Binchester was one of a chain of forts guarding the main north-south Roman road east of the Pennines and was positioned so as to control the crossing of the River Wear. The earliest for built c.AD 79 was more than 7 hectares in size, capable of housing a battle-group two legendary cohorts and one or more units of auxiliary cavalry. The later fort built c. AD 158 was 4 hectares in size and was occupied by cavalry units including one from Spain.

Displayed remains include part of the commanding officers residence with an attached bath building. Excavated in the 1970s the bath building features one of the best preserved examples of a hypocaust (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain. During 2018 the timber building protecting the bath was replaced by a new and more robust structure decorated internally in the Roman style affording a much improved visitor experience. Also on display are the stupendously well preserved remains of part of the regimental bath building outside the fort which has walls still standing 2 metres (7 feet) above Roman floor level.

The Binchester Roman Festival takes place weekend July 13/14 repeated August 26 and features groups of re-enactors staging mock battles.
Events commence 11:00am, repeated at 2:00pm.

Opening dates and times 2019

Binchester is open every day from 1 April to 31 October, 10.00am – 4.30pm.
Groups must book in advance. Visits by groups and school parties may be available
outside these dates by prior arrangement.

General Admissions
Adults £5.00
Concessions £4.00
Children £3.00 (under 4s free)

Contact Details
Tel: 01388 663089
Out of season: 03000 267013
www.durham.gov.uk/binchester