Brampton combines church art, medieval sites and border history with routes through the surrounding countryside. In the town, historical traces span from an early medieval settlement to an 18th-century monument; beyond it, woods, fields and moorland shape the landscape. You can choose between a walk around the main sights and excursions to other cultural or natural destinations.
History between market and border
Brampton’s original settlement is thought to have been Anglian and dates to the 7th century. King Henry III granted the newly established town a market charter in 1252. The town’s history also includes frequent raids by the Border Reivers, raiders from 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 itself was once the main route to Carlisle via Low Gelt Bridge. These historical connections tell of Brampton’s different roles: as a settlement and market town, and as a place whose history was shaped by the border.
Churches, hall and castle site
St Martin’s Church is a historic Pre-Raphaelite church designed by Philip Webb. It is famous for its stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones. The church is open to visitors and for private prayer Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm; check the opening hours again before you travel. Moot Hall also shapes the town’s historic character: this Grade II* listed building was built for the Earl of Carlisle in 1817.
The Mote, a medieval motte-and-bailey castle dating from the 12th or 13th century, stands on Castle Hill in Brampton. Later, in the 15th century, the site was used for a signal fire. Its change from castle site to signal fire shows how the same place could serve different purposes over time.
Roman remains and monastic architecture
Brampton Old Church stands on the site of a Roman fort on the Stanegate, dating from the late 1st or early 2nd century AD. There is a free, self-guided walk around the churchyard. A free guide also provides a map and explanations, taking visitors through 15 numbered stops in the churchyard and church. The key to access Brampton Old Church is available from neighbouring Old Church Farm; check the access arrangements before you travel.
At Lanercost Priory, monastic architecture can be viewed from several perspectives. At the eastern end of the church, a 13th-century structure survives to its full height. The cloisters include a vaulted 13th-century undercroft of the refectory, where replicas of Roman altars and gravestones found around Lanercost are displayed. The Priory Church of St Mary Magdalene is located in the original nave of the Augustinian priory, founded in 1169.
Routes and countryside nearby
Gelt Woods is an RSPB nature reserve with many bird species and red squirrels. Visitor paths run along the River Gelt. The woods also contain a Roman quarry: its stone was used to build and repair parts of Hadrian’s Wall. The wall’s forts, milecastles, turrets and signal stations are also accessible from Brampton. The surrounding area brings together nature trails and traces of Roman history.
Talkin Tarn is a kettle lake formed by glaciers 18,000 years ago. The countryside around Brampton also includes woods, fields and moorland, crossed by numerous footpaths, bridleways and quiet roads. Brampton’s main sights are close together and easy to reach, making them suitable for a walking tour. You can therefore complement a stay in town with routes through the surrounding countryside, without combining the different destinations into a single circular walk.
Plan your journey and stay
Brampton is accessible by bus, with services from Carlisle. Bus route HW1 stops at Lanercost Priory and Birdoswald Roman Fort. Check the current timetable before travelling. Brampton railway station is on the Newcastle–Carlisle line, also known as the Tyne Valley Line; check current train services before your journey.
A farmers’ market is held in Brampton every month. As dates may change, it is worth checking the market date for your trip. When choosing a holiday rental, first decide what you want your stay to focus on: a walk around the sights in town, or routes and historic destinations in the surrounding countryside as well. If you include other destinations, check the connections for the day you plan to travel.
Discover more destinations: Spittal, Chollerford, West Woodburn, Chillingham, Matfen, Amble, Glanton, Cresswell.
Back to the main travel overview: Northumberland.
