Brampton, Carlisle: The Complete Guide

Brampton Market Place
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rose and Trev Clough / Brampton, Market Place

Brampton is a small market town, civil parish and electoral ward within the City of Carlisle district of Cumbria, England, about 9 miles (14 km) east of Carlisle and 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Hadrian’s Wall. Historically part of Cumberland, it is situated off the A69 road which bypasses it. Brampton railway station, on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, is about a mile outside the town, near the hamlet of Milton.

Brampton, with a population of some 4000, is built of local sandstone, and situated in a hollow formed by glacial action which took place during the ice-age.

In the centre of the town is the octagonal Moot Hall, built in 1817, with an external staircase to its upper entrance, pointed windows and a square turret. The building now houses the Tourist Information Centre. East of the town is an exceptionally large motte, about 135 feet high. On it is a statue of the 7th Earl of Carlisle.

History of Brampton, Carlisle

Brampton has a rich history dating back to Roman times when the area was initially settled by the Romans, who established a fort named “Branodunum” around 72 AD. This fort played a strategic role in the Roman frontier defenses and served as a base for Roman soldiers guarding the nearby Hadrian’s Wall.

After the decline of the Roman Empire, Brampton continued to be inhabited by various peoples, including the Angles and the Saxons. It wasn’t until the medieval period that Brampton began to develop as a settlement of significance. The town grew around the Church of St. Martin, which was first mentioned in historical records in the 12th century.

Throughout the medieval period, Brampton thrived as a market town, serving as a center of trade and commerce for the surrounding rural communities. The town’s market charter was granted in 1252, allowing for the establishment of regular markets and fairs, further bolstering Brampton’s importance as a commercial hub.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Brampton continued to prosper, with industries such as textiles, agriculture, and coal mining driving economic growth in the region. The town’s location along the main road between Carlisle and Newcastle also contributed to its prosperity, as travelers and merchants passed through Brampton on their journeys.

In the 19th century, Brampton saw further development with the arrival of the railway in 1836, which connected the town to Carlisle and Newcastle. This facilitated the transportation of goods and passengers, stimulating growth and industry in the area.

Today, Brampton retains much of its historic charm, with its picturesque streets lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings. The town’s rich history is evident in its architecture, including the Church of St. Martin, the Moot Hall, and several historic pubs and inns.

Visiting Brampton, Carlisle for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Brampton, Carlisle on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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5 Best places to See in Brampton, Carlisle

This complete guide to Brampton, Carlisle not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Brampton, Carlisle and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Naworth Castle

Naworth Castle From The Air
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Simon Ledingham
Naworth Castle, is a castle in Cumbria, near the town of Brampton, England. It is on the opposite side of the River Irthing to Lanercost Priory. Naworth was the headquarters of the Lord Wardens of the Marches. A square keep and bailey were built here in as early as 1270 and in 1335, a licence to crenellate was granted to…
| Hours: Not open to the public | Website | Distance: 3.4km
Visiting Naworth Castle

Click here to read our blog about Hadrians Wall - Day 3 - Hare Hill to Cawfields

Banks East Turret

Banks East Turret Hadrians Wall
CC BY-SA 2.0 / ANDY RAMMY
Banks East Turret is the well-preserved remains of a wall turret located on Hadrians Wall, England. Banks East Turret is also known as Turret 52A. Banks East. Banks East in Cumbria is the best preserved turret or observation tower in the western sector of Hadrian's Wall. The turret was built to a two-storey plan, with a first floor reached by…
Location: Pike Hill, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2BX | Hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. | Price: £2 parking charge applies to non-members | Website | Distance: 5.8km
Visiting Banks East Turret

Piper Sike Turret

Turret 51a Piper Sike
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mike Quinn
Piper Sike Turret, also known as Turret 51A, was built just after 122 AD. It stands independent of the wall, abutting the wall structure. Excavations in 1927 and again in 1970 showed an inner platform against the north wall which was probably a living space. Remains of cooking hearths and rubbish deposits were found in several places about the turret…
Location: Wall Bowers, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2BX | Hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 7.2km
Visiting Piper Sike Turret

Leahill Turret

Leahill Turret 51B Looking East. Hadrians Wall
Public Domain / Rosser1954
Leahill Turret is a typical example of one of the lookout towers located between the milecastles on Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria; located on the Lanercost Road near Banks, Parish of Waterhead. It is designated turret 51b and lies east of the Signal Tower at Pike Hill. Leahill turret spans 13.5 feet by 14.5 feet. The turret has the remains of…
Location: Wall Bowers, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2BX | Hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 10.1km
Visiting Leahill Turret

Roman Army Museum

Roman Army Museum Roman Army Headgear
CC BY-SA 4.0 / John E Ryelea
Roman Army Museum is a museum located on Hadrians Wall in the North of England. Modernised and reopened in 2011 it is run by the Vindolanda Trust and is located at the Roman Fort of Magnis, which is now known as Carvoran Roman Fort. The museum has three galleries covering the Roman army and its Empire. The museum displays genuine…
Location: Roman Army Museum Greenhead Brampton CA8 7JB United Kingdom | Hours: 10am-6pm Apr-Sep, to 5pm mid-Feb–Mar & Oct | Price: Adult/Child £6.89/3.80 with Vindolanda £12.15/6.85 | Website | Distance: 14.6km
Visiting Roman Army Museum

Where to Stay in Brampton, Carlisle

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Brampton, Carlisle. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Brampton, Carlisle Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Brampton, Carlisle

The best time to visit Brampton, Carlisle, largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

  1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Brampton, Carlisle, as the weather begins to warm up, and nature comes to life. The countryside around Brampton bursts into bloom with colorful flowers, making it perfect for scenic walks and outdoor activities. Additionally, spring sees fewer tourists, allowing you to explore the area’s attractions, such as Lanercost Priory and Hadrian’s Wall, in relative peace.
  2. Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Brampton, Carlisle, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and picnicking in the nearby Lake District National Park. The area’s festivals and events, such as the Brampton Live music festival and the Carlisle Pageant, also take place during the summer months, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
  3. Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings cooler temperatures and stunning foliage to Brampton, Carlisle, making it a picturesque time to visit. The surrounding countryside is transformed into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold hues, creating perfect conditions for scenic drives and walks. Autumn is also harvest season, so you can sample local produce at farmers’ markets and food festivals.
  4. Winter (December to February): Winter is the quietest time to visit Brampton, Carlisle, with fewer tourists and colder temperatures. While the weather may be chilly, the area’s historic sites, such as Carlisle Castle and Naworth Castle, take on a magical quality in the snow. Winter is also a great time to cozy up in a traditional pub with a hearty meal and a pint of local ale.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Brampton, Carlisle, depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of summer, the stunning colors of autumn, or the peaceful ambiance of winter, Brampton, Carlisle, offers something for every traveler throughout the year.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 4°C
  • February 7°C
  • March 9°C
  • April 11°C
  • May 13°C
  • June 17°C
  • July 18°C
  • August 17°C
  • September 15°C
  • October 10°C
  • November 8°C
  • December 7°C

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