Guided tours of Roman Britain

Between 43 and 410 AD, the Romans occupied a portion of Britain and named it ‘Britannia'. Everything south of the ever-changing border to Caledonia was under Roman occupation. The northern border was marked out by a wall that came to symbolise the lasting legacy of the Roman influence in Britain, and continues to attract tourists to this day. We know it as Hadrian's Wall. A large portion of the mid-section of Hadrian's Wall still stands, and various guided tours centre on this iconic relic, taking in the surrounding area and sites of historic interest dotted around Northumberland, known as ‘Hadrian's Wall Country'. A national trail footpath runs the length of the wall from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Salway, and in the summer months it is possible to walk across it. This is the perfect spot for a local holiday, and a guided tour offers the means and opportunity to explore in detail this culture-rich part of Britain, stepping back in time to the creation of the wall, and the beginnings of modern day Britain.

In its heyday, Hadrian's Wall was an impressive fortification, stretching over seventy three miles and comprising no less than sixteen of the total thirty forts that lined the Frontier. Now, you can walk the trail and visit the Roman Army Museum for a taste of history – there are interactive features available here, making this suitable for all the family. This is your chance to see what life was like in Roman Britain – a fascinating and informative experience. A visit to the Vindolanda, just south of the Wall, offers the rare opportunity to watch live excavations. Many important artefacts, from coins to pottery shards, have been found here. The most impressive find has to be the famous Vindolanda Writing Tablets. Effectively ancient postcards, the spidery messages are available to be viewed in their native home after a stint at the British Museum. They give a fascinating insight into the lives of real people living in Roman Britain. As well as these, the infrastructure of almost an entire town is made visible at Vindolanda, including a bath house, barracks, a temple and even a mausoleum. Look out for excursions here on your tour, and make sure you research what comes included, and what doesn't. This includes daily meals, and transport to and from the various sites you will visit on your tour.

As well as coach trips and the convenience of a qualified tour guide who will be able to lend their expertise to your trip, a guided tour will offer ‘leisure time', where you can take advantage of optional excursions, or take the opportunity to explore the place you are visiting for yourself. Many of the villages and parishes in the area surrounding Hadrian's wall are steeped in history, and preserve much of the architecture of bygone eras. Look out for markets and fayres in the summer months, and for local museums – you might just find some gems. Some places of note are Hexham, with its Gothic Abbey and listed market, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Chesters and Housesteads Roman Fort, the quaint market town of Rothbury with its village feel and stone houses and Alnwick Castle.