I was so pleased to receive a voucher as a present and take the opportunity to spend such a great day this way. I live locally and have been visiting these sites for 40+ years, but my knowledge and insight has certainly expanded after the guide with Kevin today. The 4 hour guide is so worth it, and the highlight is certainly visiting Vindolanda and gaining such an extensive understanding of life on the Hadrian Wall frontier through Kevin's insight and knowledge. It's one of the best museums and sites about the Roman Occupation in England and Kevin's explanations make it 'come alive'. The start at Cawfields, one of my favourite picnic spots, 'sets the scene' and gives an overview of Hadrian's Wall, and it's significance. Opportunities for some great views too! Going by myself, with some local knowledge to places I know well, I beforehand wondered how cheesy this might be, but it's absolutely NOT! What I came away with is an admiration for my heritage, my continued love of Northumberland and Tynedale, deep appreciation for Kevin's insight and a day (one of my favourites this year so far) well spent.
Difficult to pick out the single most memorable part. It was all very good, from the introductory talk through a walk along a stretch of the Wall to fascinating visits to the two forts of Vindulanda and Housesteads where Kevin brought the places to life with his knowledge and explanations.
A great day! After an introductory talk, Kevin took us along stretches of the Wall, explaining the history, geography and politics of the time as we went, and then took us round the forts and surroundings of Vindulanda and Housesteads, again bringing the place to life with his knowledge and explanations. Excellent value for money.
Kevin gave us a fantastic tour this Thursday. We were lucky enough to get perfect weather despite earlier weather warnings. The tour was a highlight of our stay in Northumberland. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced, professional, patient, charming, (and not big headed like so many tour guides.) I cannot over praise how perfectly he does his job.
This was an excellent day. Kevin really knows his stuff and his passion is infectious. We came away feeling we learnt loads, had myths dispelled and were thoroughly entertained. Highly recommended.