Hardknott Roman Fort

A horrible drive up to the fort but well worth it!
A horrible drive up to the fort but well worth it!
About the fort: The fort is entered through its main (south) gate, which, like those in the eastern and western walls, had two carriageways; the north gate had just one, presumably because of its precipitous location. The walls of the fort are of stone, although an internal bank of earth may have given access to the wall-walk and to the internal guard towers at the four corners, which have no entrances at ground level and were later additions.
About the fort: The fort at Hardknott was established early in the second century AD: a fragmentary inscription, dating from the reign of the Emperor Hadrian (117–38), from the south gate records the garrison as the Fourth Cohort of Dalmatians, from the Balkans. The fort was demilitarised in the late 130s, when the Romans reoccupied southern Scotland, but was regarrisoned under Marcus Aurelius in the 160s; it was finally abandoned very early in the third century. Objects found around the fort suggest that thereafter its ruins offered temporary shelter to passing patrols and travellers.
About the fort: Barracks normally occupied the remainder of the fort; at Hardknott, however, no traces of these remain, although the front of the fort possibly contained barracks of stone and timber. At the rear, building would have been extremely difficult owing to the uneven ground, and the soldiers may have been housed in leather tents, remnants of which have been recovered in excavations. The parade-ground, where the garrison exercised and practised drill manoeuvres, lies on a plateau about 218 yards (200 metres) to the east.

Popular places to visit

Eskdale walks from Eskdale campsite. A great place to pitch your tent. We took a 3km walk from the campsite, 1 1/2 hr moderate difficulty with a 20 Minute uphill ascent, through mine ruins and taking in a beautiful Tarn at the top.

Eskdale Mill

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Eskdale Mill in Boot. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Eskdale Mill
0_BXP41689

Scafell Pike

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Scafell Pike during your travels in Eskdale. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Scafell Pike
Wastwater looking to Scarfell Pike

Wast Water

Explore the great outdoors at Wast Water, a lovely green space in Wasdale. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Wast Water
Heading down to the valley and the difficult choice between the Old Dungeon Ghyll or New Dungeon Ghyll pubs. My money's on the Old Dungeon Ghyll for a traditional Lakeland pub!

Harrison Stickle

Explore the great outdoors at Harrison Stickle, a lovely green space in Lakes. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Harrison Stickle
Coniston Water featuring a pebble beach and a lake or waterhole

Coniston Water

Catch views of the Old Man of Coniston, as you cycle around this scenic lake and encounter charming historical villages.

Coniston Water
Just follow the path

Honister Slate Mine

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Honister Slate Mine in Borrowdale. Wander the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this relaxing area.

Honister Slate Mine

Top Hardknott Roman Fort Hotel Deals

Woolpack Inn

Woolpack Inn

3 out of 5
Boot Holmrook England
Woolpack Inn
Peel Place Noddle

Peel Place Noddle

4 out of 5
Holmrook England
Peel Place Noddle
Gate House

Gate House

2 out of 5
Gate House Coniston England
Gate House
New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

3 out of 5
Great Langdale Ambleside England
New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
YHA Coniston Holly How - Hostel

YHA Coniston Holly How - Hostel

3 out of 5
YHA Coniston Holly How, Far End Coniston England
YHA Coniston Holly How - Hostel
The Coniston Inn - The Inn Collection Group

The Coniston Inn - The Inn Collection Group

4 out of 5
Hawkshead Road Coniston England
The Coniston Inn - The Inn Collection Group
The Strands & Screes Inn

The Strands & Screes Inn

2 out of 5
Nether Wasdale Seascale ENG
The Strands & Screes Inn
Bluebird Lodge and Waterhead Apartment

Bluebird Lodge and Waterhead Apartment

3 out of 5
Waterhead (B5285) Coniston England
Bluebird Lodge and Waterhead Apartment
Great Langdale Bunkhouse Hostel

Great Langdale Bunkhouse Hostel

1 out of 5
Great Langdale Ambleside England
Great Langdale Bunkhouse Hostel
See all 2,950 properties in Hardknott Roman Fort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.