Banks East in Cumbria is the best preserved turret or observation tower in the western sector of Hadrian's Wall, where the Wall, instigated on the orders of the emperor Hadrian in AD 122, was originally made from turf.
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Banks East Turret Hadrian's Wall

4.5
·435 reviews·Banks, United Kingdom

Step back in time at Banks East Turret, a preserved Roman fortification on Hadrian's Wall, offering stunning views and a glimpse into ancient history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Banks East in Cumbria is the best preserved turret or observation tower in the western sector of Hadrian's Wall, where the Wall, instigated on the orders of the emperor Hadrian in AD 122, was originally made from turf.

Banks East Turret Hadrian's Wall

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Banks East Turret, a preserved Roman fortification on Hadrian's Wall, offering stunning views and a glimpse into ancient history.

4.5
(435 reviews)

"Stand at Hadrian's Wall and look over into what was once the mighty Roman Empire. Great photo op spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Pay for Parking Easily

Parking is paid via a mobile app. Instructions are clearly printed on site. :iphone:

🎒 Pack Essentials

No facilities nearby! Bring your own food, drinks, and anything else you might need. :water_wave:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Banks East Turret (52a)

Banks East Turret (52a)

Hadrian's Wall

Explore the remains of a 2nd-century Roman turret, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Imagine life on the Roman frontier.

Panoramic Roman Views

Panoramic Roman Views

Overlooking the Roman Empire's former frontier

Stand where Roman soldiers stood and gaze across the landscape into what was once the mighty Roman Empire.

Scenic Valley Walk

Scenic Valley Walk

Along the river valley

Discover the beauty of the valley floor, a perfect complement to the historical significance of the wall above.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Facilities

Parking is available and paid via mobile app. No toilets or other facilities are on-site, so bring your own food and drinks. Be prepared for walkers and cyclists on the roads.

Best Footwear and Exploration

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the valley and the wall itself. The terrain can be uneven, and many visitors enjoy walking along the river for stunning views.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Longer daylight for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

my top 3 favorite places in the outer banks 🚗🚗 ✨full guide linked in bio . . . . . #outerbanksnc #corollanc #ducknc #eastcoastsummer #northcarolinalife #roadtripusa #northcarolinahype #obxnc #summerroadtrip #summertravel @Visit NC @OfficialDuckDonuts
@accentgolden
17.4K likes • 238.9K views

🚗 Pay for Parking Easily

Parking is paid via a mobile app. Instructions are clearly printed on site. :iphone:

🎒 Pack Essentials

No facilities nearby! Bring your own food, drinks, and anything else you might need. :water_wave:

reddit.com

What are the most interesting parts of Hadrian’s wall to visit with kids?

👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed

Explore the valley and wall comfortably. Uneven terrain requires good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

This spot offers fantastic views and historical context for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Pay for Parking Easily

Parking is paid via a mobile app. Instructions are clearly printed on site. :iphone:

🎒 Pack Essentials

No facilities nearby! Bring your own food, drinks, and anything else you might need. :water_wave:

👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed

Explore the valley and wall comfortably. Uneven terrain requires good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

This spot offers fantastic views and historical context for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:

🚶 Watch for Walkers & Cyclists

Be aware of other visitors, especially on the roads around the site. :oncoming_bus:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(435 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Banks East Turret for its historical significance and stunning natural beauty, offering a great photo opportunity and a tangible connection to the Roman Empire. While parking is convenient via app, the lack of facilities means visitors must come prepared with food and drinks. The site is a popular stop for those exploring Hadrian's Wall.

"Be a part of history! Stand at Hadrian's Wall and look over into what was once the mighty Roman Empire. Great photo op spot."

Gregory Smith

"Lovely spot to park and explore this section of the wall. You will need to pay to park but this can be done via your mobile, instructions are printed on the walls. There are no toilets or facilitates near by. Take food and drink. I recommend exploring the valley along the river, absolutely beautiful."

Chris Thompson-Chambers

"Part of UNESCO
Turret 52a Banks East. Excavations in 1933 uncovered remains of the demolished Turf Wall abutting the turret's east wall. The turret was in use from around the early 2nd century until at least the end of the 3rd century. The entrance is on the southeast side, and traces of two hearths and a low bench along the north west wall. The walls have been consolidated and restored, and stand to a maximum height of 1.75 metres. The turret was the first section of Hadrian's Wall to be placed in the guardianship of the Ancient Monuments department in 1934."

