Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall
Brampton, Cumbria
A Roman fort above the Irthing gorge, with the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian's Wall still standing to walk alongside with your dog.
Birdoswald has the best stretch of Wall on the whole frontier. Immediately outside the fort runs the longest continuous section of Hadrian's Wall still visible anywhere, which makes this the place to come if you want to walk alongside it rather than look at a fragment. The fort sits above the ravine of the river Irthing with three main gates still legible in the ground.
While you work through the displays, which explain how and why the Wall was built and who lived here, with hands-on model building and a family spy hunt round the gates, your dog gets open Cumbrian grassland with far horizons, sheep on the surrounding land and the drop to the Irthing on one side. Wind, curlew and peat, and a Wall path you can follow as far as your legs allow.
Dogs on a lead are allowed outside, with assistance dogs welcome throughout. Parking is around 200 metres from the site with room for over 50 cars, charged for non-members. There is a café, shop, toilets and picnic seating, so it works as a base for a longer Wall walk rather than just a stop.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs on a lead allowed outside. Assistance dogs welcome.
- Site Type
- Roman Site
- Entry
- £11.90 adult
- £5.95 child · £29.75 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Exhibition, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 016977 47602
- Parking
- Parking is located approx 200 metres from the site with room for over 50 cars. Parking charges apply to non-members. Parking free for members. Disabled parking on site situated approximately 50 meters from entrance. There is gated access to disabled parking. Please use the latch at the top right hand side of the gate to get access. If you need assistance, please call the site on 01697747602.
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 17:00
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Birdoswald, though they must be kept on a lead in the outdoor areas. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the entire site, including indoors. It's a rewarding visit for dogs — open Cumbrian grassland, big horizons, and the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian's Wall to walk alongside.
Are dogs allowed at Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so visiting with your dog appears to be possible whenever the site is open. That said, it's always worth checking with the site directly before your visit, particularly if you're planning around specific opening hours or events.
What should I know before visiting Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on a lead outside, and do bear in mind there are sheep on the surrounding land, so a reliable lead is essential. The car park is around 200 metres from the site, so factor in a short walk from the off — disabled parking is closer, at approximately 50 metres from the entrance, with gated access (use the latch at the top right of the gate, or call 01697747602 if you need help). The site has a café, picnic seating, and toilets, which makes it a practical base if you're planning a longer walk along the Wall.
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