What would you like to see today? The best stretches of Hadrian’s Wall are on our doorstep, not to mention the Roman forts which defended it. Housesteads, Vindolanda and Chesters forts are all in easy reach. Or perhaps something slightly more modern – Hexham Abbey dates back to the 7th century and was once described as the finest church north of the Alps.

A journey through Northumberland National Park will take you to the National Trust mansions of Cragside and Wallington, or perhaps Kielder Water and Forest Park, with its observatory, castle, forest trails and much more.

Or stay in the village and explore our riverside location or the hills and woods around us.

View of Hadrian's Wall at dawn

Hadrian’s Wall

This internationally renowned World Heritage site attracts visitors from all over the world, and some of its best sites lie on Haydon Bridge’s doorstep. The most spectacular parts of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail are centred around The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre and link the major forts and museums which formed the defensive structure of Rome’s northern frontier.

Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads Roman Fort, with its commanding position perched high on the exposed Whin Sill Ridge, offers breathtaking views of the open moorland of the Northumberland National Park. This is probably the most complete example of a Roman fort surviving today. Interactive museum and mini-cinema are located adjacent to the fort also displaying artefacts from the site.

Opening Hours: Open Daily – check the website below for hours and admission charges.

Location: North east of Bardon Mill on B6318.

Telephone: 01434 344363

Access: 500m Steep walk in from Car park. Parking at site can be arranged at Visitor Centre in car park.

Website: Housesteads Fort

Chesters Roman Fort

Chesters has the best preserved Roman Cavalry fort in Britain. The fort is particularly picturesque with substantial remains of the impressive Bath House standing on a tree-lined terrace above the river.

Opening Hours: Open Daily – check the website below for hours and admission charges.

Location: 1/2 mile west of Chollerford on B6318.

Telephone: 01434 681379

Access: Accessible for accompanied wheelchairs.

Website: Chesters Roman Fort

Vindolanda Roman Fort

Fort and civilian settlement with full-size reconstruction of a turret on Hadrian’s Wall. Superb museum with regular new finds display. Set in charming gardens with open-air museum featuring reconstructed temple, shop and house. Archaeological excavations every summer.

Opening Hours: Open Daily Feb–Dec – check the website below for hours and admission charges.

Location: Between A69 and B6318, 1 1/2 miles north of Bardon Mill.

Telephone: 01434 344277

Access: Museum and gardens accessible. Access to excavation site difficult. Toilets at main car park.

Website: Vindolanda Roman Fort

The Sill: The National Landscape Discovery Centre

The Sill is the UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre at Once Brewed in the Northumberland National Park. The building is the result of an innovative partnership between Northumberland National Park and YHA England and Wales.

The Sill is a showcase of local pride and passion. It features exhibitions, learning and event spaces, a local food café, a world-class Youth Hostel, rural business hub, and a shop specialising in local crafts and produce.

Location: North-west of Haydon Bridge at Bardon Mill, on the ‘Military Road’ NE47 7AN

Website: The Sill: The National Landscape Discovery Centre

Parking by ticket with number plate recognition.

Local Attractions

Mr. George's Museum Of Time

This unique museum collection contains a wide selection of timepieces, keys, tools and parts dating from the 18th to the late 20th century. Lots of these items on display are types and styles which were repaired every day by Diana and her father, George Ellis, as well as some older and also rather unusual ones! Diana is also the author of wonderful children’s books inspired by her clock repairing experiences. Watch repairs and accessories are also available.

Website: Time for George Website.
Location: The museum/shop is at the junction of Ratcliffe Road and Church Street Haydon Bridge.

Haydon Old Church

The old Saint Cuthbert’s Chapel of Ease is located half a mile east of Tofts Farm to the north of the village. The original structure is thought to date from 1190. The font is a Roman altar, possibly taken from the nearby Hadrian’s Wall.
Opening Hours: Daylight hours, the door is normally open.
Location: Tofts to Haydon East farm road. NGR NY842652
Admission: Please leave a donation towards upkeep.
Access: Limited access for wheelchairs. Please park any vehicles thoughtfully, farm vehicles pass here regularly.

Langley Tracks

Pottery Classes, Sauna Sessions and Events in a delightful and most unusual woodland garden imaginatively planted along a former railway track, framed by two magnificent Victorian arched bridges.

Website: Langley Tracks

Opening Hours: Please check the website for the latest information before travelling.
Location: Langley on Tyne, HEXHAM, NE47 5LA on the B6295, 3 miles north of Allendale.

Telephone: 07460 270700.

Haydon Spa Well

This is a sulphurous spa well first developed in 1863 with a further improvement in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Following a collapse of the bank side in 2001, the access path has now been reconstructed. It can be reached by a very pleasant riverside walk strolling east along the south side of the river from the Anchor Hotel. Watch out for kingfishers here. Alternatively, there is limited parking on the A69 above the spa.
(N.B. Currently (2023) more recent flooding has again made this inaccessible so check in the village before attempting a visit)
Opening Hours: All year.

Location: Approximately one mile east of the Anchor Hotel on the riverbank.
Admission: Free.
Access: No access for wheelchairs. Please check in the village concerning latest ground collapse repairs