We have visited three times over the year with our kids ranging from toddlers to teens. This particular post is based on a visit in May 2026 which we paid for ourselves.
As always, do check with venues direct for the most up to date information, especially regarding opening hours, facilities and costs. You can do that here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/birdoswald-roman-fort-hadrians-wall/
In my opinion, Birdoswald is the best Roman Fort to visit with kids. There's lots of hands on activities on offer which really brings Roman Britain to life. You'll also find excellent facilities including a family room with sink and seating, a cafe and baby change facilities.
There are no steep hills to climb here and it's fairly flat and short to walk around. Most toddlers should manage a visit here just fine.
Need to Know:
You can combine a visit here with other locations along Hadrian's Wall. Why not check out our Hadrian's Wall Day Trip Itinerary here.
Or if you fancy heading in the other direction, combine a trip to Birdoswald with an alternative day out in Cumbria.
There are no steep hills to climb here and it's fairly flat and short to walk around. Most toddlers should manage a visit here just fine.
Need to Know:
- FREE to visit for English Heritage Members (or admission applies)
- FREE parking for English Heritage Members (or £4 for non-members)
- Dogs on leads welcome
- Bus stop outside (AD122/ 681). Show your bus ticket for a 20% discount on entry
- Expect to spend around 90 minutes exploring
- Cafe, toilets, baby change and gift shop on site
- Postcode CA8 7DD (an easy 1 hour drive from Newcastle)
You can combine a visit here with other locations along Hadrian's Wall. Why not check out our Hadrian's Wall Day Trip Itinerary here.
Or if you fancy heading in the other direction, combine a trip to Birdoswald with an alternative day out in Cumbria.
Here's a quick look at why I think Birdoswald Roman Fort is a brilliant place to visit with kids:
- Catch a Spy Quest
- Mini Roman Themed Soft Play
- Roman Games
- Family Room with Sink & High Chair (perfect for indoor packed lunch / feeding)
- Peek through a Periscope which is the same height as the original wall
- Use LEGO to build a Fort or replica Hadrian's Wall
- Use a Crane to discover the skills needed to build a wall
- Complete a Folktale Creature Trail
- Play a Signalling Game
- Create your own Roman Victory Song
- Cafe with Ice Cream & Kids Menu
- Car Park & Bus Stop Outside
- Mostly flat and suitable for puschairs
- Baby bottle / food warming and highchairs available
- Baby change facilities
Catch a Spy Quest
The 'Catch a Spy Quest' is looking a little tired now. I think we first tried this 5 years ago. However it is still perfectly functional and an excellent way to immerse yourself in Roman Life in a quest that takes you around the fort. 
The quest starts as soon as you enter the fort. Follow the Roman characters and solve their clues to help you catch a spy who has infiltrated the fort.
The activities are engaging, thoughtful and lots of fun. Once you have completed each task, a clue is revealed for the next station to visit (which may not be the next one you can see).
At the end of the quest you get to design your own celebratory chime.
Challenges include listening into a Roman conversation, cracking a code using Roman letters and playing a Roman themed game. Brill for kids, adults and families to play together.
Interactive Indoor Roman Exhibition & Activities
The indoor museum at Birdoswald has been designed with lots of interaction in mind. Dogs on leads are welcome too.You can build your very own section of the wall using designs recommended on display or your own.
You can also use a Roman Crane and discover the skills needed to build a wall.
And more LEGO, this time it's designing your own turret or milecastle with full instructions provided.
There's a periscope built as tall as the original wall and you can take a peek and imagine just what it was like looking over the wall.
And interactive games including this Roman signalling game.
Plus easy-to-read inormation and displays. It's a fantastic Roman museum and worth a visit for this area alone.
Family Room with Mini Roman Soft Play & Dress Up
A fairly recent addition to the museum is an indoor family room which is free for anyone to use. Perfect for feeding little ones or as an indoor packed lunch space.
You'll find a sink, highchair, table and chairs plus a mini Roman themed soft play and dressing up area for little ones. Perfect for kids to enjoy as the adults enjoy a coffee from the cafe.
Folktale Creature Trail
You can also collect a free folktale trail on arrival - discover English folktales and the animals who feature, hunt for the missing letters around the fort and unscramble the letters to create a word and receive a special certificate. There are also QR codes to scan which feature storytelling of some of the folktales - perfect for the journey home or to listen to as you sit in the fort and take in the views.
View the Largest Stretch of Hadrian's Wall Visable Today (+ Turf Wall)
At Birdoswald you can view the largest stretch of Hadrian's Wall and the original Turf Wall without any big hikes. There are special view points with frames in the best locations so do look out for these.
What a place! If you're looking to visit a Roman Fort with children or just like somewhere that has more interactive elements to it, I would definitely recommend a trip here. Do check opening hours direct before heading out.
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