Vindolanda — Attraction in Great Britain

Great day out, may have entered from the wrong side, there is a sign stating no parking ahead on the road, but I think if you continue it takes you to a different entrance with less of a hill.

The fort is interesting, there is a lot of information it just seemed that less so on individual signs (though they are in quite a few buildings). The audio posts were a great touch but I can see them being a problem on busier days, but if you're lucky enough to go when it's quiet enough to use it, the information is clear and gives you some extra little details.

It will be interesting to see some more of the rest of their finds after the dig sites are cleared and organised.

One side thought is that there seems to be a small stream running through, I'm not sure if this is supposed to be there as a fair bit of it seems to be coming from a broken plastic pipe which looks to be close to a trip hazard. It was a shame to not have free movement through all buildings due to this. It could be a recently exposed issue but signage to warn of the hole and/or the flood aren't there, this could be something they plan and I hope they do plan in using but right now I won't reflect this in my staring because I've yet to visit again.

It's unfortunate that it isn't part of the national trust or English heritage, but I guess they can't have everything.

The museum is extensive and the size and scope of what they have on display is great. A lot to read if that's your thing, but also a lot to see and I guess you can just read smaller amounts if you are fitting the visit in with multiple trips along the wall. But back to the museum, the stuff on display is a lot. More than I've seen at the other forts along the wall and a few unique finds on display, so that was great to see as well.

We missed the food by the time we got back unfortunately as we were peckish by the time we had done the walking around the fort. But the staff all seemed super friendly, it would have been nice to see one or two outside, even if it's just to offer some insight into the dig sites. It would be nice to know if they have found anything interesting, hear their enthusiasm about what they have and/or will find. Talk about some past digs and even better if they were working there, especially if they were involved in the dig.

So overall, ticket prices aren't too bad although I think more than NT or EH day tickets and no membership. The sign stated there were two sites and museums but I didn't have time for two, maybe that would be a good idea for people with more time, would make the money seem like it's going further.

It lacks a few things that I would like to see around, but it does make up for it in the museum and with the built up parts of the gate (although I didn't see any signage within)

And I didn't check out the part down the hill by the river as we finished walking the fort close to...

Vindolanda is a must-see for anyone visiting Hadrian's Wall. It is not directly on the wall, but pre-dates it & was inhabited for several hundred years.

Vindolanda is famous for its finds: the particular conditions here have preserved unexpected items in excellent condition, especially leather and wood ( which would normally rot away). Huge numbers of sandals, shoes & boots have been discovered: every conceivable design of sandals, wooden flip-flops to wear on the hot floor of the bath-house and a 'Manolo Blahnik'-equivalent belonging to the commander's wife. It's even stamped on the insole with the maker's mark & logo.

Perhaps most famously there are the handwritten wooden tablets or 'postcards', which are amazing. A number of these are on display in the museum (at the bottom of the hill, so make sure you don't miss it!) They are beautifully presented, with an audio-visual guide for each one, giving the original Latin, a translation & information about the writers & recipients.

The site itself is very impressive due to its scale. Some of the vicus (village outside the fort walls) has been excavated, and there is a reconstruction of part of the wall & a gatehouse. This gives a vivid impression of what life was like there in Roman times.

One big attraction is that there are archaeological digs here every summer. You can watch & talk to the volunteer diggers and to the on-site archaeologists, which is fascinating.

There is also a lovely café with plenty of outside seating looking over the beautiful grounds. You may be 'mugged' for breadcrumbs by the very friendly robins, or you might spot dippers and grey wagtails on the stream.

You could easily combine your visit with a walk (from uphill, you can get a fabulous panoramic view of the site).

Make sure you also visit the Vindolanda Roman Army Museum. It's not just about the military, and has a great 3D film...

Went with my mum, who is wheelchair dependent. The staff were so helpful and friendly, opening doors, showing us the facilities and the best routes to get around. Vindolanda has a main entrance area then, an outside site, before you reach the museum itself. There is a rather steep path down to the museum building itself. However you can access the rear of the building via a single track roadway if the walk-way is too difficult to manage. The museum is a real gem, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The cafe serves hot food (pies, sausage rolls & soup) & cold food (sandwiches, scones & cakes), plus hot & cold drinks. There's a small indoor seating area & more space outside on a wooden platform/balcony. Sadly the current weather being as it is, meant indoor seating was in demand. Suggest avoiding the cafe at core times (betwn 1pm & 2.30) on busy days. Only downside was the new automated disabled toilet. Which instead of locking when pressing the button, decided to automatically open....rather embarrassing!! Technology NOT at its best! Apart from that, our visit was a great success. Sadly, It was raining when we arrived, which did dampen proceedings, although it cheered up later in the day. We would definitely visit again and hopefully the weather will be kinder to us, so we can explore the roman remains / site excavations at leisure. Thank you to all the staff for your outstanding service and assistance 👏 💯 % recommend this museum. Ps we bought a saver ticket for entry to both vindolanda & roman army museum (7 miles up the road). Excellent value for money. Carers do have free entry, but you will earn it as there are some steep ramped areas. Mind I'm sure the staff will be on...