct - 9 Oct 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,549 £1,499

pp

Members

£1,519 £1,469

pp
Single rooms
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If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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