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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.
Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long-distance footpath that runs through the World…
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains…
Talkin Tarn is a great destination for the whole family. Come and find out why Talkin Tarn really…
Inspired by the landscape and set on a hilltop adjacent to Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria, Garthside…
A traditional English country inn located on the village green of Talkin. Log fire in the lounge, 4…
We are a team of well-trained and enthusiastic local people who delight in sharing our extensive…
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Farlam Hall is a four-star independent country house hotel located in Cumbria, located off the…
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10 Mile Road Running Race, starting in Brampton at William Howard School, taking a road route…
Pumpkin Picking After Dark – back for 2024! Our Pumpkin Picking After Dark event was so popular…
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this…
This is a family friendly-event and free to Roman Army Museum ticket holders. Animal bones can…
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Indulge in a delightful array of traditional Indian cuisine, from a delectable afternoon tea to…
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A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
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The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional English country in located in the village of Talkin, near…
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Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire
Number of results: 39
, currently showing 21 to 39.
Brampton
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
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Roman Army Museum as we celebrate Bonfire Light – a dedicated, accessible event for you to enjoy the festivities surrounding bonfire night. Experience a unique after-hours exploration of the Roman Army…
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 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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526 reviewsBrampton
This is a family friendly-event and free to Roman Army Museum ticket holders.
Animal bones can tell us a lot about the communities stationed along Hadrian's Wall, from what they were eating to how the soldiers would spend their leisure time!…
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
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
351 reviewsCrosby-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
567 reviewsCrosby-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…
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 reviewsWetheral
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…
Crosby-on-Eden
Walby Farm Park's Bonfire Bonanza is back for 2024.
Tues 5 Nov 6-9pm!
Doors open at 4pm for food and drinks!
All tickets include :-
Entry to our Indoor Adventure Play Barn and undercover Milecastle 62.
Fabulous Fireworks…
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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567 reviewsCarlisle
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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255 reviewsBrampton
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains remarkably well-preserved.
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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
The tearoom is located on the waterfront at Talkin Tarn and offers beautiful views from the balcony out across the water to the Pennine hills beyond.
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