Brampton Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Brampton Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Brampton sits in a fantastic spot for exploring both the Lake District and Northumberland. The town itself has a lovely mix of independent shops, cafes and pubs around its cobbled market square. I always recommend walking up to the Moot Hall, which dates back to 1817.

Lanercost Priory (CA8 2HQ) is just 2 miles away and opens 10am-5pm daily. These impressive 13th-century ruins score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The priory tea rooms do excellent scones - we had two each last time!

Talkin Tarn Country Park (CA8 1HN) is a must-visit, just 2 miles south of Brampton. The 65-acre lake has a 1.3-mile path around it - perfect for a morning stroll before heading back for a dip in your hot tub. TripAdvisor rates it 4.5/5.

Hadrian's Wall sites are within easy reach. Birdoswald Roman Fort (CA8 7DD) is the closest section, about 8 miles away. It's open 10am-5pm and scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. The Roman Army Museum (CA8 7JB) brings history to life with its 3D film and interactive displays.

Pet Friendly

Many Brampton cottages welcome dogs, making it an ideal destination for a break with your four-legged family members. The town has several pet-friendly pubs including The Howard Arms and The Nag's Head where dogs get water bowls and sometimes treats.

Talkin Tarn Country Park is brilliant for dog walks, though they must be kept on leads in some areas. The staff at the boathouse cafe will happily provide water for thirsty dogs.

Lanercost Priory welcomes dogs in the grounds (not inside the buildings) and their tea room has outdoor seating where dogs can join you. We've found the staff really accommodating.

If you're heading to Hadrian's Wall, most sections allow dogs on leads. The Birdoswald visitor centre even keeps dog biscuits behind the counter - just ask!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Brampton

St Martin's Church is Brampton's architectural jewel. Built in 1878 from local red sandstone, it's the only church designed by Pre-Raphaelite architect Philip Webb. The stained glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris are stunning. One visitor called it "a hidden gem of Arts and Crafts design" and I completely agree. It's open daily 9am-5pm (CA8 1SY).

Gelt Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland with a fascinating Roman connection. The Romans carved inscriptions into the rock face when quarrying stone for Hadrian's Wall. The "Written Rock of Gelt" dates to 207 AD and shows soldiers' names and ranks. The woodland itself is lovely for walks with bluebells in spring. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Peaceful walks with amazing history - didn't expect to find Roman carvings in a Cumbrian wood!"

Old Church Brampton sits about a mile outside town and dates to the 12th century. It's where Sir Walter Scott married Charlotte Carpenter in 1797. The church has Norman arches and medieval grave slabs. It's usually open during daylight hours and makes for a peaceful visit. A recent visitor commented: "So much history in such a small building - the medieval carvings are fascinating."

Is Brampton good for walking holidays?

Yes! Brampton sits at the meeting point of several long-distance paths. The Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail passes nearby and the Pennine Way starts just 8 miles away in Edale. The town makes an excellent base for exploring both routes, plus there are countless local walks through the Eden Valley and into the northern Lake District fells.

Where's the best place to eat in Brampton?

Off The Wall Coffee Shop on Front Street gets consistently excellent reviews for its homemade cakes and lunches. For evening meals, Brambles Restaurant offers good quality British food with local ingredients. The Howard Arms serves excellent pub grub - their Sunday roasts are particularly good. For something different, try Trifles Bakery for amazing pastries and bread to take back to your cottage.

Can I get around Brampton without a car?

It's possible but limiting. Brampton has a train station on the Newcastle-Carlisle line with services roughly every hour. There are buses to Carlisle (685 service) running approximately hourly. Local taxis are available but should be booked in advance. To really explore the area and make the most of your hot tub cottage break, I'd recommend having a car.

What's the best time of year to visit Brampton?

Each season has its appeal. Summer brings longer days for exploring Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District. Spring offers beautiful woodland walks with wildflowers. Autumn provides stunning colours in the surrounding countryside. Winter can be magical with frosty landscapes and the hot tub becomes even more appealing! The Brampton Live Music Festival in July is worth planning around if you enjoy folk and acoustic music.

Are there any good pubs in Brampton?

Yes, several! The Howard Arms is a traditional coaching inn with real ales and good food. The Nag's Head on High Cross Street has a friendly atmosphere and regular live music. The Scotch Arms Mews has a good selection of beers and gins. All three welcome dogs, which is handy if you're staying in a pet-friendly cottage.

What shopping is available in Brampton?

Brampton has a good range of independent shops. There's a Co-op for groceries, plus butchers, bakers and a greengrocer for fresh local produce. The town has several gift shops, an antique shop and a hardware store. The weekly market (Wednesdays) brings additional stalls to the town square. For major shopping, Carlisle is just 9 miles away.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Cumbria - Brampton Guide
2. English Heritage - Lanercost Priory
3. English Heritage - Hadrian's Wall
4. Talkin Tarn Country Park Information