2023 Vindolanda Excavations

3rd April 2023 - 22nd September 2023

Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm, weather permitting.

The excavations are back for 2023 - the archaeologists and their teams of volunteers will be out Mon - Fri weather permitting. See history as it is uncovered.

This years excavations will continue in the South West quadrant of the 3rd Century fort. You will be able to watch as the archaeologists reveal the many layers of Vindolanda and learn about the people who lived here, through the objects and buildings they have left behind.

You may ask questions (in fact its encouraged) but please remember to respect the boundaries of the excavations.

To find out where we left things at the end of last years excavations you can watch the video below by Marta Alberti - Deputy Director of Excavations.

Latest

Roman Healthcare

A delve into the world of Roman doctors and medics. A short video blog series created by Marcus the medicus (Dr Andrew Newton) to help us understand how the Romans viewed medicine.
Potted History Oil Lamps and Deities Workshop23

9th September 2023
In this course, you will learn about the manufacturing methods employed by Roman craftsmen and create your own Roman goddess figurine, a small Lararium or household shrine and a fully functioning Roman oil lamp.
Potted History Barbotine Ware Masterclass

15th July 2023
During this workshop participants will learn about Roman Barbotine Ware, a slip decorated pottery style featuring hunt, circus and gladiatorial scenes. Decorate your own Barbotine cup using the ancient techniques and designs.
Potted History Samian Ware Masterclass

12th August 2023
During this workshop participants will learn about Roman Samian Ware, Terra Sigillata, arguably the World's first truly mass produced pottery and make your own Samian bowl using the ancient techniques.

Marcus the Medicus

29 May - 2nd June
Roman Army Museum
Join Marcus at the Roman Army Museum to explore the difference between working as a medic in the Roman times and today. How far have we come from the battlefield medicine of the Roman times?
The Eighth Legion

25th & 26th August 2023
Roman Vindolanda
The Eighth Legion return to Vindolanda to bring the site to life once more with Roman artillery and surveying, offerings to the gods and military displays
Recent Finds Exhibition

April 2023 - January 2024
Roman Vindolanda Museum
The Recent Finds case shows off some of the most exciting finds from last years excavation. Some you will have seen before on social media others will be complete surprises. Find out what was uncovered over the 2022 excavation season.
Roman Army Recruitment Day

19th-20th August
Roman Army Museum
Join the Ermine Street Guard at the Roman Army Museum. Have a go at archery, learn about the cavalry and march in formation with the legionaries! Will you join the Roman Army?
Vindolanda Guided Tours

3rd April - 19th October
Make the most of your visit to Vindolanda by joining one of our free 45 minute guided tours of the Roman Vindolanda fort site including an overview of the site and archaeological highlights.
Magna Site Tours

6th May - 1st October 2023
Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort
Make the most of your visit to the Roman Army Museum by joining one of our free guided tours of the fort Magna. Explore the rugged landscape that once held an impressive Roman fort.
Sturdy footwear required.
2023 Magna Excavations

3rd July - 22nd September 2023
Roman Magna Fort
A new excavation for 2023 at the Roman fort of Magna part of the Roman Army Museum. The archaeologists and their teams of volunteers will be out Mon - Fri weather permitting. See history as it is uncovered.
Questioning Roman Identity Exhibition

February - November 2023
Roman Army Museum
The Vindolanda Youth Panel have curated an exhibition at the Roman Army Museum called Questioning Roman Identity. Artefacts from the Vindolanda collection are highlighted which focus on aspects of identity of individuals along the Wall.
Festival of the Rose

1 May - 5 June 2023
Roman Army Museum
See the Roman Army Museum decorated with roses to commemorate Rosalia the festival of the rose, an ancient Roman festival particularly special to the Roman soldiers.
Friends Day

15 September 2023
A chance for all of our Friends of Vindolanda members to learn about what has taken place at Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum over the last year, including excavation and research updates.

Tickets

How to visit Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum and the Roman Army Museum. This page will take you through the new systems we have in place for visiting our sites, what is open and how to visit.
Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum

Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, Vindolanda is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' - the Vindolanda Writing Tablets - and is one Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year.
Roman Army Museum

Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Magna Roman Fort, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier.
Getting here

How to find us no matter how you like to travel. Whether biking, busing or marching, make your journey as smooth as possible and enjoy more time with us.
Day Planner

This is a suggested day planner for your visit to Roman Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum.
Booking and Visiting FAQ's

Have you got questions about what to expect when you arrive or how to book? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page which answers some of our visitors most popular queries.
Luna, Moon Goddess

Volunteer blog - Jackie James
The ancient Roman moon goddess, Luna, derives her name from the Latin lucere, meaning ‘to shine’ and was seen not only as the divine embodiment of the moon but also the female counterpart of the sun, Sol.
Work for us

Find out about any opportunities to join the award winning teams at Vindolanda and the Roman Army Musuem. We currently have three new fixed term posts with the Vindolanda Trust- Part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site and based at the Roman Site of Magna.
Local Accommodation

There is a vast range of places to stay near to Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum with all budgets catered for.
Book a Place

The 2023 Excavation season is nearly here, we are fully booked for the Vindolanda 2023 Excavations. Find out about what's involved and when you can see the digging taking place.

Carved stone depicting mystery horseman uncovered.

A beautifully carved sandstone relief which depicts a naked male figure holding a spear stood in front of a horse/donkey has been uncovered during the annual excavations at the Roman fort of Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Read more