Northumberland National Park

Ancient monuments in Northumberland National Park

Ancient Monuments & Ruins

This collection spans millennia of Northumberland's history, from the Iron Age ramparts of Great Hetha Hillfort to the defensive structures of the Roman frontier. It highlights key sections of Hadrian's Wall, including the 3rd-century Temple of Mithras and the strategic heights of Walltown Crags. The list also features medieval architecture, such as the salvaged stones of Thirlwall Castle and the 16th-century Black Middens Bastle, alongside unique 18th-century landmarks like Sharpe's Folly. These sites offer a detailed look at the region's ancient military and domestic life.

Ancient Monuments & Ruins — Map

Mike Peel / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Housesteads Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall

Housesteads Roman Fort was an auxiliary fort on Hadrian's Wall, at Housesteads, Northumberland, England.

Optimist on the run / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Vindolanda Fort

Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England, which it pre-dated.

Rjdeadly / CC BY 4.0

C

Habitancum: Roman Fort

Habitancum was an ancient Roman fort located at Risingham, Northumberland, England.

D

Harbottle Castle

Harbottle Castle is a ruined medieval castle situated at the west end of the village of Harbottle, Northumberland, England, 9 miles west…

E

Temple of Mithras

3rd-century temple near Carrawburgh Fort featuring replicas of original altars. The stone foundations are set in a small valley once used for worship by Roman soldiers.

F

Hadrian's Wall

UNESCO World Heritage site marking the Roman Empire's northern frontier. Built starting in AD 122, the stone wall spans 73 miles across northern England.

G

Walltown Crags

Steep section of the Roman frontier located on the Whin Sill ridge. Features well-preserved foundations of a turret and views over the northern landscape.

Reference volume in the public domain. / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Dally Castle

Foundations of a 13th-century fortified manor house, later adapted into a defensive pele tower during the border wars.

I

The Goatstones

The Goatstones is a Bronze-Age four-poster stone circle located near Ravensheugh Crags in Northumberland, England.

J

Sewingsheilds Mile Castle 35 Hadrian's Wall

Excavated foundations of a Roman milecastle situated on the Whin Sill. The site reveals the internal barracks layout and the north gateway through the wall.

K

Magnis Roman fort

Magnis or Magna was a Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall in northern Britain.

L

Aesica Roman Fort

Aesica was a Roman fort, one and a half miles north of the small town of Haltwhistle in Northumberland,.

M

Chew Green

Chew Green is the site of the ancient Roman encampment, commonly but erroneously called Ad Fines on the 1885-1900 edition of the Ordnance…

N

Thirlwall Castle

14th-century tower house ruins built using dressed stone salvaged from Hadrian’s Wall. It served as a defensive stronghold against Scottish border raiders.

O

Great Hetha Hillfort

Iron Age hillfort enclosed by a circular stone rampart. The site contains visible platforms where timber roundhouses once stood.

P

Sharpe's Folly

18th-century stone tower built by Archdeacon Thomas Sharpe for astronomical study and as a local landmark.

Q

The Sad Castle

Small stone monument and folly located near the ruins of Harbottle Castle.

R

Bastle: Black Middens

Ruined 16th-century fortified farmhouse built for protection against border reivers, featuring a defensible upper living floor and cattle stable below.

S

Grindon Turret 34A Hardian's Wall

Remains of a Roman watchtower that served as a defensive lookout point between milecastles along the northern frontier.

T

Barcombe Hill Roman Signal Station

Earthwork remains of a Roman signaling station situated on a high ridge. It provided a vital communication link overlooking the Stanegate road.

Other Lists

Northumberland National Park Essentials Hadrian's Wall Highlights Historic Churches and Chapels Peaks and Viewpoints