Binchester Roman Fort gives you an insight into what life was like for the Romans in County Durham.
The fort is open to the public every year from 7 April 2012 to 30 September 2012.
Opening hours are daily 11.00am to 5.00pm from 7 April to the end of June, and all through September.
The Fort opens from 10.00am to 5.00pm in July and August only.
Groups may be accommodated outside these dates by prior arrangement.
Site location
Binchester Fort is in the centre of County Durham, approximately one and a half miles north of Bishop Auckland. Car parking is available on-site and the fort is signposted from the A690 Durham to Crook road, from A688 Spennymoor to Bishop Auckland road, and from Bishop Auckland town centre. Alternatively, the fort is a scenic 20 minute walk along the banks of the River Wear from Bishop Auckland market place.
Come and see for yourself
Explore the impressive remains of a Roman bath house with its amazing 1,700 year-old under floor heating system. Find out why taking a bath in Roman times was about more than just getting clean! Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers around the remains of the Commander's House - see if you can find the beast of Binchester among the ruins.
Visiting Binchester Roman Fort - background history
Binchester was once the largest Roman fort in County Durham. A small part has been excavated and is open to view and to visit. However, most of the fort and the remains of the nearby civilian settlement still lie buried in the surrounding fields.
Binchester Fort was built in the second half of the first century AD, when the Roman army was asserting its power in the North East of England. Originally, the fort was built in wood: when the Romans knew they would be in the area for a long time, it was rebuilt in stone. The soldiers in the fort didn't come from this area, they came from all over the Roman Empire. We know that a cavalry unit from Spain was here in the 2nd century AD and that a unit originally made up of Dutch tribesmen was here in the 3rd century AD.
Events 2012
We are running a series of extra events during the 2012 season around Bank Holiday weekends. These involve Roma Antiqua our regular and popular re-enactment group. Re-enactment displays will be held on May 7 and August 19.
Additionally, we are participating in the national Festival of British Archaeology organised by the Council for British Archaeology on14 -15 July, 2011. As in past years, Durham County Council Archaeology Section are organising a special archaeology weekend at Binchester. You can find details on our archaeology news and events webpage or in the 2011 leaflet which you can download below.
Public excavation 2009-14
Binchester excavation project 2009-2014 is a programme of excavation which started in June 2009. This is a joint project with our partners at Durham University, Stanford University (California), and the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Northumberland and Durham. Part of the project includes a phase of public excavation which runs throughout late June mid-July each year to which anyone can apply. Follow the link above to the web page where you will find application details.
Visitor information
Visits can be arranged by appointment for school groups, small and large parties.
Admission charges
Admission charges for 2012 season are:
| Binchester admission* | Culture Card** |
| Adult | £2.55 | £8.75 |
| Concession | £1.25 | £7.00 |
| Child (4-16) | £1.15 | £4.50 |
| Under 4s | Free | Free |
*Allows free entry to Binchester Roman Fort for one year
**Allows free entry to Killhope, Binchester Roman Fort and the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery for one year. Events may be subject to an extra charge.
Free entry for Young Archaeology Club members and members of the Association for Roman Archaeology.
Accessibility
The site has been specially laid out with level access for people in wheelchairs and those with prams. An accessible toilet and parking bays are provided. The site has a shop, toilet and limited refreshment facilities.
Education
A school room, workshop activities and guided tours can be pre-booked in advance for school groups and small parties (up to 50).
Group bookings
For all information about the fort, contact the visitor assistants on-site during site opening hours. At all other times contact the Archaeology Section (see contact details below).