Housesteads - The main attraction lies just to the north of the military road above Bardon Mill and Haltwhistle. The Roman name for the site was Vercovicium. There is a large car park, a small ticket office and introduction to the site and then you have a short walk up the hill to the actual site. It is unusual for a Roman fort in that it has no water supply other than rain water and also it boasts one of the best preserved stone latrines in Roman Britain.
Things to do when you are visiting Housesteads.
The Roman fort, excavations and museum at Vindolanda are just a couple of miles south of Hadrian's Wall.Well worth a visit.
The temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh is very close to Housesteads.
From Housesteads you can walk west, along the Roman Wall, until you come to Sycamour gap.This is also known as the Robin Hood tree after the Kevin Costner film which used the tree in one of it's scenes.
A little further west, after climbing along some of the most dramatic sections of Hadrian's Wall you will arrive at Steelrigg.
Haltwhistle lies in the Tyne valley to the south. There is also the haltwhistle burn which
connects the town to the Roman Wall. Recent work has improved the access here.
Cottages close to Housesteads
Fern cottage at Thorngrafton, just outside Bardon Mill, is very close to Housesteads and to Vindolanda. It faces south with good views over the Tyne Valley.
Resources for Housesteads
The site is administered by English Heritage which, unfortunately, means that the information available is not as comprehensive as say that for Vindolanda.
Wikipedia on Housesteads.
English Heritage website.
