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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

The pretty market town of Brampton stands just a short distance from the city of Carlisle, in north Cumbria. Home to independent shops and eateries, and much smaller than Carlisle, it’s a great place to base yourself while exploring the surrounding areas, including Hadrian’s Wall.

History & Heritage of Brampton

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). In 1252, the town was cleared and re-established a short distance away in order to build a deer park for the local lord. King Henry III granted the new town a market charter in 1252, and it grew up around the Moot Hall, which was replaced in 1817 by an octagonal structure which can still be seen today.

The town was frequently targeted by the Border Reivers – raiders on both sides of the Anglo-Scottish border. Locals weren’t all that enthused about their methods and built a series of fortified pele towers 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 in the 1600s.

There was more trouble during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart 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.

Nature & Wildlife in Brampton

Surrounding Brampton is the gently rolling countryside of the Irthing Valley and Geltsdale, leading up to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines National Landscape. 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: stretching from Wallsend in the east to the Solway Firth in the west, it signified the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Its strategically placed forts, fascinating milecastles, turrets and signal stations can be easily accessed from Brampton.

FAQs

Where is Brampton located?

Brampton is a pretty market town in the north of Cumbria, located a short distance from Carlisle to the east.

Where is there to stay in Brampton?

There are several good accommodation options in Brampton, with self catering accommodation as well as B&Bs, country inns and hotels both in and around the town centre. The Howard Arms, Farlam Hall (with its own Michelin starred restaurant), Abbey Farm House B&B and Garthside Holidays are just a few examples.

Where is there to eat in Brampton?

Brampton may be small, but it’s home to a good selection of eateries to suit a range of tastes. From hearty pub food to fish & chips, local produce to friendly cafes, take your pick.

How to get to Brampton?

Brampton can be reached by car, with parking available in the town. It’s also accessible by bus, with services from Carlisle. Brampton train station is located on the Newcastle and Carlisle railway, or the Tyne Valley Line, and is around a mile outside of the town centre.

Surrounding Areas

Longtown - A short 20 minute drive from Brampton, the market town of Longtown makes a good starting point for walks along the River Esk and through the surrounding countryside. Built in 1776, St Andrew’s church - located a short distance from the town centre - is a red sandstone building with a impressive interior, which was remodelled in 1892 / 3 by renowned architect Temple Moore.

The Solway Firth - 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.

Lanercost Priory - Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, the Augustinian Lanercost Priory 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 13th century church remains remarkably well-preserved, standing to its full height; part is now in use as the parish church.

Did you know?

BRAMPTON OLD CHURCH

This tiny church on the banks of the River Irthing overlooks an ancient crossing point to Irthington. The church lies within the ramparts of a Roman fort – one of a series along the Stanegate and is partly built of Roman stone. Only the chancel remains, as the nave and tower were demolished in 1788. Many trades are recorded on the gravestones – shoemakers, butchers, glovers, even a violin maker!

SIR WALTER SCOTT

The famous poet and novelist, stayed in Gilsland in 1796 whilst seeking inspiration for his narrative poems. He met his future wife here and proposed to her at the Popping Stone in the Irthing Gorge. Scott wrote ‘The Bridal of Triermain’ and ‘Guy Mannering’, among other works.

ST MARTIN’S CHURCH

19th century Pre-Raphaelite church commissioned by George Howard, the 9th Earl of Carlisle and a patron of the arts. The architect was Philip Webb who employed Edward Burne-Jones to design a series of magnificent stained glass windows, which were installed by William Morris. The Pre-Raphaelites were noted for their strong use of colour and detailing, with emphasis on natural and medieval themes.

NAWORTH CASTLE

Stronghold of the Dacre family from 1335, before passing to Lord William Howard though marriage. Since 1660, Naworth has been the home of the Earls of Carlisle. The castle is generally not open to the public (except during special events) but can be easily viewed from a public road which passes through the estate.

BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE

At the far end of Capon Tree Road in Brampton is a memorial to six of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites, who were hanged on 21 October 1746 from a ‘capon tree’ that once grew here. Now a quiet cul-de-sac, Capon Tree Road was once the main route to Carlisle (via Low Gelt Bridge).

THE ROCKET

George Stevenson’s famous ‘Rocket’ was used on the Midgeholme to Brampton line between 1837 and 1844 and is now on display in the Science Museum, London.

Highlights

Boathouse Tearoom Talkin Tarn

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

Gelt Gladiator

Mud Run 3000 people all ages and abilities

Walby Farm Park Easter Eggstravaganza

Easter Eggstravaganza at Walby Farm Park! ✨ 7 – 20 April 2025 Get ready for a chocolate-fuelled,…

Meditative Waters

Jennifer Guest Jennifer gained a BA(Hons) in Art and Design from East Anglia University, and then…

Talkin Tarn Country Park

Talkin Tarn is a great destination for the whole family. Come and find out why Talkin Tarn really…

The Pantaloons: Hamlet

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't!" Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons…

Lanercost Tea Room & Gift Shop

The perfect spot for history lovers, this cosy café is just the place to recharge and refuel while…

St. Martin's Church, Brampton

A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…

The Pantaloons: Sense And Sensibility

Elinor Dashwood has a lot of good sense. Her sister Marianne Dashwood has an excess of sensibility.…

The Blacksmiths Arms - Food & Drink

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

Bare Bones

Over the October half-term, visit the Roman Army Museum to get a hands-on experience of some of the…

Solway Aviation Museum

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

Buses to and through Wetheral

Buses to and through Wetheral: 75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.

