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Brampton is a tidy market town that is the ideal base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall, which is only two miles away. Much smaller than Carlisle, it’s a good spot to base yourself if you’re looking for a quieter place to plot your walks.
Surrounding the town is the gently rolling countryside of the Irthing Valley and Geltsdale, leading up to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). A rich mosaic of woods, fields and moorlands crossed by numerous footpaths, bridleways and quiet roads makes for perfect walking and cycling country.
Close to the town are pockets of woodland and forest with open access and crisscrossed by waymarked routes and handy information panels – at Gelt Woods, Miltonrigg Wood, Rowbank Wood, Talkin Tarn and The Mote/Ridge Wood. A little further away are the beautiful hanging woodlands along the Irthing gorge at Combe Crag Wood and Gilsland Spa.
The low rolling hills conceal the outlying rural villages of Laversdale, Irthington, Walton, Lanercost, Talkin, Low Row, Hallbankgate and the former mining communities of Tindale and Midgeholme on the Pennines, whilst Gilsland, a spa town on the eastern edge of the county, straddles Cumbria and Northumberland.
To the north is Hadrian’s Wall, a 75-mile (120 km) long fortification extending from the Solway Firth to Wallsend-on-Tyne that signified the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Its strategically placed forts, fascinating milecastles, turrets and signal stations can be easily accessed by the Hadrian’s Wall bus (AD 122), which links to Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail and Hadrian’s Cycleway.
The original 7th-century Anglian settlement of Brampton (from the Old English ‘brom tun’ meaning ‘town where broom grew’) is thought to have sprung up by the old church (on the site of an old Roman fort), but the local lord fancied having a deer park so the town was cleared and re-established a short distance away in 1250. Medieval nobles could do that sort of thing. King Henry III granted the new town a market charter in 1252, and it grew up around Moot Hall, which was replaced in 1817 by the octagonal structure you see today. At the base of it are the iron stocks and a bull-tethering ring – a sober reminder of how local folk were punished and how bulls were baited before being slaughtered.
The town was frequently targeted by the Border Reivers – organised family gangs on both sides of the border that would steal, burn, kill and use extortion as a way to get by. Locals weren’t all that enthused about their methods and built a series of fortified pele towers (including at Newby Bridge and Askerton Castle) as an advance warning system, while the Wardens of the Marches were appointed to keep the peace. In the ‘Western March’ the job fell to the Lords Dacre of Naworth Castle, who held the title for nearly 300 years, until reiving as a way of life disappeared following the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603.
There was more trouble during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart (the Bonnie Prince Charlie of the song) laid claim to the throne and decided to march on London. First though, he successfully besieged Carlisle but chose to ‘rest’ in Brampton. After his defeat at the hands of the Duke of Cumberland many of his Jacobites were captured and hanged – six of them from a tree on Capon Tree Road. A monument marks the spot where the tree once stood.
Longtown - With its attractive 18th century bridge, Longtown makes a good starting point for walks along the River Esk and through the surrounding countryside. The Solway Firth is also popular with birdwatchers looking for wading birds and wildfowl. A 60-acre country park, Oakbank, offers fishing, a bird sanctuary, lakes, and walks. Built in 1776, the red sandstone estate church in Longtown, St Andrew (Kirk Andrews upon Esk) is a rebuilding of an earlier one and restored itself in 1893. Longtown's Gothic styled parish church is dedicated to St. Michael and stands on land once called Arthur's Head. The parish name became Arthuret. A cross in the churchyard also represents the knights of Malta.
Lanercost - Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, the Augustinian priory of Lanercost was much involved in the Anglo-Scottish wars. During his last campaign in 1306-7 the mortally sick King Edward I rested here for 6 months before dying at Burgh-by-Sands as he prepared to enter Scotland. The abbey suffered terribly from Scottish raids, being sacked four times. It was finally dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537 but today its beautiful 13thC church remains remarkably well-preserved, standing to its full height; part is now in use as the parish church. See the unique 16thC wallpaintings in the Dacre Hall.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Ambleside. Click for more details.
