Top Newcastle-upon-Tyne Archaeology Tours

Immerse in one of the Roman Empire’s last frontiers when you join this fascinating walking tour led by a “Roman” guide, along the Cawfields stretch of the Roman wall. Learn about the rise and fall of this UNESCO World Heritage–listed engineering wonder, why Northumberland has so many castles, and soak up glorious views of moorland, coastline and medieval villages. Numbers are capped at just 12 for an intimate and memorable experience.

2000 years ago this was a frontier, a place where two cultures collided. Your guide can happily weave a narrative from both the Roman perspective and the native perspective, providing both viewpoints. The Romans always intended to conquer Britain. Julius Caesar wrote about the riches of the British Isles... and also of giants and monsters. While Caesar made initial contact with the peoples of Britain, a full scale invasion would take another 90 years. Political turmoil in Rome was the catalyst for the new emperor, Claudius to bring his forces to the shores of Britain, changing the country forever.

Once the Roman Empire’s northernmost frontier, Hadrian’s Wall comprises stretches of walls, forts, and barracks. Tap deeper into its history than if alone on this full-day walking tour. Explore parts of the wall, and the remains of the Housesteads fort and Vindolanda supply station, as a guide explains the lives of the soldiers once based here. The tour includes lunch, with the option of transfers from Newcastle for added convenience.

Visit World Heritage–listed Hadrian’s Wall during a 3-hour walking tour of Arbeia and Segedunum (aka Wallsend), two of the Roman forts at the east end of the wall. Both settlements are excellent reconstructions, and with a guide on hand you’ll gain specialized insight. This tour is ideal for history buffs who want to learn more about the frontier of the Roman Empire, all within close proximity to urban Newcastle.

South Shields and Jarrow contain fantastic history from before the Romans and, today, are vibrant towns in the North East of England. On this tour, you’ll hear the story of the Roman Fort of Arbeia and the Anglo-Saxon story of the North East at Jarrow Hall. At Arbeia, you’ll discover the stories of soldiers and civilians alike – with dedications to Middle-Eastern traders, slaves and native Britons, all living together at this frontier. At Jarrow Hall, you’ll explore the story of the Germanic Anglo-Saxons through the museum dedicated to the Venerable Bede. Bede is arguably the greatest scholar of the Dark Ages, not only a monk, but also a teacher, scientist and historian in a time most believe to be violent, uneducated and unrecorded. Both sites have fantastic reconstructions of buildings from their periods, including a Roman gatehouse, barracks block and commanding officers’ house. What 3 Words starting location: ///rocky.move.wide

Immerse yourself in Newcastle’s rich past and handsome architecture on a walking tour around its historical highlights. As you stroll, learn about the city’s Roman, Norman, and mercantile history. Admire Grey’s Monument, Grey Street, the Castle Keep, the Tyne River, and hear about the Victorian entrepreneurs who made Newcastle an Industrial Revolution powerhouse, and discover churches, hidden stairways, and a medieval monastery.

Go deeper into Newcastle’s rich history than on many other tours when you join this guided walk—although you’ll still stroll less than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). Learn about the city’s history from the Iron Age to the present, alongside colorful characters such as Bessie Surtees. See bridges, monuments, religious buildings, a historic market, the old town wall and, of course, the castle, with plenty of photo opps too.

Instead of randomly choosing restaurants and foods while in Newcastle, ensure you hit its best culinary offerings—and landmark sights—during this private tour. With a guide for navigation and personalized attention; visit some of the top food haunts to taste their wares and meet the people behind them. Dive into Grainger Market, visit independent eateries along the Quayside, and enjoy tastings—and the city views—at the Baltic Centre.

Get the background history on Housesteads Roman Fort as you walk around Hadrian’s Wall, using a self-guided GPS tour. You’ll download a cellphone App, then set off to get all the info on the impressive Roman remains, where civilians and soldiers once lived. The tour is independent, meaning you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace; just note that entry fees are at your own expense.

Meet your local expert & begin your Hadrian's Wall Hiking Tour at The Sill Visitor Centre in the heart of Northumberland. Experience some of the most iconic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall with fantastic panoramic views of this fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site including the wonderful Sycamore Gap, made famous by the Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves movie. Enjoy an authentic introduction to the construction and life on Hadrian’s Wall with milecastles and turrets to explore along the way. Your local expert will have stories, anecdotes and historical references to keep you fully entertained and enlightened. The tour finishes at the National Trust’s Housesteads Roman Fort car park from where you can either choose to explore the fort or return to The Sill Visitor Centre via the official AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus at your leisure.

Hadrian’s Wall, the UNESCO world heritage site is the frontier of the Roman Empire. The frontier extended for 80 roman miles and covers many landscapes. Segedunum was the first fort on the wall, so why not visit it first? The fort is home to fantastic reconstructions of the Roman way of life - such as a section of the wall which can be viewed and walked along and a museum that brings the Roman world to life. You will be able to step into the Roman world and learn about this fantastic, ruthless but creative culture that conquered much of the known world. The fort was home to the mixed cavalry and infantry unit of troops from France- the fourth cohort of Lingones. It was their job to defend the river and to ensure that the frontiers wild Britons were policed. Your guide will explain and share the stories that the fort has and give you an insight into Roman life at the Northern frontier of the Empire. The tour can be booked at 10:00 am or 2 pm.