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…

Farlam Hall Hotel

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

Teddy Bears Picnic

At the Roman Army Museum, Emperor Ted needs your help to find all the food he needs for his picnic.…

Walby Farm Park

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

Bush Nook Farm House

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

The Blacksmiths Arms

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

Roman Army Museum

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

Gallery North West

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

Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral

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

Tramper Hire - Talkin Tarn Country Park

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

The Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai

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

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

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Gelt Gladiator

Address

Farmland, Near Walton, Brampton, Cumbria, CA82JR

Telephone
+447915338945

getmuddy@geltgladiator.com

Brampton

Mud Run 3000 people all ages and abilities

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Walby Farm Park Easter Eggstravaganza

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle

Easter Eggstravaganza at Walby Farm Park! ✨
7 – 20 April 2025
Get ready for a chocolate-fuelled, fun-packed Easter at Walby Farm Park! Alongside all your farm favourites, we've got brand-new, egg-citing entertainment that will make this an Easter…

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Meditative Waters

Address

Cumbria, Brampton, 20-24 Front St, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1NG

Telephone
01697741554

info@gallery-northwest.co.uk

20-24 Front St, Brampton

Jennifer Guest
Jennifer gained a BA(Hons) in Art and Design from East Anglia University, and then went on to have a career as a therapist and author. Returning to making art, Jennifer now creates drawings as a full-time artist from her Scottish…

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Talkin Tarn Country Park

Address

Talkin Tarn Country Park, Tarn Road, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1HN

Telephone
01228 817200

talkintarn@carlisle.gov.uk

Brampton

Talkin Tarn is a great destination for the whole family. Come and find out why Talkin Tarn really does have something for everyone. Explore ancient woodlands, easy footpaths, glacial tarns. Enjoy tearoom treats, stunning views, family adventures.…

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The Pantaloons: Hamlet

Address

Talkin Tarn Country Park, Tarn Road, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1HN

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Brampton

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't!"
Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company as they put on a frantic disposition to tackle Shakespeare's greatest tragedy in their own anarchic style.
When he discovers that his…

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St. Martin's Church, Brampton

Address

Main Street, BRAMPTON, Cumbria, CA8 1SH

Telephone
01697 741304

info@stmartinsbrampton.org.uk

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.

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The Pantaloons: Sense And Sensibility

Address

Talkin Tarn Country Park, Tarn Road, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1HN

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Brampton

Elinor Dashwood has a lot of good sense. Her sister Marianne Dashwood has an excess of sensibility. Together they make a snappy title for Jane Austen's classic novel of scandals, scoundrels, and severely sprained ankles.
This funny, fast-paced, and…

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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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Bare Bones

Address

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

Telephone
016977 47485

info@vindolanda.com

Brampton

Over the October half-term, visit the Roman Army Museum to get a hands-on experience of some of the Vindolanda Trust's animal bone collection. Learn about what these objects can tell us about communities living over 2,000 years ago.

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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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531 reviews
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Buses to and through Wetheral

Address

Wetheral, -

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

-

Buses to and through Wetheral:
75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.

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Mother's Day

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle

With all those nappy changes, toddler tantrums, and hours spent cheering from the sidelines in the pouring rain, isn't it time you enjoyed a well-deserved treat?
This Mother's Day, we're rolling out the red carpet (well, sort of!) for all the…

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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
614 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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
379 reviews
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Teddy Bears Picnic

Address

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

Telephone
016977 47485

info@vindolanda.com

Brampton

At the Roman Army Museum, Emperor Ted needs your help to find all the food he needs for his picnic. Will you and your teddy bear join us to help? Bring your teddy bear dressed up as a Roman Emperor and follow our trail around the museum. Once you've…

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Walby Farm Park

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-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…

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Tourism For All

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614 reviews
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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
481 reviews
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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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Tourism For All

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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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1091 reviews
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Gallery North West

Address

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

Telephone
016977 41554

info@gallery-northwest.co.uk

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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
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Brampton

History & Heritage of Brampton

Nature & Wildlife in Brampton

FAQs

Where is Brampton located?

Where is there to stay in Brampton?

Where is there to eat in Brampton?

How to get to Brampton?

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

BRAMPTON OLD CHURCH

SIR WALTER SCOTT

ST MARTIN’S CHURCH

NAWORTH CASTLE

BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE

THE ROCKET

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