A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of what was once Hadrian's Wall.
With probably the best-preserved defences of any Wall fort, this was an important base for some 1,000 Roman soldiers. The section of Wall to the east, also of stone replacing turf, is the longest continuous stretch visible today.
Archaeological discoveries have revealed a great deal about Roman military life at Birdoswald. Three of the four main gateways of the fort have been unearthed, as have the outside walls, two granary buildings, workshops and a unique drill hall.
The Birdoswald Visitor Centre provides a good introduction to Hadrian's Wall, and tells the intriguing story of Birdoswald and the people who have lived here over the past 2,000 years. There is also a tearoom, and a well-stocked shop for souvenirs.