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Exploring Carlisle to Brampton Car-Free

Exploring Carlisle to Brampton Car-Free

Just 17 minutes apart by train or 22 minutes by bus, a day exploring the city of Carlisle, the village of Brampton – and everything in between, makes for a unique mix of urban and rural life.

With regular Avanti West Coast services into Carlisle station from across the West Coast Mainline, and frequent onward travel, getting out and about in this northern area of Cumbria is easy without the car, with Carlisle Castle, Carlisle Cathedral, the Guildhall and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery all offering a glimpse into city life of years gone-by.

With Hadrian’s Wall, and the villages of Wetheral and Brampton offering a slice of peace and quiet that’s easily within reach, this is an area that certainly proves that there’s so much more to Cumbria than what you already know…

Before leaving the city to explore the surrounding areas, be sure to take a look at Carlisle Castle. Built from stones taken from Hadrian’s Wall, this 1,000 year old fortification was a key strategic point in defending England from the Scots, Vikings and the Border Reivers – not to mention taking care of city defences during the English civil wars.

Not quite as old as the castle (but almost!), Carlisle Cathedral features 14th century stained glass windows, stunningly preserved wood carvings and medieval painted wall panels which tell the exciting history of the city.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery houses several collections of fine art, human history and natural sciences, including the new Costume Collection exhibition which covers hundreds of years of fashion and working clothing.

If you’re visiting with children, then take this bus from Carlisle to the award-winning Walby Farm Park. With plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy, including farm animal shows, a giant sandpit, a seasonal maize maze and tractor & trailer rides.

While a bus can take you straight over to Brampton, east of Carlisle, taking the train means you can stop-off in the village of Wetheral en-route. This largely undiscovered jewel in north Cumbria’s countryside is nestled quietly on the banks of the River Eden, offering stunning countryside views and a taste of traditional English country village life thanks to its market cross, 18th century houses and 16th century church.

On the other side of the river is the Georgian-era Corby Castle, which was another key point of defence against Border Reivers. Wetheral is also the home of caves hidden in bank of the river which were used as hiding places for monks as places of refuge during times of conflict.

Crossing the River Eden 100 feet below is the Wetheral railway viaduct, which you can also walk across thanks to a public footpath from the railway station.

Continuing your car-free adventure, take the train to Brampton – just a few minutes away from Wetheral, and only a couple of miles away from Hadrian’s Wall. Although near Carlisle, you’ll find peace and tranquillity in spades as you’re surrounded by countryside and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

With the Moot Hall standing in Brampton’s centre, this is the town’s Tourist Information Centre, so be sure to call-in. Here, St Martin’s Church boasts stunning stained glass windows, whilst like Carlisle Castle, the Old Parish Church (only part of which still stands) was constructed using stones taken from Hadrian’s Wall - a 75-mile long former line of defence stretching all the way from The Solway Firth in the west, to Wallsend-on-Tyne in the east.

Marking the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall is easy to explore from Brampton, with the Birdoswald Roman Fort proving you with a great place to get started. Sitting above the River Irthing, this stretch of the wall offers plenty of history waiting to be discovered thanks to the Birdoswald Visitor Centre. To get there car-free, details of the bus route are here.

You’ll also find the Banks Turret nearby, which is the best-preserved structure of its kind along Hadrian's Wall western stretch.

Three miles to the east of Brampton is Lanercost Priory, which you can either walk to or take the Alba/Classic Hadrian’s Wall Bus AD122 from spring to autumn. At nearly 1,000 years old, Lanercost was founded by King Henry II and played a key role in the Anglo-Scottish conflicts before being dissolved by King Henry VIII.

Further car-free opportunities away thanks to many way-marked walking routes accompanied by useful information boards in and around Brampton. Talkin Tarn is just two miles outside Brampton, and boasts a 65 acre lake among 120 acres of sprawling woods and farmland, with the nearby Gelt Woods sure to satisfy bird-watchers thanks to its RSPB nature reserve.

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Carlisle Cathedral
2 Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
3 Walby Farm Park
4 Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral
5 Birdoswald Roman Fort
6 Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall
7 Lanercost Priory
8 Talkin Tarn Country Park
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Product Information

  1. Carlisle Cathedral
    Carlisle Cathedral

    Carlisle Cathedral

    Carlisle

    900 years of living faith, living history and living community in the heart of Carlisle. The Cathedral has a turbulent past with some fine medieval panels and stained glass; the choir sings at most services. Entry is free.

  2. Exterior and Viewpoint at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Exterior and Viewpoint at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Roman History at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Cursing Stone at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Art and Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Roman History exhibit at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Entrance Hall and Exhibition Space at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    John Watt Cafe at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    Evening Receptions at the John Watt Cafe - Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    Exterior and Viewpoint at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Roman History at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Cursing Stone at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Art and Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Roman History exhibit at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Entrance Hall and Exhibition Space at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    John Watt Cafe at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    Evening Receptions at the John Watt Cafe - Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

    Carlisle

    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences.

  3. Animal Experiences at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Animal Experiences at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Play Areas at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Guinea Pigs at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Play Areas at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Indoor Play Areas at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Tractor Tours at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Cows at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Deer at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Family Days Out at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Meet the Animals at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Animal Experiences at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Play Areas at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Guinea Pigs at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Play Areas at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Indoor Play Areas at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Tractor Tours at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Cows at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Deer at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Family Days Out at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria
    Meet the Animals at Walby Farm Park in Walby, Cumbria

    Walby Farm Park

    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 to make a magical connection with animals.

  4. Walking in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Walking in the Lake District, Cumbria

    Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral

    -

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

  5. Birdoswald Roman Fort
    Birdoswald Roman Fort

    Birdoswald Roman Fort

    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.

  6. Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall
    Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall

    Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall

    Brampton

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

  7. Lanercost Priory
    Lanercost Priory

    Lanercost Priory

    Brampton

    Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains remarkably well-preserved.

  8. Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park

    Talkin Tarn Country Park

    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. Experience fun activities, peace and tranquility,…

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Carlisle Cathedral (54.89419,-2.93856)Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery (54.89589,-2.9408)0.21
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery (54.89589,-2.9408)Walby Farm Park (54.93535,-2.8767)5.41
Walby Farm Park (54.93535,-2.8767)Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral (54.88418,-2.83233)5.73
Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral (54.88418,-2.83233)Birdoswald Roman Fort (54.98975,-2.60321)16.91
Birdoswald Roman Fort (54.98975,-2.60321)Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall (54.97529,-2.66598)3.89
Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall (54.97529,-2.66598)Lanercost Priory (54.9668,-2.69814)2.04
Lanercost Priory (54.9668,-2.69814)Talkin Tarn Country Park (54.92415,-2.71262)4.35
Total Distance *38.53 miles
Estimated Journey Time1.24 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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