Lanercost Priory may appear peaceful today, but its history tells a very different story. Founded in 1169, it stood on one of the most dangerous frontiers in medieval Britain, just miles from the Scottish border. What we now see as a tranquil site was once a place of fear, resilience and survival.

During the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, the Anglo-Scottish Wars swept across this part of Cumbria. Lanercost Priory was attacked and damaged several times by Scottish raiding forces. In 1311, it was heavily raided and partially destroyed, forcing the Canons to flee. Rebuilding followed, but the threat of further attacks remained, with life shaped by constant uncertainty.

In 1307, King Edward I of England stayed at Lanercost during his final campaign against the Scots. Gravely ill, he used the Priory as a temporary headquarters. For a short time, this quiet religious house became a centre of royal power and military planning. Edward I would die later that year, making Lanercost one of the last places connected to his reign.

Lanercost’s story is closely linked with Brampton. Just two miles from the town centre, it is an easy walk, short drive or cycle. For centuries, both shared the same border conflicts and the same need to endure.

Today, visitors can walk among ruins shaped by war, stand in a church still in use after more than 800 years, and imagine life on this vulnerable frontier. Combined with Brampton and nearby Hadrian’s Wall, it brings the border story vividly to life.

To truly understand Brampton, you need to visit Lanercost. www.discoverbrampton.co.uk

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Photo: Lanercost Priory from SE by Martinvl, CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons). Photo: Lanercost Priory by Iain Russell, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons).

If river fishing isn’t for you, or if you are new to angling, Brampton also offers excellent stillwater fishing close by. Just outside the town centre, New Mills Trout Fishing Park provides a welcoming setting where anglers of all abilities can enjoy a relaxed day on the water. With well-stocked lakes, tackle hire and on‑site facilities, it is ideal for beginners and families, as well as experienced anglers looking for a straightforward and enjoyable session. More information and booking details can be found at New Mills Trout Fishing Park www.newmillstroutfishingpark.co.uk

Naworth Fishery is a private, fly‑only syndicate set on the beautiful Naworth Castle Estate. It is members-only, so it is not open to casual day visitors. However, it is part of the rich angling tradition in the Brampton area and contributes to the character and appeal of the surrounding countryside. Anyone interested in future membership can contact the fishery directly via their website at Naworth Fishery www.naworthfishery.co.uk
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A visit to Brampton can easily combine fishing with enjoying the town and the surrounding area. Brampton is a great base for a short stay, with local shops, places to eat, historic interest, and scenic countryside walks. Whether you plan a day out or a longer trip, Brampton offers a chance to relax, explore, and enjoy quality fishing in a welcoming setting.

www.discoverbrampton.co.uk

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The HW1 bus service connects communities and attractions along the western end of Hadrian’s Wall, including Irthington, Newtown, Brampton, Lanercost, Banks, Birdoswald, Gilsland, Greenhead, and the Roman Army Museum at Walltown. This service runs daily and makes it easier for residents and visitors to explore Brampton and the wider Hadrian’s Wall area without needing a car. Check the 2026–2027 timetable and plan your journey to enjoy everything this historic route has to offer:
https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/buses/service/HW1
www.discoverbrampton.co.uk

Image: Hadrian's Wall at Banks East , Brampton, Cumbria, looking eastwards towards Turret 52A.

Discover Brampton, a destination offering excellent fishing opportunities. The area provides access to three well-regarded rivers, all managed by Brampton Angling Association, making it a strong choice for both local anglers and visitors.

The River Irthing is known for wild brown trout and grayling, with a mix of runs, glides and deeper pools. The River Gelt offers quieter, more secluded fishing, while the King Water suits those who enjoy smaller, more intimate streams.

Brampton Angling Association, established in 1856, manages all three rivers and provides day permits and memberships. Their website includes details on permits, access points and rules. Access and conditions can vary, and some stretches may require a little exploration.

Brampton also makes a great base for a short break, with countryside, walks and local history to enjoy between sessions.

