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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

Militaria

Over 40 objects are being loaned to the museum from a private collector and highlights include a…

Birdoswald Roman Fort

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

Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall

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

Heads Nook Hall B&B

Heads Nook Hall B&B offers a unique luxury Country Guest House experience, with a welcome as warm…

Tottergill Farm

The award winning Tottergill Farm is a range of exclusive holiday cottages set in the tranquil…

The Sally

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

The Cedar Tree Restaurant at Farlam Hall

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

St. Martin's Church, Brampton

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

Buses to and through Wetheral

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

Lanercost Priory

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

Talkin Tarn Country Park

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

Great Guided Tours

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

Heads Nook Hall Cottage

The Holiday Cottage. Modern fitted kitchen. Two bedrooms; 1 x king size and 1 x 2 singles. Luxury…

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail

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

Walby Farm Park

Cumbria's multi-award winning all-weather attraction on our family farm, meet our friendly animals,…

Curly Tails Cafe at Walby Farm Park

Open 7 days a week, the Curly Tails Café - adjacent to the children’s play area - overlooks our…

The Sally

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

The Blacksmiths Arms

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

Long Byres Holiday Cottages

Warm, specially designed cottages on a hill farm with access to fells for walking, bird watching,…

Walby Farm Park Gift Shop

Browse the wide selection of toys, books and gifts in our Walby Farm Park Gift Shop. There are toys…

Our Lady & St Wilfrid Church, Warwick Bridge

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

Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral

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

Hullerbank

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

Bush Nook Guest House

Built in 1760 Bush Nook is a former farmhouse offering group self catering for 21 people, set in…

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

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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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The Sally

Address

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.

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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.

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Long Byres Holiday Cottages

Address

Talkin Head, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1LT

Telephone
016977 3435

stay@longbyres.co.uk

Brampton

Warm, specially designed cottages on a hill farm with access to fells for walking, bird watching, cycling. Children any age welcome as are pets by prior arrangement. Entry is usually available from 13.00.

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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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Walby Farm Park

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden

Cumbria's multi-award winning all-weather attraction on our family farm, meet our friendly animals, try out our exciting indoor and outdoor play areas and explore our nature trail. Our Curly Tails Cafe is open from 10.00 until 17.00.

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
472 reviews
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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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Heads Nook Hall B&B

Address

Heads Nook, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 9AA

Telephone
01228 562466

bookings@headsnookhall.co.uk

Brampton

Heads Nook Hall B&B offers a unique luxury Country Guest House experience, with a welcome as warm as the roaring open fires and just 7 miles from Carlisle, close to market town Brampton, is an ideal base for touring this beautiful region.

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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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Heads Nook Hall Cottage

Address

Heads Nook Hall, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 9AA

Telephone
01228 562466

bookings@headsnookhall.co.uk

Brampton

The Holiday Cottage. Modern fitted kitchen. Two bedrooms; 1 x king size and 1 x 2 singles. Luxury bathroom with shower, bath and bidet.

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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.

More Details
Walby Farm Park Gift Shop

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden

Browse the wide selection of toys, books and gifts in our Walby Farm Park Gift Shop. There are toys for all ages and interests in the Walby Farm Park Gift Shop! From toy tractors and cuddly toys to craft kits, stationery and pocket money gifts –…

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
472 reviews
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Pride and Prejudice

Address

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

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Brampton, Carlisle

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen's witty and romantic masterpiece is one of the best-loved stories of all time, dealing with the most important questions in life… Will Mrs Bennett manage to offload her numerous daughters in…

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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.…

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The Wind in the Willows

Address

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

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Brampton, Carlisle

Join Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger on a wild adventure at Talkin Tarn Country Park in Carlisle filled with motorcar madness, wicked weasels, exciting escapes and plenty of messing about in boats.
The critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company…

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Militaria

Address

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

Telephone
01697747485

info@vindolanda.com

Brampton

Over 40 objects are being loaned to the museum from a private collector and highlights include a complete legionary helmet found at a site in Wiesbaden-Erbenheim (Germany) in 1971/72 and a military diploma bestowing Roman Citizenship to Longinus…

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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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The Tempest

Address

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

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Brampton, Carlisle

Join open-air Shakespeare specialists The Pantaloons Theatre Company at Talkin Tarn Country Park in Carlisle on a voyage to an enchanted island full of adventure, romance, magic and… monsters!
Expect music and mayhem, poetry and puppetry in the…

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Bush Nook Guest House

Address

Upper Denton, Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7AF

Telephone
016977 47194

info@bushnook.co.uk

Brampton

Built in 1760 Bush Nook is a former farmhouse offering group self catering for 21 people, set in open countryside it has stunning panoramic views across the Irthing Valley towards Birdoswald Roman Fort and the Wark Forest.

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Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral

Address

Wetheral, -

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

-

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

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