Hadrian’s Wall is a 117km (73 miles) ruin of a Roman wall built in 120AD by the Emperor Hadrian to mark and defend the northern limits of the Empire. Although the wall was abandoned with the fall of the Empire, much of it still remains and it is one of the best known and famous Roman ruins outside of the ancient capital of Rome.

The wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the English Heritage organisation describes it as ‘the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain’.

Hadrian is also responsible for the building of the Pantheon and Castel San Angelo in Rome, Italy as well as Hadrian’s Gate just under the acropolis in Athens.

Many Contiki Tours travelling between York in England and Edinburgh in Scotland visit Hadrian’s wall during the travel day. Most tours traveling between the tow cities also see the Angel of the North from the coach.