Lanercost Priory
Half a mile down the hill from Haytongate stands the beautiful Church and ancient ruins of Lanercost Priory. For six months just before his death in 1307, Edward 1 ‘The Hammer of the Scots’ ruled England from this Augustinian monastery. With it’s centuries of history, this is a fascinating place to look round. The Priory Church, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, is well worth a visit and next door there is an English Heritage visitor centre through which access can be gained to the ruins.
Next door is The Lanercost Tea Room and Gift Shop.
In late June the Lanercost Music Festival takes place in the Priory, when an exciting mixture of classical, folk and other music is on offer with international and British artists and a competition to find the ‘Lanercost Young Musician of the Year’ for young people between the ages of 12 and 19.
Hadrian’s Wall
The site of Hadrian’s Wall passes right past Haytongate. The seventy-five mile coast to coast walk along its path is now one of the busiest holiday walks in the country and is scenically outstanding. Banks Turret is half a mile from Haytongate and the hill fort and Visitor Centre of Birdoswald is about four miles away, providing historians and tourists alike with the opportunity to research the Roman history of the area.
New Mills Trout Farm
New Mills Trout Farm is set around a 1735 mill house and is ideal for both the experienced angler and the absolute novice. Brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked and tuition is always available. There is also a tea room and a tackle shop. It is about 3 miles from Haytongate
https://newmillstroutfishingpark.co.uk/
Talkin Tarn
Ten minutes from Lanercost, Talkin Tarn is a local much loved beauty spot. It takes about forty-five minutes to walk round the tarn and you will see a wide variety of wildlife and enjoy stunning views.
Carlisle
Historic Carlisle is twelve miles west of Lanercost and nine miles from the Scottish border. It is the county town of Cumbria, the only city, and at seventy thousand has by far the largest population of any town in Cumbria. With its shops, Cathedral, Castle, Roman Museum and multitude of other attractions, Carlisle will keep the tourist amused for as long their feet will stand it.
Brampton and Alston
The small attractive market town of Brampton is one and a half miles from Haytongate. There are several excellent antique shops as well an unbelievable number of cafes, pubs and hairdressers!
High in the northern Pennines, Alston, the highest market town in England lies at the head of the beautiful Tyne Valley just sixteen miles away.
links:
www.visitcumbria.com/pen/alston.htm
www.visitcumbria.com/car/brampton.htm
The Solway Coast
On the English side of the Firth of Solway, charming small villages and towns are dotted along banks of this beautiful wetland area which is famed for it’s birds and only half an hour’s drive from Haytongate. On the Scottish side the Wetland Centre at Caerlaverock is a must for enthusiasts and about forty-five minutes away.
links:
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/
www.visitscotland.com/guide
The Lake District
The Lake District, arguably the most beautiful area of England will need no describing. With its stunning scenery, superb walking, sailing and other out door pursuits, it is one of the top holiday areas in the British Isles. Ullswater and Keswick are an easy forty-five minute drive away.
links:
www.golakes.co.uk
The Scottish Borders
The Scottish Border counties give amazing variety. From the rolling Cheviot Hills of the Southern Uplands to gentle farm-land and pretty coastal villages of Dumfriesshire, from the Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna Green to the poetry of Rabbie Burns, all are well within a pleasant drive.
links:
www.visitscotland.com/guide
Walby Farm Park
This is a great place to visit with young children. There is a large covered play area making it an ideal place to go in wet weather. The restaurant is excellent and the staff friendly and helpful.
Haytongate Barn 