1.HADRIANS WALL :

Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It ranks alongside the Taj Mahal and other treasures as one of the great wonders of the world. It is one of the best known historical attractions in Britain. Stretching for 73 miles from Bowness on Solway in the west, to Wallsend in the east, up to a quarter of million people come to visit it each year. You can gain access to the Wall at a number of different locations either via a number of recognized walks, or you can simply go for a wander and discover it for yourself. http://www.hadrians-wall.org/

2. HOUSESTEADS FORT:

The magnificent Housesteads Fort, is the best preserved of all the sixteen Roman forts on Hadrian’s Wall. Perched high on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment it commands breathtaking views.

Here you can explore a turreted curtain wall, three visible barrack blocks, granaries , a hospital, four double-portal gateways, and of course, the famous and well-preserved latrines. Located about halfway along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, there is also a good museum, which takes you back to how Housesteads once looked, as you soak up its 2,000 years of history.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hadrianswallandhousesteadsfort

3. VINDOLANDA FORT :

A Roman soldier’s life was extremely tough, they were disciplined by flogging, beheaded for not following orders and deserters had their right hands cut off.

Soldiers had to march with huge packs in all weathers and were never paid except for their share of any booty. Their tedious food consisted of unleavened bread, porridge, vegetables and a little wine. They preferred to be fighting because it was preferable to the arduous marching and camp work. Even after a long day's march they had to dig ditches around camp and erect sharpened stakes to ward off the enemy.See it , touch it, feel it, at the superb Vindolanda fort.

http://www.vindolanda.com/

4. ARMY MUSEUM GREENHEAD :

Get all the background to Hadrian and his Wall at the living history museum next to the outstanding Walltown Crags section of Hadrian's Wall. Everything you want to know about the Roman solider, his training, pay, living quarters, armour, weapons, and off duty activities are explained in an entertaining and informative way. With reconstructions, life-sized soldier figures, film theatre, Roman finds display, Café and books, gifts, souvenirs. The Roman experience has so much that is fascinating

5. BIRDOSWALD :

stands high above the River Irthing, in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian's Wall. This Roman fort, turret and milecastle has probably the best-preserved defences of any Wall fort and was an important base for 1,000 Roman soldiers.

Three of the four main gateways of the fort have been unearthed, as have the outside walls, two granary buildings, workshops and a unique drill hall. The Visitor Centre provides a good introduction to the whole of Hadrian's Wall, and tells the intriguing story of Birdoswald and the people who have lived here over the past 2,000 years. There is also a cosy tearoom plus a well-stocked shop for souvenirs. Something for everyone.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.13613

6. CHESTERS ROMAN FORT :

has the best remains of a cavalry fort in Britain. It was built to guard the Roman bridge which carried Hadrian's Wall over the River North Tyne. The entire foundations of the building are visible and the bath house is extremely well preserved. The newly-refurbished museum displays a collection of Roman finds retrieved by local antiquarian John Clayton.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.13166

7. SEGEDUNUM ROMAN FORT :

In AD122, the Roman Emperor Hadrian gave orders that an incredible 73 mile wall was to be built from the River Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west to keep out the maurauding Barbarians. Segedunum, which means “strong Fort”, fortified the eastern end of the Wall and was once home to 600 Roman soldiers. Today, Segedunum is in Wallsend and is the most excavated fort along the Wall.It has a a 34 metre high site viewing tower ,reconstructed military Bath House and a large interactive museum. Good place to start.

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/segedunum/

8. SUPERB ROMAN WALK FROM ONCE BREWED TO HOUSESTEADS AND VINDOLANDA :

This epic walk takes in the most famous stretches of Hadrian's Wall. The route links the National Park visitor centre at Once Brewed with Housesteads Fort, via the spectacular Whin Sill ridge, Crag Lough, the famous Hotbank and Cuddy's Crags. If you’re up for it you can then go on to Vindolanda and you’ll have captured the two most famous forts on the Wall in one day.This 7.5 mile walk can fill a full day for you, with all things Roman.

http://www.hadrianswall-northumberland.com/hadrianswall/walking/downloadable-walking-routes

9. ARBEIA ROMAN FORT & MUSEUM :

once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne. Situated in South Shields, the excavated remains and stunning reconstructions of the original buildings at the site combine to give a unique insight into life in Roman Britain. Dig for finds yourself, on the actual excavation site and study them to discover what you have unearthed. Piece together a Roman pot and have a go at weaving and writing just as the Romans did over

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/arbeia/

10.THE TEMPLE OF MITHRAS  :

which is situated near Carrawburgh fort (OS grid ref:- NY858712) was dedicated to the Roman sun god, beloved by Roman soldiers. The temple was founded in the 3rd century, and eventually desecrated, probably by Christians. It was an important part of Roman life in Britain and two other temples to Mithras have been found on Hadrian's Wall at Housesteads and Rudchester. Mithraism first appealed to slaves and freedmen but with Mithras's title Invictus, the cult's emphasis on truth, honour and courage, and its demand for discipline soon led to Mithras becoming a god of soldiers and traders.

http://museums.ncl.ac.uk/archive/mithras/frames.htm

Top Ten List written by Brian Walker