The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional English country in located in the village of Talkin, near…
A traditional English country inn located on the village green of Talkin. Log fire in the lounge, 4…
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Therapeutic Sound Bath event
Buses to and through Wetheral: 75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.
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Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire
Number of results: 45
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Brampton
The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional English country in located in the village of Talkin, near Brampton. Come cosy up to the real wood fire in our lounge and enjoy our selection of local cask ales available from the bar. We serve lunch and…
Brampton
A traditional English country inn located on the village green of Talkin. Log fire in the lounge, 4 local cask ales and meals served everyday, lunchtime and evening. 8 en-suite bedrooms. Beer garden with a lawned area. Separate restaurant.
Brampton
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders, Eden Valley, and English Lake District, so it should be no surprise that we have a wealth of artistic talent to call upon.
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7 reviewsCrosby-on-Eden
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation Museum has something to offer. Based on the site of RAF Crosby-on-Eden, a former WWII fighter base, the museum has been painstakingly created by a team…
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498 reviewsGilsland, Brampton
Situated in the heart of Hadrian's Wall country, Bush Nook is the perfect venue for a short break with a group of friends or for a family celebration.
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482 reviewsBrampton
Born and bought up in Yorkshire, Charlie and his family moved to Cumbria more than forty years ago, drawn by memories of many summers spent on the shores of Ullswater at Sandwick Bay.
Hallbankgate, Brampton
Farlam Hall is a four-star independent country house hotel located in Cumbria, located off the beaten track and away from the busy areas of the Lake District. Recently renovated to a high standard, the hotel has 13 unique bedrooms, as well as six…
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301 reviewsBrampton
This is the summer to Awaken Your Senses with the Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort's accessible trench talks. Experience live archaeological excavations with a multi-sensory experience from our accessible, indoor Activity Centre with fortnightly…
Scotby
Therapeutic Sound Bath event
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Buses to and through Wetheral:
75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.
Brampton
Our very own Marcus (or to give him his full name Marcus Pergamus Iustus) will lead you on an exploration of what it would have been like to be a Medicus during the Roman Empire at this family-friendly event.
Stamp your own votive offerings and…
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
Join us from Thur 28 March – Tues 16 April 2024 to enjoy our Easter activities
Brampton
Historic, demonstration chef John Crouch is back with us at the Roman Army Museum showcasing ancient Roman cooking, in collaboration with the Comfrey Project. You will be immersed in ancient Roman life, as you smell the aromas of ancient flavours,…
Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long-distance footpath that runs through the World Heritage Site. 84 miles of glorious walking through rugged moorland, rolling fields and dynamic urban landscape. And if 84 miles sounds a little daunting,…
Brampton
Nestled in the charming market town of Brampton, The Howard Arms beckons to those seeking an enchanting escape, both for themselves and their four-legged companions. A mere stone's throw from the majestic North Pennines and in close proximity to…
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338 reviewsTarn Road, Brampton
Join utter legends Robin, Marian, and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone's favourite archer.
Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a…
Brampton
Sarah, based in Penrith, Cumbria, an ideal base to explore the Lakes, Cumbrian coastline, and the Eden Valley which so inspires her work.
Sarah is fascinated by the ever-changing light upon the landscape and our place within it.
Brampton
Annie - A local artist who has worked in pastels, watercolours and acrylics for over 30 years. A regular exhibitor at Gallery Northwest, Annie is also a vital member of the GNW management team.
Brampton
Everybody loves Ernest. In fact, Cecily and Gwendolen are both engaged to Ernest. The only trouble is, he doesn't exist. Or does he…?
Carlisle
The Fleece at Ruleholme is a brand new country inn offering 23 luxury bedrooms, two restaurants and extensive conference, banqueting and Wedding options.
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220 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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