Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields gets set to reopen outdoor area for May Bank Holiday weekend

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort, will be welcoming visitors back to enjoy its outdoor archaeological site when it reopens to the public from May 1 to 3.

Built in around AD160, Arbeia guarded the entrance to the River Tyne and became the military supply base for forts along Hadrian's Wall.

Managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), the attraction has remained closed to the public throughout lockdown, but following the easing of lockdown restrictions on April 12, visitors will be able to explore the fort’s impressive grounds over the three days.

Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager North & South Tyneside, TWAM, said: “We are delighted to be able to reopen this important World Heritage Site.

"Arbeia Roman Fort presents a very accessible and engaging experience of the eastern end of the Hadrian’s Wall frontier, with significant archaeological remains.

"We’re very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back.”

Social distancing measures will be in place to keep everyone safe and visitors able to book a timeslot from next week.

However the museum galleries will remain closed until Government guidance permits indoor attractions to open on May 17.

David Brooks, Corporate Lead for Culture and Leisure at South Tyneside Council, said: “It is great to see Arbeia reopening its outdoor spaces for the May Bank Holiday weekend.

“We know there has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to make sure the site is Covid-secure in line with the restrictions to help keep visitors and staff as safe as possible.

"It’s really important that visitors not only enjoy a great day out, but feel confident about returning so that they can enjoy local culture – not just over the Bank Holiday, but when the site fully reopens later in May.”

Entry is free but booking is essential. To get priority booking on Monday, April 26, people can sign up to the Must-see Museums membership by April 21. Booking opens to the public on Tuesday, April 27.

Arbeia will be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, May 1; 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, May 2 and from 10am to 5pm on Monday, May 3.

To book tickets visit: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

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