Brough – Castle and Roman History at Stainmore Pass

Brough is a destination for travellers who want to combine their stay with impressive history, Roman traces and an insight into local life. The defining features are Stainmore Pass, Brough Castle, the Roman fort of Verteris, an exhibition in St Michael’s Parish Church and a regular market. When choosing accommodation, this means you can plan your stay around whether you mainly want to explore castle and Roman history, schedule a market day or incorporate a walking idea.

Brough Castle and Stainmore Pass

Brough Castle stands on a ridge above the strategically important Stainmore Pass and is located on the site of a Roman fort. Its position illustrates the importance this route through the Pennines once held. Verteris lies at the western end of Stainmore Pass. The Roman fort was built on the highest part of a ridge on the south bank of Swindale Beck; the most important Roman road through the Pennines ran through the pass.

The surviving structures of Brough Castle also give the area’s history a tangible form. The tall keep from the late 12th century, Clifford’s Tower with its D-shaped plan and the 14th-century hall range remain almost fully standing. Anyone interested in medieval architectural history can discern different building functions and periods from these elements, without the visit being limited to a single ruin.

Roman Traces and Regional Culture

Both above-ground features and remains preserved in the ground survive from Verteris and its associated civilian settlement. Together with Brough Castle, they create a historical focus where the Roman and medieval past can be understood in one place. St Michael’s Parish Church adds to this impression with an exhibition about the region.

The Brough Farmers’ and Makers’ Market shows another side of Brough. It takes place at Brough Memorial Hall on the third Saturday of every month. 80 % of the participating farmers and producers live within 30 miles of Brough. If you would like to include local produce and crafts in your travel plans, the third Saturday is a specific date to take into account when choosing when to stay.

Walking Idea and Suitable Trip Planning

For a different way to spend the day, the Eden Rivers Trust’s collection of walks includes the “Church Brough, Great Musgrave and Brough Sowerby trail”. This entry adds a walking idea to the historical destinations and may appeal to travellers who want to combine culture and exercise. This allows families with different interests to set various priorities: historical discoveries, a market day, the regional exhibition or exploring a designated walking route.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Brough, it is worth deciding first on the rhythm you want for your trip. A journey focused mainly on castles, the fort and church history will centre on different days than a stay planned around the third Saturday or with a particular interest in the walking route mentioned. Accommodation in Brough can therefore be especially suitable if you want to plan your trip around the local cultural and recreational offerings.

For further orientation, you can also compare Gamblesby, Waterhead, Thirlmere, Maryport, Brampton, Great Clifton, Staveley and Silecroft.

For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.