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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.
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.
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.
Brampton is a pretty market town in the north of Cumbria, located a short distance from Carlisle to the east.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Ambleside. Click for more details.
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation…
The perfect spot for history lovers, this cosy café is just the place to recharge and refuel while…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
At the Roman Army Museum, Emperor Ted needs your help to find all the food he needs for his picnic.…
"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't!" Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
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Over the October half-term, visit the Roman Army Museum to get a hands-on experience of some of the…
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Nestled in the charming market town of Brampton, The Howard Arms beckons to those seeking an…
Set against the stunning backdrop of Magna Fort, we will be celebrating aquila, the symbol of the…
Farlam Hall is a four-star independent country house hotel located in Cumbria, located off the…
Jennifer Guest Jennifer gained a BA(Hons) in Art and Design from East Anglia University, and then…
Mud Run 3000 people all ages and abilities
The Fleece’s Oak Room bar and restaurant, serves a hearty menu of favourites for the entire family,…
Join us at the Roman Army Museum for a hands on Roman artillery experience. Based on the Roman…
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional English country in located in the village of Talkin, near…
The tearoom is located on the waterfront at Talkin Tarn and offers beautiful views from the balcony…
The Fleece at Ruleholme is a brand new country inn offering 23 luxury bedrooms, two restaurants and…
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Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire
Number of results: 46
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Brampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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…
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.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
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…
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…
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.
Devonshire St, Penrith
Creative writing with Emma Thompson – All about winter – creative writing and winter readings – POETRY
10am - 1pm
Saturday 1 March
Immerse yourself in the world of winter poetry with Emma and like-minded writers at The George Hotel in Penrith…
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.
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
Looking for the perfect way to keep the kids entertained this February Half Term? Walby Farm Park has you covered with Magic Week and the enchanting Magic of Lambing 2025!
The Magic of Lambing (Sat 15 Feb – Sun 23 Feb)
Experience the wonder of new…
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…
Brampton
Set against the stunning backdrop of Magna Fort, we will be celebrating aquila, the symbol of the Roman Empire, here at the Roman Army Museum. Joined by Falconry Days, experience a bird of prey display over this ancient landscape.
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…
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…
Brampton
Mud Run 3000 people all ages and abilities
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.
Brampton
Join us at the Roman Army Museum for a hands on Roman artillery experience. Based on the Roman catapult, the Scorpion, create your own mini version before taking fire! See if you can beat your fellow 'soldiers' and reach enemy territory.
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.
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…
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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