Arbeia Roman Fort

Just a five minute walk from South Shields Seafront is Arbeia Roman Fort, the most extensively excavated Roman military supply base in the Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the finest full-scale Roman reconstructions in the country and showcases some of the most significant finds from that time.

Attractions Jun 8, 2022 0 696 Add to Reading List

Standing above the entrance to the River Tyne, Arbeia South Shields' Roman Fort built in AD 160 guarded the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. It was a key garrison and military supply base for the other 17 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 Officer's house and a soldier's barrack block, and see one of the finest collections of finds from Roman Britain all found in and around Arbeia.

Stories are brought to life at Arbeia through a variety of events and displays including gladiator battles, falconry displays, Roman re-enactments, storytelling and more.

Today, Arbeia is a fascinating place to visit and is a great insight into what life was like in Roman Britain. It combines the excavated remains of the original fort with excellent reconstructions of buildings.

Arbeia received the bronze award for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards in March 2020.

In fact, it is one of only a few places in the country where you can see brought-to-life Roman buildings. Climb the reconstructed West Gate, find out how the soldiers lived in their barracks and explore the much more luxurious home of the Commander.

Some of the impressive finds that have been found along Hadrian's Wall can be viewed in Arbeia's museum and with regular excavations taking place who knows what you may witness yourself!

And a must for the kids is Arbeia's Time Quest attraction, where they can dig for nearly-real finds and learn how archaeologists unravel the mysteries of the past.

Throughout the summertime, Arbeia usually plays host to some fantastic events with Roman re-enactments, live music and activities guaranteed to entertain children and adults of all ages.

2022 is an exciting year for Hadrian's Wall as it marks 1900 years since the building of the wall. An exciting year-long festival, Hadrian's Wall 1900, will take place with activities and events at various sites along Hadrian's Wall including Arbeia.

Highlights