Accessibility Information

Step into the fort and immerse yourself in the world of the Romans right in the heart of South Shields. Explore inside the full-scale reconstructed Roman buildings including the West Gate, Commanding Officer's house and a soldier's barrack block, and see one of the finest collections of finds from Roman Britain all found in and around Arbeia.

For more information contact us by telephone on (0191) 277 1410 or by email at info@arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Updated June 2026

• Step-free access into the museum, the Commanding Officer's house and barrack block
• Accessible toilets are available next to the museum building
• On street parking
• Seating available around the museum, reconstructed buildings and fort site
• Assistance dogs welcome

If you have any questions, please contact us by telephone on (0191) 277 1410 or by email at info@arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Free entry, donations welcome.

Pre-booking is not required for general visits. For special events, if there is an additional charge or pre-booking is necessary it will be stated. 

Car parking

Street parking is available, but it can be busy during school run times, as we are directly opposite Hadrian Primary School. There are two coaching bays on Baring Street. Coaches and taxis can drop off at the main gates.  

Public transport

We are easily accessed via public transport, located a 14 minute walk from the South Shields Transport Interchange (Metro and Bus).

Please visit the Travel North East website for more information about public transport.

Entrance and Museum building

There is a perimeter fence surrounding Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort with the main gates situated on the Baring Street side opposite Hadrian Primary School.    

The approach to the main entrance to the museum building entrance is flat tarmac and concrete. 

There is a short flight of steps leading to the building as well as an accessible ramp to the right.

The doors entering the museum are heavy double glass swing doors, one is kept open during opening hours, the second can be opened by museum staff.

There is also a set of these doors exiting the building on the other side which takes you to the main fort site, one is kept open during opening hours, the second can be opened by museum staff.

Inside the museum building is flat level access.

The fort site

The surface around the fort is generally flat but uneven and can vary from grass to gravel. The main paths throughout the site remains are original Roman roads covered with gravel and stones so please take great care when exploring and making your way to the reconstructed buildings. 

There is a level path to the remains in the north part of the fort, and a viewing platform over the central remains. 

Directly outside the museum building is the Herb garden which has flat level access and bench seating. 

Reconstructed buildings

There is flat level access around the Commanding Officer's house and barrack block but some of the floors are uneven. 

The reconstructed West Gate has three floors. There is a single step up into the ground floor of one of the Gate towers. The next two floors are accessed by a steep, narrow wooden staircase inside. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access inside the reconstruction but video views and images of the interior are available in the Commanding Officer’s House. 

The Barrack Block is accessed along a flat gravel path and all on ground level. Viewing of the barrack rooms is accessible from the doorways. This is an accurate reconstruction of a Roman Barrack and many of the rooms are small,  the ground within is uneven and the lighting levels are low. 

TimeQuest is accessed via a small set of steps but there is a flat access route if needed. Please speak to a member of staff for guidance. Inside TimeQuest there is a short section of steps leading to the interactive excavation area. 

Seating

There is a range of seating across the fort including a wheelchair accessible area with picnic tables and benches. 

Fire alarms

The fire alarms have voice evacuation sounders and visual flashing lights in the museum, TimeQuest and reconstructed buildings. If you will require assistance exiting the site in the event of a fire alarm please inform a member of staff on your arrival.

Free wheelchair hire

A wheelchair is available for visitor use. Please ask a member of staff who will be able to assist.  

The paths around the site are narrow which may restrict access for larger motorised mobility vehicles, please ask a member of staff for assistance. 

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is welcomed throughout the museum. 

Accessible toilets and baby changing

The toilets are located at the museum building including standard accessible toilets, with baby changing facilities. 

The nearest Changing Places toilet is in ASDA, South Shields, Coronation Street, South Shields, NE33 1AZ. 

Public telephone

There is no public telephone available. Please ask staff at reception to order taxis or if you need to make an urgent phone call and they will assist you.  

Displays, exhibitions and attractions

There are a variety of permanent and temporary installations around the site which feature audio points and videos including captions.

Films and interactive displays

There are a range of interactive activities and displays around the site, including:

Short films and digital interactive displays.
Hands-on activities where you can rebuild parts of the Roman fort using model blocks.
An interactive activity where you can furnish the Commanding Officer’s House.
The Snifferama, which lets you explore some of the smells people may have experienced in Roman times.

Special exhibitions and learning family activities

Throughout the year, the museum holds a wide variety of changing exhibitions, events and activities. For further information please look at our What's On page.

We welcome assistance dogs. A bowl of water can be provided, please ask a member of staff. 

All information panels and signs are in written English with a font size of no less than 14 points. 

The South Tyneside SEND Youth Forum has designed, created and distributed Sensory Backpacks to cultural venues across South Tyneside. The backpack contains resources that can calm, entertain and soothe visitors who may find coming to the museum a little overwhelming. Contents of the backpack include: noise cancelling headphones, a sea animal toy, a light-up fan, pop it, Lego, a stress ball and theraputty.

We have two Sensory Backpacks available on loan from the museum reception desk. A form of ID must be used as a deposit to borrow a backpack. 

We have a gift shop in the museum. You'll find a range of pocket money items, souvenirs, high-quality books and Hadrian's Wall merchandise.

You can buy cold drinks and snacks in the shop.

You are welcome to bring your own picnics and other refreshments and eat them on our lawn or in our picnic area.   

All staff attend a programme of core training which includes customer care, diversity and disability awareness. They are here to help visitors enjoy the time they spend in our venues.

If there is anything that we can do to make your visit more enjoyable please contact us at info@arbeiaromanfort.org.uk, we will be happy to assist you.