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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?

Brampton Old Church
This tiny church on the banks of the River Irthing overlooks an ancient crossing point to Irthington.
Sir Walter Scott
The famous poet and novelist, stayed in Gilsland in 1796 whilst seeking inspiration for his narrative poems.
St Martins Church
19th century Pre-Raphaelite church commissioned by George Howard, the 9th Earl of Carlisle and a patron of the arts.
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.
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.
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

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail

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

The Cedar Tree Restaurant at Farlam Hall

Award-winning two AA Rosette Resturant serving surperb British modern cuisine, featuring fresh…

Bush Nook Farm House

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

Lanercost Priory

Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains…

Dining at The Sally

A modern and contemporary village inn with a restaurant serving home cooked, locally sourced…

Roman Falconry at Birdoswald Roman Fort

In a world ruled by gods and goddesses birds were very important within the Roman belief system.…

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…

Kids Rule!

Travel back in time and meet characters from the past at our Kids Rule events this May half-term.…

Great Guided Tours

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

Talkin Tarn Country Park

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

The Sally

Welcome to The Sally where our hospitality is as warm and roaring as our open log fires.

Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall

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

The Blacksmiths Arms

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

Farlam Hall Ltd

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

St. Martin's Church, Brampton

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

Hail Hadrian at Birdoswald Roman Fort

Hail Hadrian! Bring the whole family to Birdoswald Roman Fort and experience life at the edge of…

The Fleece at Ruleholme

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

Cowshed Café at Walby Farm Park

We’re sure that you will work up an appetite on your day out at Walby Farm Park so our café – ‘The…

Birdoswald Roman Fort

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

Walby Farm Park

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

Hullerbank

Georgian Farmhouse dated 1635. Set in its own grounds. Welcoming, comfortable and peaceful, with…

Great Guided Tours

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

Our Lady & St Wilfrid Church, Warwick Bridge

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

Buses to and through Wetheral

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

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

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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 Cedar Tree Restaurant at Farlam Hall

Address

Hallbankgate, BRAMPTON, Cumbria, CA8 2NG

Telephone
016977 46234

farlam@farlamhall.co.uk

BRAMPTON

Award-winning two AA Rosette Resturant serving surperb British modern cuisine, featuring fresh local produce. Open to residents and non-residents for afternoon tea, dinner and Sunday lunch.

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
229 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.

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
484 reviews
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Dining at The Sally

Address

The Sally, Irthington, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4NJ

Telephone
016977 42954

enquiries@thesallyirthington.co.uk

Carlisle

A modern and contemporary village inn with a restaurant serving home cooked, locally sourced produce.

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
536 reviews
More Details
Roman Falconry at Birdoswald Roman Fort

Address

Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall, Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DD

Telephone
016977 47602

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Brampton

In a world ruled by gods and goddesses birds were very important within the Roman belief system. Visit Birdoswald Roman Fort and see birds of prey up close, find out why they were so popular in the Roman era and watch incredible falconry displays…

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Walby Farm Park Gift Shop - The Gift Shed

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

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…

Tourism For All

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490 reviews
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Kids Rule!

Address

Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall, Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, E5 0RU

Telephone
016977 47602

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Brampton

Travel back in time and meet characters from the past at our Kids Rule events this May half-term. Join us at Birdoswald Roman Fort for Roman themed hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun.
Book online and save 10%.

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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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Talkin Tarn Country Park

Address

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.…

Tourism For All

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The Sally

Address

The Sally, Irthington, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4NJ

Telephone
01697742954

enquiries@thesallyirthington.co.uk

Carlisle

Welcome to The Sally where our hospitality is as warm and roaring as our open log fires.

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
44 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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Afternoon Tea at The Sally

Address

The Sally, Irthington, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4NJ

Telephone
016977 42954

enquiries@thesallyirthington.co.uk

Carlisle

A modern and contemporary village inn with a restaurant serving home cooked, locally sourced produce in a traditional Afternoon Tea service.

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
536 reviews
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The Blacksmiths Arms

Address

Talkin Village, 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.

Tourism For All

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Farlam Hall Ltd

Address

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…

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
229 reviews
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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.

More Details
Hail Hadrian at Birdoswald Roman Fort

Address

Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall, Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DD

Telephone
016977 47602

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Brampton

Hail Hadrian! Bring the whole family to Birdoswald Roman Fort and experience life at the edge of the Roman Empire. Re-enactors will demonstrate the arts which made the Roman military the most feared force on the planet.
Book online and save 10%.

More Details
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.

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
173 reviews
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Cowshed Café at Walby Farm Park

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Carlisle

We’re sure that you will work up an appetite on your day out at Walby Farm Park so our café – ‘The Cowshed Café’ offers tasty home-cooked dishes made with locally produced ingredients – and all in a great setting in the beautiful Cumbrian…

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
490 reviews
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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.

Tourism For All

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Walby Farm Park

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

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…

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
490 reviews
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