Pete / Hel

What People Like

Historical significance
Beautiful views
Great photo spot

What People Dislike

No facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Banks East Turret is accessible by car. There is a designated car park available for visitors. The nearest major towns for public transport links would require further travel and then a taxi or local bus service. Reddit

While Hadrian's Wall is a vast site, direct public transport to specific turrets like Banks East can be limited. Research local bus routes in Northumberland, but be prepared for potential walking distances from stops. Reddit

Follow signs for Hadrian's Wall in the Northumberland area. The car park is usually well-signposted. Use a GPS or mapping app for precise directions to the Turret 52a location. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Hadrian's Wall. There are cycle paths and routes that pass by the turret. Be mindful of other visitors and road safety. Reddit

The car park area is generally accessible, but the terrain around the wall and in the valley can be uneven. Check specific accessibility information if mobility is a concern. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the site itself is free as it's part of the open landscape. However, there is a charge for parking, which is typically paid via a mobile app. Reddit

As an open-air historical site, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, but daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

Parking fees apply and are usually paid via a mobile app. The exact cost can vary, so check the on-site signage or app for current pricing. Reddit

Parking is typically on a first-come, first-served basis and paid for on arrival via the app. Advance booking is generally not available for this type of parking. Reddit

Many sections of Hadrian's Wall, including the open landscape around turrets like Banks East, are free to access. However, specific forts or museums along the wall may have admission fees. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the preserved remains of Turret 52a, which dates back to the early 2nd century. It's a great spot to imagine Roman life and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Reddit

No, there are no toilets, cafes, or visitor centers directly at Banks East Turret. Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including food and drinks. Reddit

You can walk along the wall itself, explore the valley below, or follow designated walking trails. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy exploring the historical site and the open landscape. It's a good opportunity to learn about Roman history in an engaging way. Reddit

Turret 52a was part of Hadrian's Wall, built to defend the Roman Empire's northern frontier. Excavations revealed its construction and use from the 2nd to the 4th century. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The turret itself offers a great foreground for shots of the wall stretching into the distance. The panoramic views across the valley are also stunning. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography, casting long shadows. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and permissions. Always check current rules and guidelines before flying a drone in historical or protected areas. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the wall or distant views. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Be respectful of the historical site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Banks East Turret is a fantastic spot for families looking to engage children with history. The tangible remains of the Roman wall and turret spark imagination, making history come alive. Encourage kids to imagine Roman soldiers guarding the frontier. The open landscape is perfect for letting them burn off energy, but ensure they stay within safe viewing areas and are supervised. Reddit

Tip: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the uneven terrain. Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy amidst the historical surroundings. The site offers a great opportunity for educational fun without the pressure of structured tours. Reddit

🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, Banks East Turret is a gateway to exploring more of Hadrian's Wall National Trail. The surrounding countryside offers beautiful walking opportunities, with the valley walk being a particular highlight. The well-preserved sections of the wall provide a dramatic backdrop to your outdoor adventures. Reddit

Recommendation: Combine your visit with a longer walk along the wall or down into the valley. The area is known for its scenic beauty, making it ideal for photography and enjoying the peace of the Northumberland landscape. Remember to check weather conditions and be prepared for varied terrain. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Hadrian's Wall and Banks East Turret

Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a defensive fortification built by the Romans across northern Britain in AD 122. Emperor Hadrian ordered its construction to mark the northern limit of the Roman Empire and to control movement and trade. The wall stretched for 73 miles from coast to coast and was a formidable barrier, manned by thousands of Roman soldiers. Banks East Turret, specifically Turret 52a, is a testament to this impressive feat of engineering. Reddit

Excavations at Turret 52a revealed its construction and use from the early 2nd century until at least the end of the 3rd century. The turret, a small fortified structure built at intervals along the wall, would have housed a small garrison. Its entrance is on the southeast side, and evidence of hearths and a bench inside suggests it was a functional living space for soldiers. The walls have been consolidated and restored, standing to a maximum height of 1.75 meters, allowing visitors to visualize its original form. Reddit

This particular turret holds historical significance as it was the first section of Hadrian's Wall to be placed under the guardianship of the Ancient Monuments department in 1934, highlighting its importance for preservation. Standing here, you can look south into what was Roman Britain and north into the lands of the 'barbarians,' offering a tangible connection to the past and the strategic importance of this frontier. Reddit

Exploring the Landscape and Views

Beyond its historical significance, Banks East Turret offers breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors often recommend exploring the valley along the river, describing it as 'absolutely beautiful.' This provides a different perspective on the landscape that the Romans sought to control and defend. The rolling hills and open skies create a sense of vastness and tranquility, a stark contrast to the military purpose of the wall. Reddit

The views from the wall itself are equally impressive. You can gaze over the countryside, imagining the patrols and the watchful eyes of Roman soldiers scanning the horizon. This expansive vista is a key reason why the site is considered a 'great photo op spot.' The interplay of light and shadow on the undulating terrain can be particularly striking during sunrise or sunset, making it a photographer's delight. Reddit

When visiting, it's essential to be aware of the walkers and cyclists who also frequent the area. The paths and roads are shared, so maintaining awareness ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. The combination of historical ruins and stunning natural scenery makes Banks East Turret a rewarding destination for both history buffs and nature lovers. Reddit

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