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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.
We are a team of well-trained and enthusiastic local people who delight in sharing our extensive…
This show is a modern celebration of farming and agriculture in Cumberland. This family friendly…
Welcome to a Spring Concert performed by the The Amici Singers & The Ensemble of Friends! Join us…
Award-winning two AA Rosette Resturant serving surperb British modern cuisine, featuring fresh…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
There is no doubt that a visit to the award winning Walby Farm Park is the place to be for bucket…
Our very own Marcus (or to give him his full name Marcus Pergamus Iustus) will lead you on an…
The Fleece’s Oak Room bar and restaurant, serves a hearty menu of favourites for the entire family,…
Join English Heritage for hands-on activities and family fun in the fresh air this May half-term.
Nestled in the charming market town of Brampton, The Howard Arms beckons to those seeking an…
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
Sir John Falstaff, everyone's favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on hard times. To fix…
Farlam Hall is a four-star independent country house hotel located in Cumbria, located off the…
Join utter legends Robin, Marian, and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously…
Historic, demonstration chef John Crouch is back with us at the Roman Army Museum showcasing…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
This is the summer to Awaken Your Senses with the Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort's accessible…
A walk on the banks of the river Eden, in the former Forest of Inglewood.
Sarah, based in Penrith, Cumbria, an ideal base to explore the Lakes, Cumbrian coastline, and the…
Buses to and through Wetheral: 75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
23rd July, 30th July, 6th August and 13th August. Join the Roman Army at our free, family-friendly…
Talkin Tarn is a beautiful glacial tarn surrounded by ancient woodlands. The Tamper route…
Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire
Number of results: 47
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Carlisle
This show is a modern celebration of farming and agriculture in Cumberland. This family friendly day out showcases livestock, crafts, food and drink from around the region.
Brampton
Welcome to a Spring Concert performed by the The Amici Singers & The Ensemble of Friends! Join us for a delightful afternoon filled with beautiful choral music at Lanercost Priory Church featuring the works of Cohen, Coombes, Dunstable, Hawkins,…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
303 reviewsBrampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
522 reviewsBrampton
Our very own Marcus (or to give him his full name Marcus Pergamus Iustus) will lead you on an exploration of what it would have been like to be a Medicus during the Roman Empire at this family-friendly event.
Stamp your own votive offerings and…
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
Join us from Thur 28 March – Tues 16 April 2024 to enjoy our Easter activities
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
221 reviewsBrampton
Join English Heritage for hands-on activities and family fun in the fresh air this May half-term.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
339 reviewsBrampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1066 reviewsBrampton
Sir John Falstaff, everyone's favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on hard times. To fix his finances, he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wise to his wily ways, the ladies take the opportunity to punish Falstaff by…
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
303 reviewsTarn Road, Brampton
Join utter legends Robin, Marian, and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone's favourite archer.
Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a…
Brampton
Historic, demonstration chef John Crouch is back with us at the Roman Army Museum showcasing ancient Roman cooking, in collaboration with the Comfrey Project. You will be immersed in ancient Roman life, as you smell the aromas of ancient flavours,…
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 reviewsBrampton
This is the summer to Awaken Your Senses with the Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort's accessible trench talks. Experience live archaeological excavations with a multi-sensory experience from our accessible, indoor Activity Centre with fortnightly…
Brampton
Sarah, based in Penrith, Cumbria, an ideal base to explore the Lakes, Cumbrian coastline, and the Eden Valley which so inspires her work.
Sarah is fascinated by the ever-changing light upon the landscape and our place within it.
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Buses to and through Wetheral:
75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.
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