Roman Army Museum
The fort at Carvoran is visible only as earthworks. But it’s what the museum contains that really grips the imagination. 35 years of excavation of nearby Vindolanda has yielded the most amazing haul and allows the Roman Army Museum to take you into the land of the legioniares. The Vindolanda Trust_133_634600815771016250.jpg)
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Fantastic family-friendly gallery opened here in 2011. Set in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier. Explored through reconstructions, objects excavated along Hadrian's Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s inspiring interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film, the museum pays unforgettable homage to Rome's military accomplishments in Britain.
The displays bring to life the organisation and discipline of the Roman Army, the many different roles and duties of the soldiers, their equipment and training and daily life. The role of the army in building Hadrian’s Wall is explored in a dramatic new display inspired by the sculpted reliefs on Trajan’s column in Rome. The Edge of Empire film presents the story of the building of Hadrian’s Wall and links the Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda. The nearby fort of Carvoran (not accessible) was occupied by a regiment of Syrian archers.
The Roman Army Museum is managed by the Vindolanda Trust. Coffee shop and bookshop.
More information
Roman Army Museum is open 7 days a week10am - 5pm 1 Oct - 13 Nov; CLOSED 14 Nov - 10 Feb; 10am - 5pm 11 Feb - 31 Mar; 10am - 6pm 1 Apr - 30 Sep.Admission: adults £5.00, concessions £4.25, children £2.75, family ticket £14.00;Joint ticket with Roman Vindolanda available. 016977 47485
Access
Sat Nav: CA8 7JB
Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus AD122.
Other things to do
There are a selection of walks along parts of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail which runs east and west from the museum - look out for the acorn symbol. Also, explore Walltown Quarry Country Park (just across the road) where there is a lake, easy-access paths (most suitable for wheelchairs), a pond and waymarked trails. Pick up a leaflet at the kiosk and set off on a circular tour of the disused quarry. For young visitors there are 3 Trails; the Hard Rock Trail – a geological trail (Takes approx. 45 minutes), Clue Trail – (Takes approx. 45 minutes) and the Orienteering Trail (Takes about ½ hour) or simply relax with a picnic in the dramatic setting! The Northumberland National Park Volunteer Rangers also run events during the high season for children such as pond dipping and bug hunts.
