‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
Family-friendly things to do this winter at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort
Fresh air, a chance of snow, wide open spaces with room to explore, dramatic landscapes, a 1900 year old Wall and a Roman Fort with the best preserved Roman toilets in Britain. What's not to love?
Winter is a quieter time on Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort meaning more room to run and play!
Planning your family visit
- Walk in the footsteps of the 800 Roman soldiers who lived here
- Peer into the oldest toilets you'll ever see
- Warm up with a hot chocolate in our Visitor Centre cafe
- Run wild in five acres
- Spot some special wildlife
- Climb a crag
- Tick some things off your 50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4 list
- Baby change within accessible toilet
Spot some special wildlife
Even in winter, wildlife can be spotted at Hadrian's Wall. Look out for Fieldfares - a colourful thrush that can cover some of the fields at this time of year. They are noticeable because they stand very upright and move forward with purposeful hops. You'll see them in flocks anywhere from tens to hundreds strong.
Climb a Crag
Crag Lough dominates the wall's landscape and can be seen from miles around. It's almost always in shade of the towering Whin Sill. The Lough is home to mute swans, busy coots, mallards, tufted ducks and goldeneyes, and you can even climb the Crag if you fancy it.
Listen to the National Trust Kids' Podcast
Stumble back in time with Tillie, who's exploring Hadrian's Wall when she accidentally goes back 2,000 years. Discover the history of the Romans who once guarded the border, learn some Latin insults and meet some ancient pets as Tillie works out how to get back home.
'50 things to do before you're 11¾'
Run off some energy or work up an appetite with an adventure through Roman times. Imagine the lives of the Roman soldiers, stationed at Housesteads almost 2,000 years ago with a trip around the Fort. Take a walk along Hadrian's Wall and stop to admire the views or take a photo. You could also tick off some of the '50 things'. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- No. 27 Go star gazing: Stargazing is a magical way to bring science alive and to experience the beauty of our natural world. There are lots of places to star gaze along Hadrian's Wall or you could even try it in your back garden or through your window!
- No. 44 Watch a bird: Spot some birds at Hadrian's Wall - in winter look out for Fieldfares hopping about in the fields along the Wall and robins too.
- No. 15 Go on a wintry adventure Even when it's cold or snowing, there's plenty to discover outdoors. Make sure you wrap up in your warmest clothes before setting off.