Walking to Sycamore Gap with Dogs - Easy Route

5 Dog-Friendly Roman Sites to Visit across North East England

The North East is home to many Roman sites and places of interest and visitors travel here from across the world to visit. We are spoilt for choice and very lucky to have these on our doorstep. 

5 Dog-Friendly Roman Sites to Visit across North East England - arbeia
Arbeia Roman Fort


Over the years we have visited these attractions and the kids have learned so much about Roman History through experience which I am grateful for. Now that we have Fozzy (and part time Ollie), we'll continue to explore the Roman sites in our region with our dog too. 

Why not set yourself the challenge of visiting all of these attractions over the next few years? 

Prices and information correct as of February 2021. Please check details and opening hours before setting off with venues direct. 



Corbridge Roman Town, Northumberland 


5 Dog-Friendly Roman Sites to Visit across North East England - corbridge roman town

At Corbridge Roman Town you can uncover the history of the town that was once at the crossroads of two major Roman thoroughfares.

Over the course of 350 years it developed from a strategic military fort into a bustling cosmopolitan town. Today it houses one of the most important roman collections in Britain and many objects offer an insight into life in a Roman town. At the museum you can view The Corbridge Hoard, which is an almost 2000 year old Roman time capsule which contained preserved objects such as a soldiers armour and tools.

Kids could explore the remains of the ancient Roman town and learn about how people lived in Roman Britain. Free parking is provided for approximately 20 cars.  The site is 1/2 a mile north-west of Corbridge. 

Entry is FREE if you are an English Heritage member or there is an admission charge for non-members. You can find out more on their website.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds of Corbridge Roman Town and there are several dog-friendly cafes, shops and pubs in nearby Corbridge (see this list on Visit Corbridge which includes everywhere dogs are welcome). Dogs are also welcome on leads in nearby Dilston Physic Garden which is an interesting place to visit and you can enjoy walks along the river. 


Housesteads, Northumberland

5 Dog-Friendly Roman Sites to Visit across North East England - housesteads


Housesteads is a Roman fort located on Hadrian's wall. You can explore the ruins of the ancient fort and enjoy some of the best views of Hadrian's wall.

The museum and Roman collection has many artifacts that give you an insight into Roman Life. In the museum you can dress-up as a Roman soldier as well as have a family picnic at the site. In school holidays, the site often runs family activities including Roman Soldier school. 

Entry is free for English Heritage members or chargeable for non-members. On-site parking is chargeable and the museum is accessible via the AD122 bus. You can find out more, including accessibility information on their website.

Dogs are welcome in the fort on a short lead. Dogs are also welcome at the bar, beer garden and some of the rooms at nearby pub Twice Brewed Inn


Temple of Mithras, Northumberland 


5 Dog-Friendly Roman Sites to Visit across North East England - temple of mithras

The temple of Mithras was built by the soldiers of Carrawburgh. Mithraism was a Roman religion inspired by a god originally worshiped in the eastern empire.

The site is reached through a field, parts of which are uneven and can become muddy, because of this it is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. The site is also prone to flooding in wet weather. There is a chargeable car park on site but be aware of surrounding livestock (and keep your dog on a lead). Entry is FREE. 

Find out more on their website.

Again, the Twice Brewed Inn is not too far and dogs are also welcome in the bar at nearby Hadrian Hotel. 

Chesters Roman Fort, Northumberland

5 Dog-Friendly Roman Sites to Visit across North East England - chesters roman fort

You can explore the ruins of this fort and view the river near the fort and bathhouse. The fort is home to a bathhouse where roman soldiers could relax on Hadrian's wall.

There is trail sheet for kids where the emperor has ordered them to run the fort and you can see livestock in the surrounding fields.

This fort allows you to take a stroll through history by visiting the bathhouse and the cavalry fort and you can visit the onsite museum.

If you are an English Heritage member,  then entry is free, if not then adults cost £9, children (5-17) cost £5.40, concessions cost £8.10 and family (2 adults up to 3 children) costs £23.40 whilst Family (1 adult and up to 3 children) costs £13.40.

There is a car park on-site and Chesters Roman Fort is accessible via the AD122 bus. 

You can find out more, including accessibility information on their website.

Dogs are welcome in the grounds (on a lead) of Chesters Roman Fort. 


Arbeia Roman Fort, South Tyneside 

5 Dog-Friendly Roman Sites to Visit across North East England - arbeia


Standing above the entrance to the River Tyne, this fort guarded the main sea route to Hadrian's wall. It was a key military point to other forts along the wall.

The fort was a key supply point for the Romans and it was home to 600 Roman troops and it is said to be the birthplace of Northumbrian King Oswin. Step into the fort and immerse yourself into the world of the Romans. Arbeia is free to visit and often hosts special Roman-themed markets and events. 

You can find out more by visiting, including accessibility information their website.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the fort grounds and water bowls are provided. The fort often runs special events and re-enactments / markets too so keep an eye on their what's on page. 

It's just a short stroll into South Shields Town Centre / the sea front where you will find a beach, dog-friendly pubs and parks. We had THE best time visiting Arbeia in 2021 and if you've never been, it's somewhere I would definitely add to your list (check opening times as they close over winter). 

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