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Brampton Carlisle & Hadrian's Wall
Brampton Carlisle & Hadrian's Wall
Brampton Carlisle & Hadrian's Wall
Brampton Carlisle & Hadrian's Wall
Brampton Carlisle & Hadrian's Wall

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Brampton

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.

Culture & Heritage

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.

Surrounding Areas

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.

Did you know?

Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Ambleside. Click for more details.

Highlights

Great Guided Tours

We are a team of well-trained and enthusiastic local people who delight in sharing our extensive…

Bush Nook Farm House

Situated in the heart of Hadrian's Wall country, Bush Nook is the perfect venue for a short break…

Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral

A walk on the banks of the river Eden, in the former Forest of Inglewood.

Floatation Station: Geoarchaeology Workshop

This is a family-friendly event and free to ticket holders for the Roman Army Museum. How do we…

The Blacksmiths Arms

A traditional English country inn located on the village green of Talkin. Log fire in the lounge, 4…

Walby Farm Park Gift Shop - The Gift Shed

The Walby Farm Park Gift Shop, “The Gift Shed” has been stocked with farm and countryside lovers in…

Father Christmas on the Farm 2024 at Walby Farm Park

Our popular 'Father Christmas on the Farm' event is back in 2024! BOOK TICKETS NOW Team Walby is…

Roman Army Museum

Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…

Garthside Farm Holidays

Inspired by the landscape and set on a hilltop adjacent to Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria, Garthside…

The Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai

High ceilings, impressive opulent decor and calming views over the ornamental lake and fountain…

Farlam Hall Hotel

Farlam Hall is a four-star independent country house hotel located in Cumbria, located off the…

The Fleece at Ruleholme

The Fleece at Ruleholme is a brand new country inn offering 23 luxury bedrooms, two restaurants and…

Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall

Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.

Tramper Hire - Talkin Tarn Country Park

Talkin Tarn is a beautiful glacial tarn surrounded by ancient woodlands. The Tamper route…

Boathouse Tearoom Talkin Tarn

The tearoom is located on the waterfront at Talkin Tarn and offers beautiful views from the balcony…

Solway Aviation Museum

Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation…

The Fleece at Ruleholme - Food & Drink

The Fleece’s Oak Room bar and restaurant, serves a hearty menu of favourites for the entire family,…

Exploring 20's

The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…

Our Lady & St Wilfrid Church, Warwick Bridge

This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this…

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long-distance footpath that runs through the World…

The Blacksmiths Arms - Food & Drink

The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional English country in located in the village of Talkin, near…

Walby Farm Park

There is no doubt that a visit to the award winning Walby Farm Park is the place to be for bucket…

Gallery North West - Contemporary Art Gallery

A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

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Christiner Collister

Address

Cumwhinton Road, Wetheral, Cumbria, CA4 8HE

Telephone
01228 561687

lettings@wetheralcommunity.org.uk

Wetheral

Touring for the first time in four years, Christine will be performing songs from the "Children of the Sea" project along with a selection of old favourites. Christine's career now spans an incredible 40 years. Throughout, she has mesmerised and…

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Great Guided Tours

Address

Holly Nook, Faugh Heads Nook, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 9EG

Telephone
01228 670578

carol@greatguidedtours.co.uk

Brampton

We are a team of well-trained and enthusiastic local people who delight in sharing our extensive knowledge of Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall and its rich history and heritage. Uncover Roman heritage and walk in their footsteps.

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Bush Nook Farm House

Address

Bush Nook Farm House, Upper Denton, Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7AF

Telephone
07920 842253

contact@bushnook.co.uk

Gilsland, 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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481 reviews
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Floatation Station: Geoarchaeology Workshop

Address

Roman Army Museum, Greenhead, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7JB

Telephone
016977 47485

info@vindolanda.com

Brampton

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…

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The Blacksmiths Arms

Address

Blacksmiths Arms, Talkin, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1LE

Telephone
016977 3452

blacksmithsarmstalkin@yahoo.co.uk

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.

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Walby Farm Park Gift Shop - The Gift Shed

Address

Walby Farm Park, Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4QL

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

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…

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574 reviews
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Father Christmas on the Farm 2024 at Walby Farm Park

Address

Walby Farm Park, Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria, CA6 4QL

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden

Our popular 'Father Christmas on the Farm' event is back in 2024!
BOOK TICKETS NOW
Team Walby is thrilled to announce that Father Christmas and his Festive Friends will be visiting Walby Farm Park again in 2024 for our magical Father Christmas on…

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Roman Army Museum

Address

Greenhead, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7JB

Telephone
01697 747485

info@vindolanda.com

Brampton

Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.

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1087 reviews
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Garthside Farm Holidays

Address

Garthside Farm Holidays, Garthside, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2JP

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…

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18 reviews
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The Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai

Address

Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai, Hallbankgate, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2NG

Telephone
016977 46234

farlam@farlamhall.co.uk

Brampton

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.

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356 reviews
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Farlam Hall Hotel

Address

Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Hallbankgate, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2NG

Telephone
016977 46234

farlam@farlamhall.co.uk

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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356 reviews
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The Fleece at Ruleholme

Address

Irthington, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4NF

Telephone
01228 832030

info@thefleeceruleholme.com

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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258 reviews
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Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall

Address

Pike Hill, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2BX

Telephone
0191 2691200

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Brampton

Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.

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Solway Aviation Museum

Address

Aviation House, Carlisle Lake District Airport, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria, CA6 4NW

Telephone
01228 573823

info@solway-aviation-museum.co.uk

Crosby-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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528 reviews
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The Fleece at Ruleholme - Food & Drink

Address

Irthington, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4NF

Telephone
01228 832030

info@thefleeceruleholme.com

Carlisle

The Fleece’s Oak Room bar and restaurant, serves a hearty menu of favourites for the entire family, and the Bridge Restaurant delivers an award-winning fine dining experience.

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258 reviews
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Exploring 20's

Address

Gallery North West, 20-24 Front St, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1NG

Telephone
01697741554

info@gallery-northwest.co.uk

Brampton

The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes 'Exploring 20's' describes his approach to painting.
At any stage Stephen will have 5 or 6 on the go and works on them in turn as his ideas about them…

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Our Lady & St Wilfrid Church, Warwick Bridge

Address

Waters Meet, Warwick Bridge, CARLISLE, Cumbria, CA4 8RX

Telephone
07936 135834

CARLISLE

This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed by ‘God’s Architect’ Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The church retains all of its original elaborate architectural features, fittings and furniture,…

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Birdoswald Roman Fort

Address

Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DD

Telephone
016977 47602

birdoswald.romanfort@english-heritage.org.uk

Brampton

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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Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail

Address

-

Telephone
01434 322002

website@cumbriatourism.org

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,…

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The Blacksmiths Arms - Food & Drink

Address

Blacksmiths Arms, Talkin, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1LE

Telephone
016977 3452

blacksmithsarmstalkin@yahoo.co.uk

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…

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