Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
- Experienced driver/guide
- Transportation
- Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum entry fee (or Housesteads Roman Fort when Vindolanda closed)
- Entry fees not mentioned
- Meals and refreshments
- Experienced driver/guide
- Transportation
- Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum entry fee (or Housesteads Roman Fort when Vindolanda closed)
- Entry fees not mentioned
- Meals and refreshments
Today you're embarking on the journey through the ancient past and you start by heading on old Roman Dere Street that ran from the south of Scotland through what is now Northumberland. As you venture into the picturesque region of the Scottish Borders, you'll be surrounded by rolling hills adorned with ancient abbeys and charming villages. While the area may seem serene today, it has a rich history marked by conflicts and border skirmishes over the centuries.
Your first stop is the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh dominated by the magnificent 12th-century Augustinian Abbey. You'll have the opportunity to take a short walk through the peaceful narrow streets to admire the soaring ruins of the abbey. Continuing south, we'll stop at the scenic Carter Bar, located on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England follows the ancient Roman road and has marked the border between the two countries for the past 700 years. As you enter Northumberland, a county renowned for its historic towns, lush countryside, and ancient castles, you'll bid farewell to Scotland.
The tour continues toward Hadrian's Wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You'll have time to walk beside the wall and feel the isolation that Roman soldiers experienced while guarding against the ‘barbarians' to the north. As you journey along the wall, your guide will recommend the best sites to visit. Next is exploring the archaeological site of Vindolanda, where you can step into the lives of those at this Roman fort. Years of excavation have uncovered incredible artifacts, from shoes and jewellery to bones and pottery. With history in mind, you'll head north to Scotland, traveling through Dumfries and Galloway to Moffat.
You'll have a short break in the Victorian spa town of Moffat, which attracted visitors in the 18th and 19th centuries seeking the health benefits of its mineral springs. The town is also famous for Moffat toffee, known for its unique buttery flavour and chewy texture. From Moffat, you'll travel north, past the Pentland Hills Regional Park on your way back to Edinburgh
- Discover the remains of Hadrian’s Wall
- Enjoy a visit to the Vindolanda Roman Army Museum
- Explore Birdoswald, one of the best preserved Roman forts.
- Stop at the border town of Jedburgh, visit the remains of the Augustinian Abbey
- Visit the village of Lanercost, the western gateway to Hadrian’s Wall
The meeting point may vary. Always check the tickets we sent you to confirm the final details before the activity.
Know before you go
- Please note that Vindolanda is closed yearly during the month of January and part of February. Instead, we take you to Housesteads Roman Fort.
- To maintain balance and comfort on board, group bookings are limited to a maximum of 8 passengers per booking. Please note this does not mean the tour is capped at 8 people overall - our small-group tours operate with up to 16 participants in total. This way, you’ll share the journey with other like-minded travellers while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller group: more personal service, more time with locals, more opportunities off the bus, and a friendlier, more authentic travel experience.
- We don’t carry children under the age of 5. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
- You will return at approximately 19:00
