Location
Grid Reference: NY 794 684 (OS Outdoor Leisure 43)
Ownership
The car park is owned by Northumberland National Park Authority. The land is owned by The National Trust. The fort is managed by English Heritage.
Description
Housesteads is the most complete example of a roman fort to be seen in Britain. The 5 acre fort occupies a commanding position on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment offering outstanding views into the National Park to the north and the North Pennines in the south.
Access
Drivers are signposted from the B6318. The Hadrian’s Path National Trail passes alongside the fort boundary. There is also a Bus Stop for the Hadrian’s Wall Bus (AD122) in the main car park.
Facilities
- Refreshment kiosk (owned and managed by The National Trust)
- Toilets including disabled (owned and managed by The National Trust)
- Retail Area (owned and managed by The National Trust)
- Interpretive displays
- Museum and Fort (owned and managed by English Heritage)
- Public Water Tap
- Public Telephone
- Cycle Stands (2 lockable)
- Car Parking (owned and managed by Northumberland National Park Authority) Max: 133 bays including 2 bays for disabled badge holders (£1.00 per car per day)
- Coach Parking Max: 3 Coaches (£5.00 per coach per day)
- Picnic Tables
- Dogs, under close supervision
- Post Box
Car Park concessions for Charity-led Walks only
- Up to 10 vehicles(minibuses and cars) would not be charged at all
- Over 10 vehicles (minibuses and cars) would be charged half price
- Note: During holiday periods, this car park can become very busy and it is recommended that planners consider other sites to avoid possible congestion
- Ranger time – free
Access & Land Management Issues
Around Housesteads the land is owned by The National Trust and is farmed under a tenancy agreement. East of the Knag Burn and Housesteads Plantation towards Sewingshields the land is under private ownership. Care is needed to avoid stock disturbance during calving and lambing periods in the spring and autumn. The route east to Carrawburgh follows Hadrian’s Wall Path and there are a number of slopes. These slopes are particularly vulnerable to erosion. Beyond Sewingshields, the route descends from the upland area of the central section and follows the earth work alongside the North ditch, which is particularly fragile. Note: There are no real wet weather alternatives that are close to the Wall and Trail. Event planners are requested to be familiar with new Open Access legislation that applies to land either side of the route (see http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk). National Trust byelaws apply on their estate, particularly for dog owners. Note: National Park Rangers will monitor all Event activities to assess their impact on the surrounding environment.
Contact
Paget Lazzari, Senior Ranger
Email: paget.lazzari@nnpa.org.uk
+44 (0) 1434 344430
Mobile: 07795 834951