The Roman army appears to have occupied the site of Vindolanda around AD 85, after the Governor, Agricola, had brought the northern tribes to bay at the battle of Mons Graupius. The Romans called the place 'Vindolanda', as many documents and an inscription confirm, perhaps because they were turning into Latin an existing native name, thought to mean 'white lawns' or something similar. The fort guarded the central section of the vital east to west supply route, known now as the Stanegate, and when the Wall was built some 40 year later, Vindolanda took its place between Housesteads and Great Chesters as a Wall fort. The early forts were built in timber, and required replacement every seven to eight years, even if there was no change in garrison, and the fifth such fort was constructed early in Hadrian's reign.

The remains of these early forts now lie some two to six metres below the present turf, protected by the later remains of stone structures. The Roman army custom of laying down a clean cover of clay and turf over demolished structures before rebuilding has created anaerobic conditions in many areas, and the lack of oxygen has led to the survival of almost everything that has been lost or discarded at the time. The Museum, in the valley just to the east of the site of the stone fort already holds a vast range of leather goods, textiles, wooden objects, bronze and iron objects. But the most highly prized of all are the slivers of wood, covered in spidery ink writing - the official and private correspondence of the men and women who lived at Vindolanda nearly 2000 years ago. Their accounts, military documents, leave requests and even drawings all date to the year immediately before the construction of Hadrian's Wall, and they form the earliest archive of written material in British history.

Along the western edge of this magnificent county are 405 square miles of outstanding landscape, from Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site in the south, to Kielder Water and Forest Park to the west, then reaching up along the Cheviot Hills towards the Scottish Border.

We have the clearest air and darkest skies in Britain; and four of the country's cleanest rivers are sourced in our hills. The least populated of all the National Parks, it is home to less than 2,000 people, most of whom live along one of its six main river valleys. It is officially the country's most tranquil location, criss-crossed by 700 miles of footpaths and rights of way, where you can walk, cycle or horse-ride with only the sounds of nature for company. You'll experience the warmest of welcomes and meet friendly folk who are passionate about celebrating what is distinctive in their thriving local communities.

Taste traditional foods and flavours, take in dramatic scenery, observe unique wildlife, ancient habitats and cutting-edge, low-carbon, green enterprises. And even though the National Park has a clearly defined boundary, there are many 'gateway' towns and villages close by where you'll be greeted just as cordially and where the same enthusiasm for our special values exists. Northumberland National Park is a place to refresh both mind and spirit, a place for the whole family to enjoy, with something to reward visitors of all ages. Come and explore one of Britain's 'breathing spaces' and be inspired

A trip out to the historic Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort in Northumberland overseen by National Trust is not for solely the military buffs.

While of course any trip out would include witnessing the great expanses that featured Roman outposts, the encompassing scenery is enough to make nature lovers swoon. Along the wall on both sides is no shortage of greenery and you can see for miles and miles these lush and bountiful shoots.

Still a major draw is of course Hadrian's Wall, which was erected in AD122, and as you stroll beside it you can envision that you are transported back to an era long gone.

This extensive area of spectacular gorge and river scenery forms the largest area of ancient woodland in the county, with miles of waymarked walks to explore. Look out for the remains of a medieval pele tower and a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse. All sits within the North Pennines AONB.

Explore miles of tranquil and beautiful walks. See spectacular views from the medieval pele tower. Home to red squirrels, dormice and woodland birds and plants.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Allen Banks and Staward Gorge. Guided walks and family activities including Forest Schools, tree trail and workshops on fungi and woodland birds. Dogs: welcome under close control

The most relaxing and environmentally friendly way to travel around Hadrian's Wall is on the award-winning AD122 Hadrian's Wall Bus.

Running through the summer between Newcastle and Carlisle and stopping at visitor attractions, towns and villages along the way, the Hadrian's Wall Bus is the best way to explore the wonders of Hadrian's Wall Country.