Things to do
Heather Glen Country HouseA TASTE OF THINGS TO DO WHILSTVISITING
Heather Glen Country House is right in the centre of so much to see and do.The Eden Valley, with the North Pennines and Lake District close by, has an abundance of walks and cycle routes.The famous ‘Coast to Coast Route’ lies a few miles to our south east, and the River Eden runs through the heart.
Market town of Penrith, Gateway to the Lakes, to our south, is the start of the Lake District. Visit Lowther Castle and then take a journey on Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Lady of the Lake from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding.Further along to the South West is Keswick, a true gem of the Lake District offering plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.
To the North lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall.Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum are a must see, housing ‘Britains Top Treasure’ the Vindolanda Tablets.
Again to the North lies the Border City of Carlisle.The city has been dominated for nine centuries by its castle, with a short walk to Tullie House Museum, Art Gallery and community hub.Plenty to see on one of our wonderful ‘wet days’!Walk a little further along Castle Street to visit Carlisle Cathedral with its 19 stunning, stained glass windows.
To our East, on the ‘Coast to Coast Route’, popular with cyclists and motor cyclists, is Alston Moor, centre of the North Pennines Area of OutstandingNational Beauty, covering 50 square miles of superb countryside surrounded by beautiful, dramatic fells and sculpted by sweeping river valleys.The small town of Alston nestles in this setting at the crossroads of five historic trans Pennine routes.Take a trip on the South Tynedale Railway, preserved 2ft (620mm) narrow gauge heritage railway, and at 875ft, is England’s second highest, narrow gauge railway.
West lies the Solway Coast – Area of Outstanding National Beauty.Covering 115 square km of Allerdale, loved by cyclists looking for quiet roads, and families for walks.The Solway has something to offer birdwatchers all year round.
Our nearest railway station in the neighbouring village of Armathwaite,is on the historic Settle line running from Carlisle to Leeds, one of the UK’s most famous scenic rail routes, taking in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track.
Lowther Castle
Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the English Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem. Built at the turn of the 19th century on the site of two previous houses, the castle was a grand affair boasting a room for every day of the year. Its gardens were the envy of the north.
But in 1957 the castle was demolished. Just the façade and outer walls remained standing and for over half a century, the place was empty – home only to chickens, pigs and the odd bat. The gardens were lost to wilderness.
Today Lowther Castle is one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country. Dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens, an adventure playground to rival the best in the land. We look forward to welcoming you.
Steamers
The cruises from Ullswater ‘Steamers’ connect to some of the most famous and iconic walking routes in the Lake District National Park, with views of Wordsworth's daffodils on the west shore in spring
UNESCO World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall
Marching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Discover the remains of the forts, towers, turrets and towns that once kept watch over the Wall, see rare Roman artefacts, get hands-on in museums and take in spectacular views of the rugged landscape to find out what life was like for the men, women and children on the edge of Roman Britain.
Today you can explore the Wall’s rich history and its dramatic landscape at over twenty fascinating sites, including Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort, Corbridge Roman Town and Birdoswald Roman fort.
Tullie
Tullie has been a centre for learning since 1893 when it was opened as the city’s ‘Public Library, Museum and School of Art’. We want to celebrate these roots, re-present them for a 21st century audience, and use our history and legacy as a unifying concept across all spaces, programmes developed within Project Tullie.
Carlise Catherdral
Discover, experience and enjoy: over 900 years of extraordinary history; our famous starlight ceiling; our treasury exhibition; active family trails; an oasis of peace and prayer in the heart of the city with beautiful monastic gardens, award-winning café and unique gift shop.
