Blog | Dog friendly places to eat near Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

Historic Sites Near Lanercost That Are Definitely Worth a Visit

February 16, 2023

There are numerous places of historical interest close to Lanercost and everybody will have their favourites. As a starting point for visitors to the area, we have put together a list of places you may want to visit in the local area. The sites range from the historic Hadrian’s Wall, a world famous UNESCO site, and ruined Roman forts to state of the art museums telling the story of Devils Porridge from World War I and aviation history dating back to World War II.

There really is something for everyone.

Hadrian's Wall and Forts

Hadrian’s Wall is a former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia. Started in 122AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, it was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. The wall which runs from Wallsend in the East to Bowness-on-Solway in the West, was constructed from stone with large ditches on either side. Forts, milecastles and turrets were built along the length and housed garrisons of Roman soldiers.

A significant proportion of the Wall still stands today. It is the largest Roman archaeological feature in Britain. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian’s Wall is one of Britain’s major ancient tourist attractions. The Hadrian’s Wall path follows the 73mile length of the Wall and can be followed on foot from coast-to-coast across the country with spectacular views of the rugged landscape.

There are several fascinating sites where you can explore the Wall’s rich history and discover the remains of the forts and turrets that kept a watch over the wall. Many of these sites, including Birdoswald Roman Fort and Housesteads Roman Fort are looked after by English Heritage. They include fabulous hands-on museums and Roman artefacts.

Vindolanda

Vindolanda lies just south of Hadrian’s Wall. First built by the Roman Army before Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolana was an important construction and garrison base for the Wall. In total Vindolana was demolished and re-built nine times.

Today the Vindolanda site houses a modern museum that tells the Roman story. Excavation at the site is on-going with new artefacts being added to the museum annually. With excavations taking place between April and September the public can see archaeology in actions up close.

The site is cared for by the Vindolana Charitable Trust founded in 1970.

Roman Army Museum

Based at the site of Magna Roman Fort the Roman Army Museum is located close to one of the most complete sections of Hadrian’s Wall. The Museum tells the story of life as a roman soldier through galleries, 3D film and a holographic classroom. Amazing artefacts that help us understand what life was like as a Roman solider can be viewed as well as an eagle’s view of the landscape and Hadrian’s Wall through a thousand years of history.

The Roman Army Museum is looked after by the Vindolanda Charitable Trust.

Lanercost Priory

Standing close to Hadrian’s Wall, Lanercost Priory is beautiful and imposing. The priory was founded by Robert de Vaux between 1169 to house Augustinian Cannons. This now tranquil site close beside the River Irthing in Lanercost was frequently attacked during the Anglo-Scottish wars. It remains however the best-preserved Cumbrian monastery and there is certainly plenty to see. The site is looked after by English Heritage.

Carlisle Castle

Carlisle was the main fortress of England’s north-western border with Scotland for more than 500 years. The castle survived regular conflicts between the two countries enduring more sieges than any other place in the British Isles.

The castle has been continuously occupied since 1092, when it was founded by William II. It was the headquarters of the Border Regiment from the 18^th century to the 1960s.

The castle has a fascinating and turbulent past. It was used as a prison for border reivers during the 15^th and 16^th centuries and housed Mary Queen of Scots at the start of her 19 year imprisonment before she was eventually beheaded in 1587.

Carlisle Castle is looked after today by English Heritage.

Solway Aviation Museum

Solway Aviation Museum is based at Carlisle Airport. The museum is home to aircraft, aviation artefacts and displays reflecting Britain’s position as a world leader in aircraft design and innovation at the dawn of the jet age. Aimed at preserving Britain’s aviation heritage, visitors to the museum can take a journey back to World War II and find out about the men and women of the RAF.

The museum is open at weekends from April to October and well as Friday’s on Bank Holidays.

Devils Porridge Museum

The Devil’s Porridge Museum at Eastriggs in Dumfries and Galloway tells the story of the HM Factory Gretna. Devil’s porridge (or cordite an explosive) was mixed at this factory which was the greatest munitions factory on earth in World War I. The factory employed 30,000 workers of which 12,000 were women.

This very popular attraction can get very busy during school holidays so you may wish to book in advance.

Family Walks around Lanercost, Brampton (no 2)

May 23, 2022

Lanercost to Brampton

DISTANCE: one-way – 3.5km; both ways – 7.0km

PARKING: Lanercost Bridge (///jingles.football.chosen)

TEAROOM: Several options for refreshments in Brampton or Lanercost Priory Tearoom is just across the road from the parking area.

From the carpark at Lanercost Bridge take the pedestrian route over the river on the old bridge. Carry on until you reach the road. Turn right and follow the road for around 100m until you see a footpath sign on the left hand side of the road. Cross over and take the footpath through the woods along the Quarry Beck. The path follows the beck as it meanders through the trees, With waterfalls and carpets of bluebells in May this really is a special treat. Follow the path round the stone cutting yard and continue through the woods until you reach the road after approximately 1.5km.

Cross over the road and follow the sign towards Easby. After about a quarter of a km you will see a footpath on the left. Take this first footpath which takes you towards Brampton via ‘The Ridge’. After about 0.35km take the footpath on the left, signposted Coathill, at the corner of Riggside Plantation. The path continues along Brampton Ridge and the edge of Ridgewood before reaching Brampton by The Mote.

There are plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants in Brampton for refreshments. The walk is an easy 3.5km one-way. Why not turn around and retrace your steps back to Lanercost.

Family Friendly Walks around Lanercost, Brampton (no. 1)

May 11, 2022

Lanercost and the surrounding area is covered by a fantastic network of footpaths including the famous Hadrian’s Wall Path. A quick look at an Ordnance Survey map reveals just how many walking routes you can enjoy.

