Follow the trail of the Romans through ancient Scotland on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. With an expert guide, visit millennia-old Roman ruins such as Hadrian’s Wall, Birdoswald Fort, Steel Rigg, and soak up the beauty of Northumberland National Park, the Irthing Valley, and the Southern Uplands. Travel with a small group to historic villages and hear the about Anglo-Scottish wars that once rattled the region. Entrance is included to Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum (Housesteads Roman Fort when Vindolanda is closed).

Visit Hadrian’s Wall, once the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stroll around an Augustine abbey in Jedburgh, the border crossing at Carter Bar, and 19th-century spa town Moffat
Walk along sections of Hadrian’s Wall at Steel Rigg, located in the spectacular scenery of Northumberland National Park
Visit to Vindolanda or Birdoswald Fort, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall, with stunning views over the River Irthing gorge
Small group limited to 16 people ensures personalized attention from your guide

What's Included

Entrance Fee: Vindolanda Roman Army Museum (from 1st April 2023)
Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers)
Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Gratuities
Admission fees (unless stated)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Bus Station
Edinburgh EH1 3AY, UK
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure)

Start time

08:15 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your historical tour of Scotland begins with morning pickup in central Edinburgh in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. Over the course of the day, follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans. Arrive first at the town of Jedburgh for a stroll and visit to the city’s magnificent 12th-century Augustinian abbey, then continue to Carter Bar at the English-Scottish border. Take a quick photo break before heading south of the border through scenic Northumberland National Park.

Stop at Steel Rigg, one of Britain’s richest territories for Roman archeology. Enjoy free time to view and explore Hadrian’s Wall—the immense 73-mile-long (117.5 km) cobbled fortification built by Emperor Hadrian to keep Scottish ‘barbarians’ out of the Roman Empire. Learn more about the Roman presence in ancient Britain and stand where Romans guard did more than a thousand years ago.

Afterwards, stop at Vindolanda where you can explore the museum and grab some lunch (own expense) before heading to Birdoswald for a photo stop. Here, get an up-close look at one of the best preserved Roman forts on Hadrian’s Wall. Hear about the fortification features and some recent excavations that have taken place nearby.

From Birdoswald, begin your return trip, arriving at the drop-off point on Waverly Bridge in the evening.

Jedburgh Abbey

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Carter Bar

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Steel Rigg

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Vindolanda

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Birdoswald Roman Fort

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Min. age 5 years old. We do not accept children under the age of 5 years.
Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. 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 a small bag for onboard personal items.
Not wheelchair accessible
Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate

Please note: From 1 February 2023 all tours from Edinburgh will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
For your optional Jedburgh Abbey tickets you must reserve your time slot in advance. Please use the link printed on your voucher.
Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum - We reserve tickets for you (included in tour price from 1st April 2023). Tour will visit Homesteads Roman Fort should Vindolanda be closed.
Due to safety inspection and possible maintenance work, Jedburgh Abbey is closed until further notice.
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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

Q:What is the departure point for the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour departs from Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ

Feb 2023

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Parking can be difficult to find in the center of town. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation that is available.

Jun 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Check-in closes 15 minutes before your departure time. The tour departs on time, so please do not arrive late.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring luggage with me on the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:You may bring up to 14kg (31lbs) 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) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Jun 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your camera and spending money for lunch, optional admission tickets, etc.

Jun 2021

Q:Are admission fees included in the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Admission to selected attractions will be included, which are listed in the Inclusions section. For any that are not listed, you pay for access as you arrive. Most of these locations accept both cash and card.

May 2023

Q:What type of vehicle is used during the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour is conducted in a 16 seat Mercedes Mini-coach. There are three steps up into the coach – each 150mm in height. There are grab handles on both sides, the step edges are clearly marked and the treads are non-slip.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring a wheelchair on the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The bus is not wheelchair accessible, however, there is storage available for a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Guests must be able to get on/off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a companion as guides cannot assist physically.

Jun 2021

Q:Are restrooms available on the bus during the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:There are no restrooms on board the bus, however, the group does make regular breaks to use the restroom during the tour.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my small child with me on the Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour?

