A Big Welcome to the 1900 Festival. Calling all history-lovers, walking-enthusiasts and keen-travellers, it’s time to tick Hadrian’s Wall off your bucket list. If you haven’t visited the historic English Heritage site yet, this is the year to do it, as the wall kicks off it’s 1900 Festival.
Here at Wooden Star Cottages, we’re incredibly lucky to have the wall and all of its stunning surroundings right on our doorstep. Most of our properties are just a short drive away and based in historic towns such as Corbridge and Hexham that are already steeped in Roman history.
Hadrian’s Wall is known as one of the most famous frontiers of the Roman Empire and was built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian after his visit to Britain. It stretches across 73 miles and was designed to protect Roman Britain from the people that lived in the North, (what we now know as Scotland.)
The festival will cover all bases of history, from exhibitions about the Romans’ diets and dramatic reenactments of epic battles, to showcasing excavation sites and guided group walks. There really is something for everyone and with high speed wi-fi in all of our properties, you’ll also be able to enjoy virtual tours and exhibitions as part of the celebrations.
We’ve included a number of the key dates to look out for below and if you’re wanting to enjoy any of the festivities, we’d recommend staying at our following properties.
Hexham House Apartments
A stunning collection of seven apartments based in a Grade II listed building, with views of Hexham Abbey and its grounds.
Seal Cottage
Sleeps 5. A beautiful double-fronted Northumbrian stone-built cottage dating back to 1880 based in the heart of Hexham.
Shellbraes Farmhouse
Sleeps 10. A five bedroom, three bathroom Georgian Farmhouse, located a short distance from Hadrian’s Wall.
Shellbraes Studio
Sleeps 2. Shellbraes Studio is a gorgeous well-equipped and self-contained property attached to Shellbraes Farmhouse.
Twenty Princes Street
Sleeps 6 adults and 2 children. Based in the historic Corbridge, this charming period home features light and airy rooms and is at the centre of the action in this charming village.
Here are all of our favourite events that are happening within a short walk or drive of our properties to celebrate the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival this year.
Sunday 27th February 2022 – Roman Food
Find out how much is owed to the Romans for the food we eat now, the plants in your garden and for what’s planted in our countryside. Learn about Roman food, drink and ancient recipes whilst sampling authentic Roman Meatballs courtesy of Moss Peteral.
Delivered by: Catherine Jarvis on behalf of Haltwhistle Growing Together. Haltwhistle Growing together @Hillside Youth Centre, 33 Park Avenue, Haltwhistle, NE49 9AU
Monday 28th March – Friday 23rd September 2022 – Archaeological Excavations
Watch as archaeologists reveal the many layers of Vindolanda and learn about the people who lived here, through the objects and buildings they have left behind.
Vindolanda Trust, Vindolanda Fort & Museum Roman, Chesterholm Museum, Vindolanda Trust,Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7JN
1st April – 31st October 2022 – Corbridge Roman Town
Between 1906 and 1914 excavations at Corbridge uncovered the well preserved remains of the most northerly Town in Roman Britain. Don’t miss this stand-out exhibition.
Delivered by: English Heritage
Saturday 23rd April – Monday 2nd May 2022 – Haltwhistle Walk
Whether you enjoy a relaxing stroll or striding out on our rugged moorland, this Festival is ‘more than just a walk’. Choose from a selection of special interest walks, accompanied by a local expert.
Delivered by: Haltwhistle Walking Festival Ltd. Start and finish in Haltwhistle Market Place.
Don’t just look at ruins but actually see what the frontier and places like Vindolanda were really like, as your guide brings them to life right in front of you. Delivered by: Peter Carney. Pick up in Hexham Market place. (Other locations around Hexham could be arranged).
Thursday 23rd June 2022 – A Midsummer’s Evening in Corbridge
A festival of music, street food, market stalls, plus special events at award-winning independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Celebrate Corbridge Roman Town in this Hadrian’s Wall 1900 anniversary year. Our Twenty Princes Street property (link) will be right at the centre of all the action.
Delivered by: Visit Corbridge, Corbridge Village Centre
Tuesday 5th – Sunday 31st July 2022 – Unpossessable Country
“Unpossessable country”, a collection of around 30 oil paintings by renowned North-East artist Ruth Bond will illustrate the beauty of northern light, land and the drama surrounding Hadrian’s Wall.
Delivered by: Ruth Bond The Sill, Once Brewed Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7AN
27 Aug 2022 – 28 Aug 2022 Roman’s Return: Big Birthday Bash
The world-famous Ermine Street Guard will be celebrating their 50th anniversary year at Vindolanda. See military displays, a Roman camp and see how far you’d get at Roman soldier school.
Delivered by: Vindolanda Trust Roman Vindolanda, Hexham, NE47 7JN
Friday 25th November 2022 – Illuminate – a Festival of Flame
Festival of Flame is an annual celebration of fire, music, poetry and community held at Hexham Abbey on the last Friday in November. The event appeals to people from all ages and backgrounds and encourages visitors to explore the Abbey and explore its grounds in a very different way. Don’t forget our Hexham House Apartments (link) are just a short walk away.
Delivered by: Hexham Community Partnership & Queen’s Hall Arts 5pm-9pm
17 – 23 December 2022 – Festival of Saturnalia
From 17 to 23 December 2022, communities across the length of the wall will be invited and encouraged to deliver their own Saturnalia festivities in towns and villages along the wall by connecting with one another in this fun merry making event. A Saturnalia inspired performance installation will travel the wall, visiting communities and adding to the celebrations.
Follow the link here to find out more about the 1900 festival, the events running and how to take part. https://1900.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk
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