Did you know Northumberland holds the longest stretch of ancient Hadrian’s Wall, boasting over 2000 years of history en route. If you’re looking to visit Hadrian’s Wall but aren’t sure where to start, look no further than our guide on where to stay nearby, things to do along the wall and excellent pub stops in the vicinity.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES
- HEXHAM – This beautiful, bustling town is home to Hexham Abbey, Hexham Old Gaol and stunning Sele Park.
- CORBRIDGE – Home to Corbridge Roman Town, where you can walk through a Roman time capsule and discover ancient armour and trinkets uncovered.
- HALTWHISTLE – Perfect for a pint after a long day of exploring Hadrian’s Wall, Haltwhistle is the closest town to the stunning central section of Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland National Park.
- BLANCHLAND – Around a 20 minute drive from Hexham, we had to mention the tiny, fairytale village of Blanchland. Home only to a pub/ hotel, a tea room and a village shop.
SLEEP
- LORD CREWE ARMS, BLANCHLAND – The Lord Crewe Arms is an atmospheric, candle-lit, medieval hotel, restaurant and bar in the honey-stone village of Blanchland.
- LANGLEY CASTLE – Feel like royalty at Langley Castle, where you can literally sleep and eat like a King or Queen within the grounds of a 14th century castle.
- MATFEN HALL – If you want luxury, look no further than Matfen Hall, Northumberland’s first and only (as of May 2024) five star hotel.
- BATTLESTEADS – If you want to do a spot of stargazing during your stay, Battlesteads is the perfect place, with its own on-site observatory.
- WYDON FARM – Wydon Farm B&B is a National Trust working farm, nestled away near the beautiful town of Haltwhistle.
- CHESTERS STABLES – Chesters Stables are luxury, renovated stable suites nestled in the heart of rural Northumberland.
- HOST AND STAY’S MAGGIE’S COTTAGE – Maggie’s cottage is based in Hexham and is a stunning accommodation made up of an open plan living.
EXPLORE
- VINDOLANDA AND THE ROMAN ARMY MUSEUM – Vindolanda and The Roman Army Museum hold thousands of objects which illuminate the daily life of the Roman community who lived on the site.
- HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT – Housesteads Roman Fort was an auxiliary fort on Hadrian’s Wall, overlooking Whin Sill and sparsely populated hills making it a beautiful visit as well as a fascinating one.
- CORBRIDGE ROMAN TOWN – Walk like a Roman through the streets of Corbridge Roman Town, a time-capsule of Roman life.
- CHESTERS ROMAN FORT – Chester’s Roman Fort is one of the Roman Empire’s most northern outposts.
- NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK – Explore Northumberlnad National Park and you will accidentally stumble upon long sections of Hadrian’s Wall, staggering viewpoints, and complete peace and tranquillity.
- HIKE AND CYCLE – Saddle Skedaddle offers guided tours and overnight itineraries along the wall. Explore independently with Pedal Power’s bike hire or join one of their incredible guided experiences.
EAT
- THE BEAUMONT, HEXHAM – The Beaumont is a Victorian hotel based in the heart of Hexham with a beautiful restaurant and outdoor terrace for sunny days.
- BOUCHON BISTROT, HEXHAM – Bouchon Bistrot is a fantastic, French restaurant with a chic and cosy interior.
- RESTAURANT HJEM (Michelin Star) – Restaurant Hjem was the first restaurant in Northumberland to be awarded with Michelin Star status.
- RESTAURANT PINE (Michelin Star) – Also a Michelin Star restaurant, Pine was Northumberland’s second Michelin addition and is set in an old cow barn.
- THE ANGEL OF CORBRIDGE – Based on the lovely, cobbled streets of Corbridge, this quintessentially British pub dates back to 1569.
There are so many more fantastic businesses along Hadrian’s Wall than we are able to fit into one blog, so don’t hesitate to do some more research and visit our things to do, food and drink and Hadrian’ Wall pages for more inspiration.
