The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert the Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign. Yet there is still much to see in this best-preserved of Cumbrian monasteries. The east end of the noble 13th-century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments.

The Roman Army Museum, which is situated next to one of the most complete sections of Hadrian’s Wall, uses stunning real 3D technology in a specially designed film theatre. The interactive displays enable visitors to understand what life was like for soldiers on this northern frontier. The museum has its own Latin classroom with a teacher who emerges from the past via a hologram to give an entertaining lesson in maths and morals. The museum also houses unique Roman artefacts such as the only surviving Roman helmet crest and a set of four hippo sandals (Roman horseshoes).

Vindolanda lies just to the south of the curtain wall of Hadrian's Wall and has a very different ‘feel’ to other sites. It lies upon the first Roman frontier in the north, The Stanegate Road, and in a stunning landscape which lets your imagination really connect with its past. You will probably visit Vindolanda by driving or walking along this road to reach the fort and museum. Although first built by the Roman army before Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda became an important construction and garrison base for the Wall, a fort in its own right. During this time Vindolanda was demolished and completely re-built no fewer than nine times. With each re-build, each community left their own distinctive mark on the landscape and archaeology of the site.