Brampton: History, Nature and Discoveries

Brampton combines an impressive local history with a varied landscape. Historic churches, medieval traces, Roman remains and paths through forests, fields and moorland give the town many different facets. Those planning a trip with culture, nature and shared discoveries will find a versatile base here for shaping their own holiday.

Historic Places with Very Different Stories

One of the notable buildings is St Martin's Church, a historic Pre-Raphaelite church designed by Philip Webb. Its famous stained-glass windows were created by Edward Burne-Jones. The church is open to visitors and for private prayer from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm. Moot Hall is also part of the historic townscape: the listed building is classified as Grade II* and was built in 1817 for the Earl of Carlisle.

The Mote stands on Castle Hill, a medieval motte-and-bailey castle dating from the 12th or 13th century. In the 15th century, the site was later used as the location of a signal fire. Brampton Old Church offers another gateway to the past. It stands on the site of a Roman fort dating from the late 1st or early 2nd century AD on the Stanegate. A free, self-guided tour with a map and explanations leads through the churchyard and church via 15 numbered stations. The key for access is available from the neighbouring Old Church Farm.

Lanercost Priory further broadens the historical spectrum. At the eastern end of the church, the 13th-century structure is still preserved to its full height; the cloisters include a vaulted 13th-century undercroft of the refectory. Replicas of Roman altars and gravestones found in the area around Lanercost are located there. The Priory Church of St Mary Magdalene occupies the original nave of the Augustinian monastery founded in 1169.

Traces of Romans, Kings and Border History

Brampton's history reaches back to a settlement of the 7th century considered to be Anglian. In 1252, King Henry III granted the newly established town a market charter. Brampton was later frequently raided by the Border Reivers, the raiders on both sides of the English-Scottish border. At the end of Capon Tree Road, a monument commemorates six Jacobites of Bonnie Prince Charlie who were hanged on 21 October 1746. The road was formerly the main route to Carlisle via Low Gelt Bridge.

From Brampton, the forts, milecastles, towers and signal stations of Hadrian's Wall are accessible. Gelt Woods is also home to a Roman quarry. Its stone was used to build and repair sections of Hadrian's Wall. This makes it possible to connect local history and the Roman past in terms of content, without every visit having the same character.

Forests, Water and Paths in the Surrounding Area

The area surrounding Brampton is criss-crossed by numerous footpaths, bridleways and quiet roads. The routes lead through forests, fields and moorland, offering various opportunities for active or more leisurely days out. Gelt Woods is an RSPB nature reserve with numerous bird species, red squirrels and visitor paths along the River Gelt. Talkin Tarn is a glacial lake formed by dead ice 18,000 years ago. Those wishing to combine experiences in nature with culture can include these landscapes in their travel plans alongside the town's historic destinations.

Getting Around and Choosing the Right Accommodation

Brampton can be reached by bus, with services running from Carlisle. Bus route HW1 stops at Lanercost Priory and Birdoswald Roman Fort. Brampton railway station is on the Newcastle–Carlisle railway line, also known as the Tyne Valley Line. Within the town, the main sights are within easy reach of one another and are suitable for a walking tour.

A holiday apartment or holiday house in Brampton can therefore suit different travel plans: You can choose the town as a base for historical discoveries, walks through the surrounding area or excursions to the Roman sites. In addition, a farmers' market takes place in Brampton every month. This adds another local accent to your travel plans and complements days when the focus is not intended to be on just one attraction.

Compare Other Destinations

For further travel destination options, you can also view Chillingham, Hexham, Blyth, Rothbury, Kirkwhelpington, Wooperton, Ilderton and Hepple.

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