25 – 28 July 2023
Hadrian’s Wall – AHS Tour
Description
Stretching coast to coast from Newcastle to Carlisle and beyond for 80 miles and set in magnificent landscape, Hadrian’s Wall is probably the finest Roman site in Britain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The central section is the best preserved, running along high cliffs with fantastic views. Our trip is designed to take in the best of these central sites and scenery – rivers, mountains, forts and abbeys – and explore how the Wall may have worked. There is also time to relax and enjoy the sites and scenery in good company over good food.
This trip sold out very quickly in 2021. People enjoyed it so much that we’re running it again.
Other Details
Accommodation
We stay in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country in the Twice Brewed Inn in the tiny village of Once Brewed – the best-placed hotel on Hadrian’s Wall – excellent food and stunning views.
Bed and breakfast tariff in a twin-share room with private facilities. Good pub meals and excellent bar in Twice Brewed Inn (not included).
http://www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk/
Course Cost
£388 inclusive of tuition, accommodation and breakfast.
Single Room Supplement
£110
Travel
Out: Cathy is planning to travel on by train out of London King’s Cross about 10.30, due in Newcastle at tbc and then the tbc train to Haltwhistle (tbc) for the tbc Hadrian’s Wall bus to Once Brewed, due tbc. You can book yourself onto the same train (costs ca. £100 return – book early for cheaper fares), or meet her at Haltwhistle station, or directly at the Once Brewed Inn (you may, of course, be travelling in your own car).
Back: Cathy is planning to take the 9.31 tbc Hadrian’s Wall bus from Once Brewed to Hexham (10.05 tbc) and, after a spot of sight-seeing, the early afternoon train to Newcastle, due at tbc, and then the tbc train to London King’s Cross, due about 18.00.
Local Transport
Hotel transfers and local travel on the 122 Bus are at own expense, but the Hadrian’s Wall bus is free to English freedom bus pass holders – at the time of planning, anyway!
Group Size
Ca. 20 people
Tutor
Cathy Mercer, MA, is an experienced teacher, lecturer and tour manager. She has taught in London schools and for the Open University, Birkbeck College, LRAC, City Lit and the WEA. She has led numerous study tours to Italy, Holland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey and in the UK.
Related OU Courses
General Interest/A340 Roman Empire, A219 Introduction to the Classical World
Itinerary / Study Programme
Day 1, Tuesday, 25 July 2023
pm arrival in Haltwhistle/Once Brewed
late pm visit to Steel Rig and Milking Gap, the highest points on Hadrian’s Wall – a short walk from the Twice Brewed Inn.
Note: Cathy is planning to travel on the train about 10.30 out of London King’s Cross, via Newcastle and Haltwhistle for the Hadrian’s wall bus to Once Brewed, due 16.00 approx.
Day 2, Wednesday, 26 July 2023
am visit to nearby Roman fort of Vindolanda for a tour of the site, the museum for writing tablets and extensive reconstructions of Roman buildings and Hadrian’s Wall – lunch in Vindolanda café
pm fantastic walk or bus to nearby Roman fort of Housesteads
Day 3, Thursday, 27 July 2023
am visit to the Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Visitors’ Centre
pm lunchtime bus to Chesters Cavalry Fort on the River Tyne and a visit to the Broccalitia Mithraeum – again travelling by Hadrian’s Wall bus or walking
Day 4, Friday, 28 July 2023
am visit to the pretty market town of Hexham and medieval Hexham Abbey
pm departure
Note: Cathy is planning to take the tbc 9.31 bus from Once Brewed to Hexham (10.05) and, after a spot of sight-seeing, the 13.38 tbc train to Newcastle, due at 14.11 tbc, and then the train to London King’s Cross, due approx. 18.00.