Roman Army Museum & Magna Roman Fort

Set next to a sweeping section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Army Museum is managed by the Vindolanda Chartable Trust. It is the perfect place to start your Hadrian’s Wall adventure. You can also see the excavations of Magna Roman Fort, part of the World Heritage Site: Frontiers of the Roman Empire. It was occupied by soldiers from around the Empire including a unit of Syrian archers.

Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s British frontier. Join Velius, the holographic teacher, for a Roman lesson covering geography, numeracy, Latin and fables. Galleries bring to life the organisation, structure and discipline of the Roman Army. Explore the many different roles and duties of the soldiers, their equipment and training as well as daily life.

The artefacts on display come from the excavations at Vindolanda and include weapons, armour, coins, leather and wooden items. You can also visit the Roman Army Museum’s sister site Vindolanda, to make a great day out on Hadrian’s Wall.

The Roman Army Museum has a fantastic cafe where you can site and look out over the fort of Magna. It is an entirely accessible venue and there are many opportunities to engage with self-led and manned activities. These include dressing up, museum trails and Roman Soldier School throughout the summer.

You can also step back in time in our cinema that shows the exclusive award winning Edge of Empire film. Follow the life of a soldier on Hadrian’s Wall and see modern aerial views over Hadrian’s Wall. The only place you can see the full film is at the Roman Army Museum.