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County - Cumbria | Map
Tel code: 016977 | code search
Postcode: CA6 | code search
Population: 400
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Folk Customs:
Ambleside Rush-bearing
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World Gurning Championships

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| Events in Bewcastle | 10 Places to Stay

The tiny village of Bewcastle is in bandit country between Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border. Its history and various buildings in the area are testimony to the violent past here. The Romans built a turf and wood fort here circa 79AD as an outpost beyond Hadrian’s Wall. This was levelled in 343AD, rebuilt in stone, and destroyed again in 367AD, although the vestiges of the fortifications can still be seen. In 1092 a Norman fort was built, making use of the Roman ditches, by a warrior named Beuth. This was a wooden construction, later enclosed in a wall using stone from the decayed Roman fort, a tradition continued in the next incarnation of the stronghold (the one to be seen today) in the 14th century by John de Strivelyn. After the Act of Union the border wars ceased, but there were continued troubles with reiver families feuding and stealing one another’s (and anyone else’s) cattle and sheep. There are small pele towers and larger bastles (fortified farmhouses) dotting the countryside, witnesses to the raids by Nixons, Armstrongs, Elliots and Musgraves. Even the church, built in 1277, rebuilt in 1792 and again in 1901, got into the act, with several early rectors being reivers in their spare time. The churchyard contains a magnificent 7th century Saxon cross, the finest in Europe even though the cross-piece is missing. This was possibly made by Syrian masons, with images of John the Baptist, Christ in the Wilderness, and possibly St John. Local legend proudly proclaims that only women were buried in Bewcastle churchyard – the men of the area all being hanged in Carlisle. Today the area offers quiet walking (unless planes are flying from the nearby RAF station), good birding – there are buzzards, lapwings and curlews in the surrounding moorland – and pretty cottages to stay in.

Pub and Bar

Lime Kiln Inn

Places to Stay near Bewcastle

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Ald Pallyards & Newpallyards (6.20 miles)

Ald Pallyards & Newpallyards

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New Pallyards is a small farm of 65 acres set in the idyllic countryside of the North East of Cumbria. The accommodation comprises a converted farmhouse and self catering cottages. ... More

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Craigburn Farmhouse (6.55 miles)

Craigburn Farmhouse

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Geoffrey and Louise offer a warm Cumbrian welcome to our farmhouse set in quiet country side in the beautiful border country.Six tastefully modernized, individually furnished bedrooms provide all the comfort ... More

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Bessiestown (6.55 miles)

Bessiestown
A warm, light hearted welcome with a taste of Cumbrian luxury awaits you in our beautiful, award winning, guest house, situated north of Historic Carlisle, midway between Gretna Green and Hadrian’s Wall. Guests enjoy many ... More | visit website
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Howard Arms Hotel (6.66 miles)

Howard Arms Hotel

The Hotel is family owned and operated, we offer modern English food in relaxed dining area, with log fires and traditional hospitality. Situated in the quiet Market town of Brampton the hotel offers excellent accommodation, ... More | visit website

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Blacksmiths Arms (6.66 miles)

Blacksmiths Arms
Welcome to the Blacksmiths Arms, which offers all the hospitality and comforts of a traditional Country Inn. Enjoy tasty meals served in our bar lounges or linger over dinner in our well appointed restaurant. The ... More | visit website
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Bush Nook Cottage (6.91 miles)

Bush Nook Cottage
Stay in style in Hadrian's Wall Country

Situated in the heart of Hadrian's Wall country, Bush Nook is the perfect venue for a short break with friends or family.

A wonderful area for walking or cycling, you ... More | visit website

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Wydon Farm B&B (10.07 miles)

Wydon Farm B&B
Wydon Farm is a 366 acre working farm, on the National Trust Bellister estate. Luxurious barn conversion accommodating three rooms all en suite. ... More | visit website
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Kellah Farm B&B (10.24 miles)

Farmhouse breakfasts using all local produce including our own free-range eggs, comfortable accommodation, a warm welcome and stunning views of the Northumbrian countryside will be our recipe for a relaxing stay at Kellah Bed and ... More | visit website
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Milecastle Inn (10.81 miles)

Milecastle Inn
The Milecastle Inn is located in one of the most important areas along the Roman Wall. With a view to Hadrian’s Wall only 500 metres from the door our comfortable cottages are set in the ... More
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Ald White Craig Farm (11.01 miles)

Ald White Craig Farm
Ald White Craig Farm has five self contained holiday cottages within tastefully converted farm buildings. Situated on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, it makes an ideal base for walking, cycling, exploring Hadrian's Wall, ... More | visit website

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Battle of Towton - 1461, Battle of Alresford - 1644, Albert Hall Opens - 1871, Captain Scott dies - 1912, First London Marathon - 1981
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