Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Standing above the entrance to the River Tyne, Arbeia South Shields' Roman Fort guarded the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. It was a key garrison and military supply base to other forts along the Wall and is an important part of the history of Roman Britain. Through the course of history Arbeia has had several guises; from the Roman Emperor's HQ for the Scottish invasion to a busy cosmopolitan port. It's hosted dramatic tales of murder, fire, and holds the key to ancient love stories. It was a huge supply base for the Roman army, home to 600 Roman troops and is said to be the birth place of the Northumbrian King Oswin. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site with the finest full-scale Roman reconstructions in the country showcasing some of the most significant finds from that time. Step into the fort and immerse yourself in the world of the Romans right in the heart of South Shields. Explore inside the full-scale reconstructed Roman buildings including the West Gate, Commanding Off
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
417 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
146
Average
29
Poor
5
Terrible
2
SanDra_B
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK56 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Arbeia is a museum based on the site of an old Roman Fort overlooking the mouth of the River Tyne in South Shields. It was founded nearly 2000 years ago to guard the port, the nearest for bring troops from Rome to Hadrian's Wall. Having been to Hadrian's Wall and been not particularly impressed as it is just a ruin mostly, Arbeia brings the history of the Romans in Britian to life better because they rebuilt some parts of the fort, namely a large gateway, a barracks for the troops (very basic and squalid) and the living quarters of the commander (decorated and posh by old standards, with an emphasis on feasting and worshipping). Entry and exit is via a small museum of objects, with lots of information. While it may not be everyone's thing, as entry is free and parking is plentiful (albeit on street outside) it's worth a visit.
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for taking the time to write a review and recommending our Fort.
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager
Written September 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,677 contributions
Jul 2021
On our last day we walked from Newcastle city centre to the coast at South Shields, via Segedundum, crossing the river via ferry and our last visit was to Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort.
After crossing on the ferry, we followed the river upto Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort, which is signposted as you get nearer. The site is free to enter and highly recommended for a short visit. There are lots of information boards around the small site and toilets for visitors. Unfortunately we didn't have time to look around the small museum. Arbeia was very quiet, there were only a few other tourists and the grounds are quite large.
The gatehouse of the fort has been reconstructed to give you an idea of what it would have looked like in the days of the Roman Empire and there are also several reconstructed living quarters, which are laid out and furnished as they would have been in Roman times.
We really enjoyed Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort, much more so than Segedundum. If you only have time to visit one of these sites whilst in the area we would definitely recommend Arbeia, as being more interactive and interesting for the whole family. This was a great last stop on our coast to coast walk.
After crossing on the ferry, we followed the river upto Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort, which is signposted as you get nearer. The site is free to enter and highly recommended for a short visit. There are lots of information boards around the small site and toilets for visitors. Unfortunately we didn't have time to look around the small museum. Arbeia was very quiet, there were only a few other tourists and the grounds are quite large.
The gatehouse of the fort has been reconstructed to give you an idea of what it would have looked like in the days of the Roman Empire and there are also several reconstructed living quarters, which are laid out and furnished as they would have been in Roman times.
We really enjoyed Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort, much more so than Segedundum. If you only have time to visit one of these sites whilst in the area we would definitely recommend Arbeia, as being more interactive and interesting for the whole family. This was a great last stop on our coast to coast walk.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. Thank you so much for leaving such wonderful feedback about your visit to Arbeia. Geoff Woodward Museum Manager
Written July 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charles R
38 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
I had a week in Newcastle, and wanted to see the Roman remains in the vicinity. After seeing Segdunum at Wallsend, we went to see the Roman exhibits at the Great North Museum, and finally went to South Shields to see Arbeia. What surprised me first was that it was free. Seeing the West gate and then being able to climb the stairs to get an overall view of the site was one thing, but actually being able to visit the reconstructed barracks and the Commanding Officer's rooms was amazing. The whole experience really brought home to me how the fort would have looked and gave an insight into the lives of the soldiers. Highly recommended.
Written April 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for taking the time to write a review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again at Arbeia.
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager
Written May 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Soozee
Frosterley, UK737 contributions
Sep 2022
What a brilliant museum and site! Who knew the Romans had such an incredible fort, supplying their furthest Empire outpost at Hadrian's Wall?
The site has been carefully excavated, with a few areas left for future discoveries. From that they have been able to extrapolate what was happening at this spot, and recreated the gatehouse and garrison commander's house.
There are information boards all around to help the visitor interpret what they are seeing, with interactive bits to help keep younger visitors interested. The result is a site that will interest and inform visitors of all ages. I loved it.
The gatehouse then also boasts a museum, so you can see some of the artefacts discovered.
It is astounding that you come out and find yourself in a housing estate! Indeed, houses were actually built on the site at one point. It was only thanks to the efforts of locals that the site was recovered.
A real gem, don't miss it! And its free of charge!
The site has been carefully excavated, with a few areas left for future discoveries. From that they have been able to extrapolate what was happening at this spot, and recreated the gatehouse and garrison commander's house.
There are information boards all around to help the visitor interpret what they are seeing, with interactive bits to help keep younger visitors interested. The result is a site that will interest and inform visitors of all ages. I loved it.
The gatehouse then also boasts a museum, so you can see some of the artefacts discovered.
It is astounding that you come out and find yourself in a housing estate! Indeed, houses were actually built on the site at one point. It was only thanks to the efforts of locals that the site was recovered.
A real gem, don't miss it! And its free of charge!
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for taking the time to write a review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your visit and look forward to welcoming you back to Arbeia.
