Discover Hadrians Wall via Metro

2022 saw the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall – the stone wall built to guard the Roman Empire’s northern frontier. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, every year Hadrian’s Wall attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Many people journey over to Northumberland to see the fantastic sites on display between Newcastle and Carlisle – but did you know you can also see several brilliant Roman sites using the Tyne and Wear Metro?

Here’s a rundown of what you can see and how you can get there.

1. Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum

Tyne and Wear Metro’s station at Wallsend is unique, displaying signage in Latin – a nod to the area’s heritage and also Segedunum, a Roman fort and museum based right next door. A huge 35m viewing tower looks down at the site, the most excavated fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

At Segedunum you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Roman history, with a full scale reconstruction of a section of Hadrian’s Wall alongside the original wall as well as a reconstructed barrack block.

The original bath house was discovered in 2014 and is on display, while you can also see an 8ft statue of a Roman Centurion.

Look out for their calendar of events including exhibitions, Roman markets and gladiator displays, with a spectacular firework display every November.

Families can enjoy an outdoor play area for children, with dressing-up and building activities in the galleries. Kids under 16 always go free. Learn more about Segedunum and plan your journey. Remember, children aged 11 and under travel free on Metro with a fare-paying adult.

2. The Great North Museum: Hancock

Located a short walk from Haymarket Metro Station, the Great North Museum is the perfect place to soak up Tyneside’s Roman history with a collection of international significance from along the length of Hadrian’s Wall and its outpost forts.

You can also enjoy a Roman Britain in Colour light show alongside altars, tombstones, relief sculptures and building inscriptions (including the inscription providing conclusive proof that Hadrian ordered the Wall to be built).

Also on display are jewellery, armour, weapons, pottery and other domestic items as well as an interactive model of the whole of Hadrian’s Wall.

Want to see more history? The museum has a wealth of displays and information about natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures. Visit the Great North Museum: Hancock website to learn more.

3. Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

A key garrison and military supply base to other forts along Hadrian’s Wall, Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort is around a twelve minute walk from South Shields Metro Station and a 20 minute walk from the Shields Ferry landing.

Visit Arbeia and see full-scale reconstructed buildings, including the West Gate, the Commanding Officer’s house and a barrack block. Experience a variety of events and displays including gladiator battles, falconry displays, Roman re-enactments and storytelling. Find out what’s coming up on Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort what’s on web page.

Learn more by watching the Arbeia video:

Want to know more?

Our friends at Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums have put together a guidebook, a walking guide and several other resources. Visit their Hadrian’s Wall on Tyneside hub for more details.

Want to visit the fantastic forts and stretches of Hadrian’s Wall outside the city? Visit NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s Hadrian’s Wall section to learn more – including  a public transport guide – and read more about the Wall on the comprehensive Hadrian’s Wall Country website.

Take the Kids For Free

Don’t forget, up to three children travel free on Tyne and Wear Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare paying adult, and you can Save As You Go with a Pop Pay As You Go card.