Hadrian's Wall & Scottish Borders Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore ancient Roman fortifications
- Visit picturesque Scottish villages
- Learn about Roman Britain history
- Enjoy scenic countryside views
- Discover medieval castles and ruins
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Admission to Hadrian's Wall sites
- Guided tour of Scottish Borders
- Transportation from Edinburgh
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
A beautiful market town that Mary Queen of Scots famously visited. Optional visit to the Abbey.
Continuing south we make a stop at the scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the two countries for the past 700 years.
Hadrian’s Wall - The wildest and most northerly frontier of the ancient Roman Empire. We follow the road that takes us along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You have time to walk beside the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the ‘barbarians’ to the north.
* Entrance to Vindolanda Roman Army Museum (or Homesteads Roman Fort should Vindolanda be closed) included in the tour price. Vindolanda is one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites. Vindolanda means white lawns or white fields. We know that the Roman name for the fort was Vindolanda because of an altar set up by the civilians at Vindolanda to the god Vulcan which was found during drainage works in 1914. The altar is on display in the museum. The name Vindolanda has also been discovered on some of the writing tablets. (closed in January).
You'll have a short break in the Victorian spa town of Moffat, which attracted visitors in the 18th and 19th centuries seeking the health benefits of its mineral springs. The town is also famous for Moffat toffee, known for its unique buttery flavor and chewy texture. From Moffat, you'll travel north, past the Pentland Hills Regional Park on your way back to Edinburgh
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; proficiency is recommended
- Children under 5 years old can join for free if seated on a parent's lap
- Pets are not allowed on the tour
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring historical sites
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding.
- Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
- Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure
- This tour will depart from inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
- Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum admission. Tour will visit Homesteads Roman Fort should Vindolanda be closed.
- In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
- Please note that Vindolanda is closed yearly during the month of January and part of February. Instead, we take you to Housesteads Roman Fort during this period.
Traveler reviews
Stephan was a great tour...
Stephan was a great tour guide! We really enjoyed the trip and our son will be incorporating it into his lesson plan as a teacher.
The pacing was perfect....
The pacing was perfect. We went exactly where we wanted, did not have to worry about renting a car, driving in a foreign country plus learned fascinating local details we would never had learned without our guide, Stewart, telling us.
Well worth it!
This was a great experience. Our guide Jack was very knowledgeable, friendly, and a great sense of humor. Steel Rig was a great place, I chose not to climb, but did walk down to meet the wall. Vinolandia was spectacular. The museum was well worth the trip, let alone wandering through the site. It was great not feel rushed. Moffett was a cute town, just wish things were open.
Great tour and guide
Did the Haridan's Wall day tour with Stephen. Couldnt have asked for a better drive/tour guide for the day. While the sights are well worth it, Stephen's knowledge made the trip all the better. Can't thank him enough for giving us such a memorable experience.
An Outstanding Tour with Jim Scott!
Our guide, Jim Scott, was by far the best part of the entire tour! He is incredible. He had us laughing all day, we learned a lot of interesting and unique facts, and he made us feel like we had been lifelong friends. Jim made the tour interactive and engaging, and he also took the time to take everyone’s pictures. A big bonus: he is a professional photographer, so the pictures turned out amazing! I appreciate the hard work and effort that Jim puts in. His energy, enthusiasm, wit, and charm are genuine; he truly wants his passengers to have the best time. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with him. I’ve been on several Rabbie’s tours, and while they have all been great, Jim is the best of the best and definitely the most memorable. He sets the bar high, and it shows. Whoever is lucky enough to be on his tours will not be disappointed. Thank you, Jim! You elevated my trip and are someone I will never forget.