26 – 29 August 2025
Hadrian’s Wall – LRAC/AHS Tour
Description
Stretching coast to coast from Newcastle to Carlisle and beyond for 80 miles and set in a 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 2023. 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 – with excellent food and stunning views.
Bed and breakfast tariff in a twin-share room with private facilities. Good pub meals and an excellent bar in Twice Brewed Inn (not included).
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186351-d672166-Reviews-or10-The_Twice_Brewed_Inn-Hexham_Northumberland_England.html#REVIEWS
Course Cost
£470 inclusive of tuition, accommodation and breakfast.
Single Room Supplement
£144
Travel
Out: Cathy is planning to take the 10.30 train out of London King’s Cross via Newcastle and then the Tyne Valley train to Haltwhistle, arriving at 15.13. Exact times to be advised.
Return: Cathy is planning to take the 13.21 train from Haltwhistle and the 14.26 train from Newcastle to London Kings Cross, arriving at 17.40. Exact times to be advised.
You can book yourself onto the same trains (costs ca. £140 return – book early for cheaper fares) or meet Cathy at Haltwhistle station or directly at the Twice Brewed Inn. You may, of course, be travelling in your own car.
Local Transport
Hotel transfers and local travel on the 122 Bus are at your 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 the UK.
Related OU Courses
General Interest/A340 Roman Empire, A219 Introduction to the Classical World
Itinerary / Study Programme
Day 1, Tuesday, 26 August 2025
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 take the 10.30 train out of London King’s Cross via Newcastle and then the Tyne Valley train to Haltwhistle, arriving at 15.13. Exact times to be advised.
Day 2, Wednesday, 27 August 2025
am visit Chesters Fort, including a bridge crossing where the Wall crosses the Tyne, the remains of a bath house and the John Clayton Museum – lunch at the excellent cafè at Chesters Fort
pm bus to the nearby Roman Fort of Housesteads, perched on the Whin Sill cliffs for spectacular views and Roman loos
Day 3, Thursday, 28 August 2025
Full day at the nearby Roman Fort of Vindolanda, Vindolanda has ongoing excavations, fantastic museums, recreated Roman Wall and buildings and a great café
Day 4, Friday, 29 August 2025
am Visit the excellent Northumberland National Park visitors centre for a great display and tasty café
pm departure
Note: Cathy is planning to take the 13.21 train from Haltwhistle and the 14.26 train from Newcastle to London Kings Cross, arriving at 17.40. Exact times to be advised.