Photo of the River Irthing by Alexander P Kapp licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons). Photo of Irthing Bridge, Brampton by Walter Baxter licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Geograph).

www.discoverbrampton.co.uk
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There’s something special about a family adventure in the countryside. Follow a signpost like this one pointing to Brampton, and you’ll find a place where memories are easy to make. Brampton sits at the heart of several rural villages and hamlets, including Walton, Gilsland, and Bewcastle. Each is close enough for a day out yet far enough that the journey feels like an adventure for little explorers.
Start in Brampton’s bustling market square, where you can grab lunch, visit local shops, or simply enjoy the relaxed pace of a traditional Cumbrian town. Then head out into the countryside on quiet roads and easy footpaths, perfect for family walks. Walton offers peaceful views and friendly farm scenes. Gilsland brings wide open landscapes and places to stretch young legs. Bewcastle has stories of old forts and the sort of big skies children never forget.
This corner of Cumbria gives your family the chance to slow down and discover together. There is room to run, places to explore, and a sense of space that is good for everyone. Stay close, make days full of fresh air, and finish evenings with tired feet and happy smiles.
Let the road lead you to Brampton. Your family adventure is waiting in the countryside all around it.
Photo: © Copyright Roger Templeman CC BY-SA 2.0).
www.discoverbrampton.co.uk

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Brampton is a town where history lives in its streets, buildings, and surrounding countryside. While the Dacre family is perhaps the most famous, other historic families have shaped the area over centuries. The Earls of Carlisle maintained Naworth Castle and its estates after the Dacres, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape. At the same time, nearby border families such as the Musgraves and Grahams played key roles in the region’s defense and governance. The Howards also influenced local estates through later landholdings, adding yet another layer to the town’s rich heritage.

Today, walking through Brampton feels like stepping back in time. Visitors can explore historic lanes, admire the architecture, and discover street names and areas that still reflect the influence of these powerful families. Every corner of the town tells a story, from the ancient market square to stone-built homes and churches. Staying in Brampton offers the perfect base to wander its streets, enjoy the surrounding countryside, and experience the layers of history that have shaped the town over centuries. Come and discover Brampton for yourself, and let the town’s heritage, charm, and enduring stories unfold before your eyes.

Portrait of Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Carlisle

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Explore Brampton and the Dacre legacy.

Explore a town shaped by centuries of borderland stories and the powerful Dacre family. From the 14th century, the Dacres ruled the Barony of Gilsland, leaving their mark not just in castles but in the very streets of Brampton.

Wander through the town and you will notice echoes of their legacy in place names, historic lanes, and the character of this traditional market town, first granted its charter in 1252.

Just beyond Brampton stands Naworth Castle, a striking medieval fortress once home to the Dacres and still standing today. A little further on, Dacre Castle offers a rare glimpse of a moated tower house, bringing the region’s past vividly to life.

This is not just history to see, it is history to experience. Walk, drive, or cycle the route from Brampton to Naworth and on to Dacre, where every mile carries a sense of continuity and story.

Discover a landscape where past and present meet.

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Photo: Aerial view of Naworth Castle, © Simon Ledingham / CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo: Dacre Castle, © Geoff Gill / CC BY-SA 2.0

You have arrived in Brampton and are looking for something simple to do outdoors. Miltonrigg Woods, just outside our town, is a great place to start.

Miltonrigg Woods is a Woodland Trust site with two clearly waymarked walks through a mix of broadleaf woodland and more open areas.

Access is from Hallbankgate Road at Naworth crossroads, just off the A69. There is a free car park at the entrance, which is where both routes begin. The A69 is a fast and busy road, so arriving by car is the most practical option.

From the car park, the routes are marked with coloured arrows. One is a shorter, easier route suitable for a gentler walk, while the other is a longer circular route on more natural woodland paths, taking you further through the woods. Both routes pass through the woodland and around key features including the pond.

When I walked the woods in mid March, after a few days of heavy rain, parts of the longer route were a little muddy underfoot, but nothing difficult. Ankle wellies were more than adequate. We took it at a child friendly pace, stopping along the way while the children explored a little, wandering just off the path to see what they could find. The full loop took around an hour.

What stood out at that time was the feeling that the woods were beginning to shift out of winter, with early buds starting to appear on some of the trees and bushes.

By mid April, those early signs are likely to have developed further, with more fresh growth coming through and the woodland taking on a brighter, greener feel.

Miltonrigg Woods offers a straightforward way to enjoy the surrounding countryside. It is easy to combine a walk here with time spent in Brampton, exploring our independent businesses, cafés, restaurants, hotels and gift shops.

www.discoverbrampton.co.uk

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