Everything you need to know as Arbeia South Shields’ Roman Fort prepares to reopen this month

Arbeia, South Shields’ Roman Fort and Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum in Wallsend, will welcome back visitors on Monday, July 27 for the first time since March.

Visitors to the Lawe Top site, which is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), can expect their experience to be a little different, with a number of new procedures in place.

Geoff Woodward, museum manager North & South Tyneside, TWAM, commented: “We are delighted to be able to reopen these important World Heritage Sites. Arbeia and Segedunum Roman forts both present a very engaging experience of the eastern end of the Hadrian’s Wall frontier, with significant archaeological collections and remains. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back to enjoy the museum displays, fort sites and surrounding grounds.”

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, added: “It is wonderful to see Arbeia opening its doors again. We know there has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to make sure the site is Covid secure, with new measures put in place to help keep visitors and staff as safe as possible.

"Arbeia is such a fantastic tourist attraction giving a fascinating insight into the history of the area. It’s important that visitors not only have a great day out, but feel confident about returning so that they can enjoy local culture once again.”

Here’s what you need to know:

A limited number of people will be admitted at any one time and people are asked to book their visits in advance.

Ticketed time-slots can be booked online from 6pm on Monday, July 13.

Visitors will be able to walk freely around the outdoor archaeological sites, but some parts of the buildings will be closed and some displays will not be accessible.

Signage will clearly indicate one-way routes around the museum.

Hand sanitiser stations will be in place throughout the museums and cleaning regimes will be increased, especially in areas of high contact.

Contactless payments will be encouraged.

For full details of facilities available and to book tickets visit www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.