Here is a family friendly walking route suggestion to get you started. Made up of two loops the walk can easily be shorterned from 6.5km to 3.5km.

Lanercost and Banks Figure of 8 via the Hadrian's Wall Path

DISTANCE: one loop (3.5km); two loops (6.5km)

PARKING: Lanercost Bridge (///jingles.football.chosen)

TEAROOM: Lanercost Priory Tearoom is just across the road from the parking area.

ROUTE

Turn left out of the carpark and follow the road past The Priory. At the sharp righthand bend in the road carry straight on along the track. Follow this track round to the left signposted ‘Walton Wood’. The route skirts around Abbey Gill Wood and meets the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Take the Hadrian’s Wall Path on the right and follow the ‘acorn’ signs of the Wall Path across the fields.

For the shorter route – follow the Hadrian’s Wall Path for about 0.5km before taking the track on the right at Haytongate. This track takes you back down to Lanercost to the bend in the road near The Priory and the start of your walk.

For the longer route – stay on the Hadrian’s Wall Path for around 1.7km until you reach the road at Banks. Turn left along the road for a short while. After around half a km there is a track on the left. Follow this track, which turns into a path, looping round Craggies Hill before meeting the Hadrian’s Wall Path again after about 1.4km.

Turn left onto Hadrian’s Wall path befiore almost immediately taking the track on the right at Haytongate. Follow this track down the hill to Lanercost and The Priory.

Follow the road past The Priory to return to the start of your walk at Lannercost Bridge

Easy Campfire Potatoes Three Ways

May 3, 2022

Potatoes are a great campfire food. There are so many easy ways to cook them and they taste so much better when cooked outside. Here are three straightforward ideas to get you started. The best thing about these recipes is – you can cook them in the ashes of your campfire, in your wood burning stove or hot tub fire box or on your grill.

So, why not give them a go?

Baked Potatoes

Cut your potatoes in half, length ways, and place a little butter between the two halves. Stick the halves back together.
Simply wrap each potato tightly in a foil sheet and place in the ashes of your campfire or inside your wood stove. If using a wood stove pop the potatoes in front of your fire and close the door.
Use tongs to rotate your potatoes every 10 minutes so they don’t burn. They will take about 50 minutes to an hour to cook through, depending on their size and on your fire!

Hassleback Potatoes

Take a whole potato and slice thinly without going all the way through the potato. The slices should all be joined at the bottom.
Rub the slices with a mixture of salt, paprika, oregano and chilli (or any other combination of flavourings).
Place each potato on a foil sheet, drizzle over a little olive oil and rub into the slices.
Wrap up your potato tightly and place it in the ashes of the campfire or in your woodstove (I find the wood stove works best – pop the potatoes in front of the fire and close the door).
Rotate your potatoes every 10 minutes using tongs. They will take about 40 to 50 minutes to cook through.

Campfire Potatoes

Cut your potatoes into chunks and place in a bowl. Add seasoning (our favourite seasonings are salt, pepper and paprika, a little sliced onion and rosemary) and give a good mix to coat the potatoes.
Place a portion of the potatoes on a sheet of foil and top with a tablespoon of butter before wrapping up like a parcel.
Place the parcels in the ashes, on the grill or in the wood stove for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the parcels every 10 minutes so they don’t burn.
Serve warm with a sprinkle of parmesan.

Enjoy!

Dog Friendly Places for Eating Out Near Lanercost, Brampton

May 2, 2022

Whether you are walking The Wall with your four-legged friend or enjoying a few days exploring the area, knowing where you can relax and enjoy a meal with your dog is invaluable. To point you in the right direction we have collected together a list of five dog friendly places to eat in the local area. These reasonably priced hostelries are all located within a 10 mile radius or 20 minute drive from Lanercost in Cumbria.

Howard Arms, Brampton

The Howard Arms in the market town of Brampton is a family run pub. Traditional with contemporary twists, it is friendly and relaxed – welcoming locals, visitors, families and your all important furry friends. Serving locally sourced food throughout the day there is something to suit most tastes. As well as a selection of real ales and wines to wash it down.

The Crown, Walton's Bar and Eatery, Wetheral

For a relaxed dining experience, indoors by the cosy fire or outdoors in the garden area, Walton’s Bar and Eatery at The Crown in Wetheral is a great location. Serving hearty Cumbrian food for both lunch and evening meals, 7 days a week you and your four-legged friends are guaranteed a warm welcome.

The Sally, Irthington

The Sally at Irthington is traditional on the outside and stylish and modern on the inside. This family run business offers a high quality dining experience with the relaxed feel of a country pub. Open for lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, dogs are welcome in the small dining room from 12 – 6pm and then in the bar for food from 6pm. Dogs are welcome in the bar area at anytime if you wish to come in for drinks only. There is also a lovely covered area to the rear of the pub.

The Queens, Warwick-on-Eden

Everyone is welcome at this family-friendly and dog-friendly country pub. Open 7 days a week, The Queens serves delicious, high quality food, featuring local produce. A warm and friendly atmosphere makes The Queens a great place for a dog friendly bite to eat and to enjoy a cask ale. Dogs are welcome at anytime but must be kept on a lead. There are bowls of water and food as well as treats on the bar for their four-legged guests.

The Duke of Cumberland, Castle Carrock, Brampton

Located in the picturesque Castle Carrock this popular village pub serves a selection of home-cooked European and Asian inspired dishes. With open fires and real ales this is a perfect place to re-fuel after a walk with your dog on the Fell. Booking is highly recommended for dinner.