A:All guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this tour. If your child is 5 or older, but under 1.35m (4.4 ft.) tall, please notate this in the "Special Requirements" box so a booster seat can be arranged.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Norine_A

This was a great experience! Our driver Andy was a great guide. He gave us a wealth of information during our tour. We highly recommend this tour.

Reviews

5.0

395 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 395 reviews

The tour was relaxing and we didn't feel rushed.

Barbara_O, Sep 2023

We really enjoyed seeing the sites and the history behind them. Our tour guide knew a lot about the history of the sites.

Historically Awesome

Katy_B, Sep 2023

It was a great pace, we had plenty of stops and none of it was to much walking. So much amazing history and William our driver did a great job of telling us stories along the way!

Our exciting experience to Hadrian’s Wall

Rita_G, Sep 2023

The high wall at the end and the museum though our time was limited. The guide was excellent: engaging, extremely knowledgeable, concerned, and professional.

Awesome trip

Kimberly_F, Sep 2023

Loved hearing the history and actually being surrounded by that history. The guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable.

A full day of history and music

Rosie_J, Sep 2023

Went on a journey with the multi-talented Jim. He had so much information and suggestions for us. Had enough time to see a few extra things at the end. It was a pleasant day despite the rain.

Hadrians Wall and Borderlands Tour gets a thumbs up! 👍

Susan_C, Sep 2023

- Climbing the steps to get a top view of Hadrian’s wall and the countryside below. - several photo opportunities throughout the day - Stephen the tour guide/driver was excellent - fantastic stories, history and music during the journey

Excellent trip, excellent guide

Richard_B, Sep 2023

The wall, Vinlanda, the museum there, the guide during travel, convenience of meeting place, clear timing at each stop…

Must do this

Donna_G, Sep 2023

Stevie is a fabulous driver. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Great stories, professional. Excellent trip, beautiful scenery. Museum was great.

Memorable

Adam_S, Aug 2023

Stephen was just the best bay bay! Informative, funny, great story teller. Great experience all around

Great

tommaso_F, Aug 2023

The history the driver The wall the fort The company The views The information The history The history

Great Tour and Guide!

Norine_A, Aug 2023

This was a great experience! Our driver Andy was a great guide. He gave us a wealth of information during our tour. We highly recommend this tour.

A walk through history!

JulieClarkArnold, Aug 2023

We have touched Hadrian's Wall and walked through history at Vindolanda! Shoutout to Ally and Leo! Followed by tea. What could be better?!!

Outstanding and not to be missed!

Christina_M, Aug 2023

It was so interesting to see a wall that has stood for 2000 years! Museum artifacts and Vindolanda were equally impressive. Robert was knowledgeable, personable and all around brilliant.

Jim, our driver and...

Dayna_F, Aug 2023

Jim, our driver and guide, was extremely knowledgeable. While all of our stops were interesting, Vindolanda was incredible. Jim’s lead-up before our stop whetted our appetites, and the site itself exceeeded our expectations.

Worth it!

Dayna_D, Aug 2023

It’s worth it! I learned so much. Jim clearly loves what he does as a tour guide That’s about it It was

A thinking person's roadtrip.

Linda_C, Aug 2023

Climbing up Hadrians wall to the fortifications, the most excellent guide at the Vindolanda archeological site (Roman), and exploring the little town of Jedborough, with its ancient abbey.

Worth the money.

Linda_S, Aug 2023

I felt the guide was very knowledgeable and humorous. It was beautiful, informative, and not at all stodgy.

Great tour

Nina_L, Jul 2023

Fantastic tour. The guide Jim Scott is absolutely brilliant. With a lot of knowledge and humour he entertained us.

Breath taking views from the Scottish side

Rafael_G, Jul 2023

The speech of the guide was really good, full with interesting information as well as funny in his explanations.

Great small group tour!

Cynthia_L, Jul 2023

Our guide/driver Bob was excellent. He shared his love for the Roman ruins which added to the experience. We had over 2 1/2 hours at the ruins which was plenty of time for lunch and exploration. The other stops along Hadrian's Wall were very camera worthy. We even stopped at the England/Scotland border. There were 15 in our bus and it was very comfortable. Tour company was very organized and efficient in getting the day going at the bus station.

...