Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum |
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Situated beyond the easternmost point of Hadrian's Wall, Arbeia Roman Fort stood guard at the mouth of the River Tyne. Built in AD 160s, the stone fort at South Shields played an essential role in the mighty frontier system which stretched across the width of the country, marking the northern boundaries of the Roman Empire.
Occupied for almost 300 years, the fort controlled the main port of entry to the Roman Empire in Britain. Originally built to house a garrison, 
Arbeia soon became the military supply base for the forts along the wall.
Experience History
Over 1500 years on, the remains at Arbeia represent the most extensively excavated example of a military supply base anywhere in the Roman Empire. Now experience what Roman life was like at one of Britain's most important archaeological sites. Walk around excavated remains of the fort's granaries, barracks and commander's headquarters. From June to September watch the archaeologists unearth more of Arbeia's secrets during the summer
excavation programme. See the reconstruction of the fort's West Gate and marvel at the scale and magnificence of Roman architecture. Inside the gateway learn more about the history of the site from the Stone Age to the Roman occupation through to the present day in the exhibition "Gateway to the Past".The Ways of Life
Visit the museum and take a look at some of the fascinating site finds including weapons, armour, jewellery and coins displayed in "The Life of a
Roman Soldier"...and Death
Discover how the Romans buried their dead in "The Death and Burial Gallery" and see original Roman tombstones, inscribed altars and even human remains unearthed at Arbeia.Time Quest
In Time Quest learn how archaeologists unravel the secrets of the past. Dig for finds on the excavation site and study them to discover what you have unearthed. Piece together a Roman pot and have a go at weaving and writing just as the Romans did over 1500 years ago.
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Opening Times
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(2005 times)
1st April to 31st October Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm. Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm.1st November to 31st March Monday - Saturday 10.ooam - 3.30pm. Sunday Closed. Time Quest Closed at weekends in Winter. |
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Admission Charges
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(2005 prices)
Admission to Fort and Museum FreeAdmission to Time Quest Adults £1.50; Children/Concessions £0.80. Free car and coach parking nearby. |
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Directions
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| Arbeia Roman Fort is a ten minute walk from South Shields Metro and Bus Station. A bus service, number 500, runs from the town centre and stops outside the fort. The fort is signposted from Ocean Road. |
| Show map of Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum... |
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Nearby Attractions
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South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
(< 1 Mile)*
Welcome to a whole season of activities and exhibitions at South Shields Museum. There's something to suit everyone, so why not pop along and enjoy a fun-filled family day out? |
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Blue Reef Aquarium Tynemouth
(2 Miles)*
Take the ultimate undersea safari at the award-winning Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth where there's a world of underwater adventure just waiting to be discovered. |
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Stephenson Railway Museum
(3 Miles)*
Re-live the glorious days of the steam railway at the Stephenson Railway Museum, and take a delightful ride on a real steam train. |
| more nearby attractions... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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