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager
Written September 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen M
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Took the kids (12 and 8) and they loved it. The reconstructed buildings are really good with some great exhibits. Museum is small but packed with really good exhibits. When we were there the guide in the museum was awesome - really, really knew his stuff and had my two engrossed with his depictions of the Roman army.
Would really recommend a visit.
Would really recommend a visit.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of Arbeia. We have lots of family friendly events happening throughout the summer - historical performances etc. so I do hope you visit again. Geoff Woodward Museum Manager
Written July 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TomBean
Sunderland, UK43 contributions
Jul 2022
The gatehouse (pictured) and the barracks and commander's residence have been reconstructed. These give an excellent insight into the conditions and the appearance of what these aspects would have looked like in Roman times. There are also extensive footings of the building that have been uncovered, although there are still areas that have not been excavated.
The experience is also completely free which is brilliant in this day and age. Parking at the front of the fort is also free and when we visited, adequate.
There is a small museum at the entrance to the fort and this is manned by a friendly and knowledgeable member of staff. There are also a small number of items for sale relating to the Roman occupation and Arbeia.
The experience could be improved, however, as some of the exhibits are falling into decay and could be spruced up a little, particularly around the barracks and commander's quarters.
Also, the are some excellent exhibits tucked away in one of the gatehouse towers that could be displayed far better. They currently lie in some disarray behind grimy glass in an unlit area.
In summary, there are some world class parts that are becoming tatty round the edges and some parts that could be made much more of. Sounds like a good project for students of Media and Communication.
The experience is also completely free which is brilliant in this day and age. Parking at the front of the fort is also free and when we visited, adequate.
There is a small museum at the entrance to the fort and this is manned by a friendly and knowledgeable member of staff. There are also a small number of items for sale relating to the Roman occupation and Arbeia.
The experience could be improved, however, as some of the exhibits are falling into decay and could be spruced up a little, particularly around the barracks and commander's quarters.
Also, the are some excellent exhibits tucked away in one of the gatehouse towers that could be displayed far better. They currently lie in some disarray behind grimy glass in an unlit area.
In summary, there are some world class parts that are becoming tatty round the edges and some parts that could be made much more of. Sounds like a good project for students of Media and Communication.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review of your visit to Arbeia, we appreciate your feedback. I do hope you can visit again. Geoff Woodward Museum Manager
Written August 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam3314
Derby, UK2,153 contributions
Jul 2022
I'd never heard of this but definitely worth the visit. The site was a fort and a supply base for attempts at conquering Scotland. There are three reconstructions which really help to bring the Roman world to life. There are also a lot of impressive finds in the museum including an early chain mail vest and some gold rings. The gravestones show how far people travelled. Definitely a hidden gem.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your visit to Arbeia - I'm really glad you had a good experience. We have lots of events happening throughout the summer, so I do hope you visit again. Geoff Woodward Museum Manager
Written July 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine H
Leeds, UK63 contributions
Aug 2023
what a brilliant find the arbeia fort was. lots of notice boards explaining the grounds in fine detail, so interesting felt like we had gone back in time. Lots to see . commanders living quarters really do bring it to life. lots of cabinets with artifacts so much has gone into the restoration of the fort its well worth a visit & entry is free but well worth a donation
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for taking the time to write a review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your visit and look forward to welcoming you back to Arbeia.
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager
Written September 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jasmine
11 contributions
Aug 2020
I went with my family for a morning in South Shields. We visited the roman fort and we had a great experience. We had a look at the museum and the signs around the site were very good. A special mention for Neville, who was very enthusiastic and took initiative to tell us about the fort and the different artefacts. In addition he also told us a lot about South Shields. He is a real credit to the attraction and made the experience even better. Thank you Neville. I would definitely recommend visiting this attraction.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review of your visit to Arbeia - I'm really glad you had a good experience. I do hope you can visit again. Geoff Woodward Museum Manager
Written October 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hatt
Wales124 contributions
Jul 2021
Well worth a visit if you are in the area. It is different from other forts on Hadrian's Wall as it was converted a number of times into a supply base. Of particular interest are the reconstructions - the gatehouse, the barrack block and the commander's house. Make sur you visit the small museum, especially to see the poignant Regina tombstone
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. I am glad found the reconstructed buildings interesting. I do hope you can visit again when we reopen in March 2022. Geoff Woodward Museum Manager
Written November 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I know there is on street parking but is it ever an issue? Planning on going on a Saturday in the school holidays.
Written August 17, 2018
Thank you everyone. We visited last Saturday (UK school summer holidays) at opening time and there was plenty of parking. I've been before but wanted to take the kids and they loved it. Would definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area.
Written August 26, 2018
NOT a happy camper! Our family of five history geeks will be in York from the States just before Christmas and was planning on hitting the Arbeia Roman Museum only to find that it is closed. Any other recommendations of Roman-type sites for us to hit in the area? Many thanks!
Jonathan
Written September 22, 2017
The North of England has so many places of interest to visit along the entire length of Hadrian's Wall. Not all are open out of season, but further details on the range of places to visit can be found if you google 'hadrianswallcountry'.
Aside from the wall itself, places such as The Great North Museum have permanent exhibitions on the history of the wall, which aren't huge but would be worth a visit in combination with another site in the area.
Hope that's helpful.
Written September 23, 2017
Does it allow for the use of a mobility scooter? Thank you
Written September 1, 2016
The site is mostly/partially accessible to users of a mobility scooter most parts can be seen but there are parts that are not accessible
Written August 18, 2018
its free and a few minutes walk to the beach
Written August 18, 2018
Hi,
We're open Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 11am - 4pm and Sunday 1-4pm.
Throughout June we have music events on at the weekend which means we may be open in the evening.
Our website has all of our events listings coming up with stated times and prices.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
Written June 10, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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