Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore Roman Heritage at Vindolanda Fort
Founded in 1970, The Vindolanda Trust has dedicated over five decades to preserving and showcasing Roman history along Hadrian's Wall. As a registered charity and heritage leader, we operate Vindolanda Roman Fort & Museum and the Roman Army Museum, welcoming over 5.3 million visitors to date. Our mission combines expert-led archaeological research with accessible public engagement, offering guided tours, educational programs, and hands-on experiences.With 53 local staff members, we remain one of Tynedale's largest tourism employers while advancing innovative preservation methods like AI-driven data analysis. Our commitment to transparency and community impact ensures Roman history remains vibrant and educational for future generations.
Services
Guided Tours
School Visits
Research Access
Museum Exhibitions
Volunteering Programs
Online Collections
Excavation Projects
Lecture Series
Accessibility Services
Heritage Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We lead heritage preservation with over 50 years of expertise on Hadrian's Wall.
- Our expert-led guided tours offer unparalleled archaeological insights.
- AI technology pioneers real-time data analysis for historical protection.
- Accessible facilities ensure inclusive visitor experiences across our sites.
- Sustainability initiatives align preservation with climate action commitments.
Associations and certifications
- VisitEngland Gold Award
Services
Guided Tours
Our expert-led guided tours explore Roman Vindolanda's archaeological highlights. Visitors gain exclusive insights into excavations and daily life at the fort, suitable for all ages. Tours run daily during operating hours with no additional charge.
School Visits
We provide curriculum-linked educational experiences at Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda Fort. School groups access interactive workshops, artifact handling, and immersive reenactments. Resources align with national history standards for primary and secondary learners.
Research Access
Researchers benefit from unparalleled access to excavation sites, artifact collections, and digital archives. Our team collaborates with universities on groundbreaking studies using AI-driven data analysis of over 1.8 million recorded artifacts.
Museum Exhibitions
Permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase Roman artifacts including writing tablets and military equipment. Displays combine traditional presentation with interactive digital elements, allowing deep exploration of Vindolanda's 27% excavated history.
Online Collections
Virtual access to thousands of archaeological records and 3D artifact models supports remote research. Our digital platform enables global scholars and enthusiasts to explore Vindolanda's excavations and findings from anywhere in the world.
People
Dr Andrew Birley
Director of Excavations
Leading Roman archaeology expert with decades of fieldwork experience at Vindolanda, Dr. Birley directs excavation projects and public outreach initiatives while advancing innovative preservation technologies.
Dr Marta Alberti-Dunn
Deputy Director of Excavations
Specialist in Roman military history, Dr. Alberti-Dunn co-leads research projects and develops educational programs, bringing expertise from international archaeological digs to Vindolanda's preservation efforts.
Questions
What are the main attractions at Vindolanda Trust?
We operate Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum and the Roman Army Museum, with ongoing excavations revealing new discoveries dating back to the Severan period.
How do I book tickets for Vindolanda sites?
Tickets can be purchased online through our 'Book Your Visit' portal, with combined admission available for both Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda Fort.
Are there educational resources for students?
Yes! Our School Visits program includes workshops, guided tours, and digital resources tailored to national curriculum requirements for Roman history studies.
Can I participate in archaeological research?
Volunteering opportunities and research collaborations are available for qualified individuals and academic institutions through our engagement programs.
How does the Trust use modern technology?
We implement AI-driven analysis of archaeological data and digital 3D modeling to enhance preservation efforts and public accessibility to historical records.
What sustainability initiatives does the Trust have?
Our climate action program focuses on green tourism practices, including energy-efficient facilities and environmentally responsible excavation methods.
Reviews (6)
Steven Granton
Dec 13, 2021
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Fantastic museum of Hadrian's Wall and the Roman artifacts found there. Great coffee shop/restaurant with outdoor patio areas, which I'm sure will be nice in the summer.
Ali McInnes
Oct 08, 2021
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Brilliant day out even in the rain. Children loved walking amongst history. The guided tour was fantastic and really brought the history to life. Wasn't sure what to expect before we arrived but very glad we went. The cafe was a welcome escape from the weather and very good value.
John Lancaster
Sep 26, 2021
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Slightly off the track of the wall walk but certainly worth making a detour. Foundations of the Fort buildings can be clearly seen with information provided explaining each. The highlight for us though, were the letters in the museum written by the soldiers garrisoned there, which were discovered on site. They throw a fascinating light on what life was like for the centurions and the types of things they were requesting. There is a cafe on site too. Good parking and an accessible entrance. Don't forget to visit its sister museum, The Roman Army museum near the wall itself - another fabulous
Roger Dillon
Sep 19, 2021
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Visually and historical amazing. The site in itself is fantastic and the museum very close to the site is the icing on a beautiful cake. This is a place anyone visiting the Lakes must visit. Interesting, educational as just two of the adjectives one would use to describe this attraction.
Janet Arnold
Sep 18, 2021
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Loved it. Great museum with loads of finds to look over. Plus you can walk round the Fort and see how it would have been
Alison White
Aug 29, 2021
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I spent a riveting couple of hours here today. I can’t think why I’ve never been here before. The site is extraordinary, the museum really interesting and the cafe to die for - all set in beautiful surroundings. But the thing that really brought it to life was the amazing guide, his knowledge of history and his presentation was the best. I learnt… a huge amount about history of this region, the Romans, their life style ( lots of social history too) . Plus the fact that they are still uncovering new treasures. I love the fact that the Romans were so diverse, Syrians Gauls and
