Hadrian's Wall tourism 'strong and sustained'

Housesteads Roman Fort is one of the most visited attractions on the site

Visitor numbers to Hadrian's Wall were "strong and sustained" in 2024, according to the organisation set up to promote it.

A number of historic sites across its length say footfall was up from 2023, with the Roman Army Museum at Greenhead, Northumberland, seeing an increase of 13%.

Overall, the Hadrian's Wall Partnership Board said more than 750,000 people spent time at its attractions.

Chair Jane Gibson said: "Like many, we were deeply saddened by the felling at Sycamore Gap so we're delighted to see so many thousands of people coming to experience what the area has to offer."

Beacons have been lit along Hadrian's Wall to mark national events

Operations manager of the Vindolanda Trust Colin Galloway said both its sites had 2024 visitor numbers "nearly at pre-pandemic levels".

"Vindolanda Fort and Museum saw an increase of 4.5% from 2023 and our sister site the Roman Army Museum was up 12%.

"Both the sites have live archaeology which is a unique point and we have volunteers and visitors from all over the world."

Other sites which reported increases include

• Arbeia Roman Fort, with 19,346 visitors (up 4%)

• Chesters Roman Fort, with 36,910 visitors (up 7%)

• Birdoswald Roman Fort, with 32,565 visitors (up 6%)

• Lanercost Priory, with 13,106 visitors (up 10%)

The Vindolanda Trust runs two sites, which attract visitors from all over the world

The Hadrian's Wall Partnership Board said other sites recorded similar visitor numbers to 2023 or only marginally down.

Figures also suggest more people are accessing the sites on public transport.

The Go North East AD122 bus route - which runs along the path of the wall - saw passenger numbers increase by 11%, with the Tyne Valley Railway up by about 13%.

The number of people using public transport to visit attractions along Hadrian's Wall increased

Brampton's Greenhead Hotel owner Jordan Dodwell said they were seeing more visitors "drawn to this historic landmark than ever before".

"It's great to see the community benefiting with more opportunities for small businesses like us.

"The wall is not just a historical monument, it's a thriving part of our region's future."