Hadrian's Wall: North Pennines AONB & Historic Carlisle

Things to do around Bush Nook

Sycamore Gap - Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall & Gilsland

Bush Nook Farmhouse is very close to Hadrian's Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site. We're just off the Hadrian's Wall National Trail and we're a perfect base for exploring the most Northern borders of the mighty Roman Empire along Hadrian's Wall.

Birdoswald Roman Fort - one of the Roman Wall's defining features - is located just out of Gilsland village. Stand in awe as the longest remaining stretch of the Wall spans as far as your eye can see, and explore the ruins of the Roman fort, a turret and milecastle. Explore the new exhibition in the visitor centre.

It's a great area for cycling and mountain biking. There are loads of cycle routes for varying abilities, many of which take in the more interesting parts of the Roman Wall along the way. There's the Hadrian's Wall Cycleway - cycle the full length of the wall.

Stunning scenery, walks and cycling routes everywhere and quiet too!

Lanercost Priory and Tearoom between Gilsland and Brampton, with its historic ruins, and excellent tea room. Talkin Tarn Country Park is also nearby and is brilliant for a walk.

North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)

The North Pennines AONB is one of England's most special places and a short drive from Bush Nook Farmhouse. A stunning landscape of open heather moors and peatlands, attractive dales and hay meadows, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, welcoming communities, intriguing imprints of a mining and industrial past, distinctive birds, animals and plants and much, much more.

The North Pennines is also a UNESCO Global Geopark – highlighting its globally important Earth heritage.

Did you know that there are more Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the North Pennines than anywhere else in the UK? View the stars like nowhere else!

Visit Alston - the highest market town in England at over 1000 feet with its cobbled main street and stunning views.

South Tynedale Railway at Alston is the North of England's highest narrow gauge railway - a great family day out.

Killhope Lead Mining Museum in Weardale is an award winning attraction where you can experience the life and work of lead mining families of the North Pennines.

Discover Teesdale with the magnificent High Force, Cow Green Reservoir & Cauldron Snout waterfalls.

The scenery is breathtaking and just waiting to be explored.

Historic Carlisle & Surrounds

The historic city of Carlisle with its CastleCathedral and Tullie House (Border Reivers) Museum, is well worth a visit.

Carlisle has a superb choice of excellent shops and restaurants. Fantastic cafes, and loads of great restaurants and "proper" pubs. Something to interest everyone.

Eden Valley

Riverside walks along River Eden, including Lacy's Caves - a series of 5 chambers carved in the red sandstone cliff of River Eden, just north of Little Salkeld.

Geltsdale RSPB Reserve - a remote and ruggedly beautiful nature reserve. Here, you'll find upland birds such as black grouse, breeding waders including curlews, and birds of prey like the hen harrier.

Northumberland National Park  

Lake District National Park

Discover England's largest National Park - now a World Heritage Site, home to Scafell Pike - it's highest mountain, Wastwater - it's deepest lake and some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. A fantastic area for fell walking and mountain biking, water-sports and much more - all within an hour of Bush Nook.

Northumberland National Park

Northumberland is home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest air and darkest skies. Lace up your boots for a day soaking up the stunning scenery and solitude of this wonderful area.

Relax in picturesque valleys, uncover hidden histories and learn more about our wildlife and habitats. Visit spectacular waterfalls and woodland or walk through ancient palaces and beautiful hay meadows.

Leave the tarmac behind and go trail running, cycle out on quiet country roads or challenge yourself on two National Trails.