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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.
10 Mile Road Running Race, starting in Brampton at William Howard School, taking a road route…
A walk on the banks of the river Eden, in the former Forest of Inglewood.
This is a family-friendly event and free to ticket holders for the Roman Army Museum. How do we…
The Fleece at Ruleholme is a brand new country inn offering 23 luxury bedrooms, two restaurants and…
Buses to and through Wetheral: 75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Talkin Tarn is a beautiful glacial tarn surrounded by ancient woodlands. The Tamper route…
Inspired by the landscape and set on a hilltop adjacent to Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria, Garthside…
High ceilings, impressive opulent decor and calming views over the ornamental lake and fountain…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
The perfect spot for history lovers, this cosy café is just the place to recharge and refuel while…
Situated in the heart of Hadrian's Wall country, Bush Nook is the perfect venue for a short break…
We’re sure that you will work up an appetite on your day out at Walby Farm Park so our café – ‘The…
Our popular 'Father Christmas on the Farm' event is back in 2024! BOOK TICKETS NOW Team Walby is…
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
We are a team of well-trained and enthusiastic local people who delight in sharing our extensive…
Touring for the first time in four years, Christine will be performing songs from the "Children of…
The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional English country in located in the village of Talkin, near…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains…
Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long-distance footpath that runs through the World…
Talkin Tarn is a great destination for the whole family. Come and find out why Talkin Tarn really…
Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire
Number of results: 41
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1087 reviewsBrampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
354 reviewsCrosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
There is no doubt that a visit to the award winning Walby Farm Park is the place to be for bucket loads of fun inside and out! With activities galore, delicious homemade food, a bit of retail therapy in the gift shop, and – best of all – the chance…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
574 reviews-
Buses to and through Wetheral:
75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.
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
Inspired by the landscape and set on a hilltop adjacent to Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria, Garthside Farm Holidays provides thoughtfully positioned glamping pods, with outstanding views of the beautiful countryside, North Pennine Fells and Northern Lake…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviewsBrampton
High ceilings, impressive opulent decor and calming views over the ornamental lake and fountain make the Michelin star restaurant, the Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai, the perfect place to enjoy a fine dining experience.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
354 reviewsBrampton
10 Mile Road Running Race, starting in Brampton at William Howard School, taking a road route towards Carlisle and finishing on Eden Bridge in Carlisle. The race is the oldest 10 Mile race in the country
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 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner and the only church designed by preRaphaelite architect Philip Webb.
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,…
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
The Walby Farm Park Gift Shop, “The Gift Shed” has been stocked with farm and countryside lovers in mind. Our range of toys, books and gifts is complemented by a hand-picked selection of children’s clothing, which can be handy if you’ve forgotten…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
574 reviewsBrampton
This is a family-friendly event and free to ticket holders for the Roman Army Museum.
How do we know about the people, animals and plants who lived before us at the ancient site of Magna Fort? What food were they eating and what insects were a…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviewsBrampton
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall. Explore the remains of the Roman fort and discover displays, artefacts and rest in the Tearoom.
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A walk on the banks of the river Eden, in the former Forest of Inglewood.
Brampton
Talkin Tarn is a beautiful glacial tarn surrounded by ancient woodlands. The Tamper route circumnavigates the Tarn. You will get lovely views over the water, as well as, the chance to see the birds, flora and fauna that call the Tarn home.
Brampton
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains remarkably well-preserved.
Brampton
The perfect spot for history lovers, this cosy café is just the place to recharge and refuel while you visit the nearby English Heritage sites of Lanercost Priory and Hadrian’s Wall.
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