Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum
The remains at Arbeia represent the most extensively excavated military supply base in the Roman Empire. Groups who visit the fort can climb the steps of the reconstruction of the forts West Gate to gain an overview of the whole site. See the reconstructed Barrack Block made of wattle and daub, part of which has been left uncovered for visitors to see. Visit the Commanding Officer's Villa complete with summer dining room and colonnaded courtyard decorated with frescoes. Explore the site with the remains of granaries, two headquarters buildings, associated strong rooms, wells and kilns.

The museum allows groups to find out about life as a Roman soldier and see Roman dress, jewellery, games and weapons.

Time Quest – the Barbour Archaeology Centre allows groups to participate in a simulated archaeological dig, handle and investigate objects and materials, design a Roman mosaic, write on wax tablets, build a Roman arch and much more.

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
Telephone: 0191 4568740
Fax: 0191 4567850
E-mail: sarah.saville-evans@twmuseums.org.uk
Website: www.twmuseums.org.uk/arbeia

Admission: Free
Time Quest: £1

Average length of visit: Full Day (including 1 hour at Time Quest)
Ideal pupil to staff ratio: 10:1
Minimum group number: n/a
Maximum group number: 120
Educational Group rate: FREE (Time Quest: £1 per person), advanced bookings for groups are essential.
Opening times:
1 April to 31 October: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm
1 November to 31 March: Please call for details
Disabled Access: Guide dogs are permitted onto site. The site is level but rough so wheelchair users may require help. The West Gate is only accessible via 2 flights of stairs.

Facilities and Provisions for Groups:
Access guide available
Activity / work sheets / literacy packs
Clip boards / pencils
Coach Parking (Free of charge)
Education Officer
Education / study room
Interpretation panels across site
Handling collections
The Fort has 4 loans boxes available for schools to borrow free of charge for a period of one month.
Refreshment area (outside)
Lunchroom (inside)
Self guided tour sheets
Shop
Teacher / Pupil packs
Teachers courses and INSET sessions
Toilets

Other Information for Groups:
Group members are advised to bring warm, waterproof coats and suitable footwear.
Visits are self-guided (except Time Quest) so do make a pre-visit if possible.
Neither the museum nor the Westgate are big enough to accommodate large groups so it may be necessary to be split into 2 groups.
Arbeia offers both indoor and outdoor attractions.