Hadrian's Wall and its associated features are the most complex and best preserved of all the frontier works of the Roman Empire comprising the Wall itself, the Vallum, which probably marked the rear edge of the Wall zone, 16 forts (surrounded by civilian settlements) along or near the Wall, the Roman towns of Carlisle and Corbridge lying behind the Wall, and outpost forts protecting the approaches from the north. Built in the years AD 122-30 by order of the Emperor Hadrian it was 73 miles long and ran from Wallsend-on-Tyne in the east to Bowness on the Solway Firth in the west. There are many attractions along the wall such as the Romans forts of Chester, Housesteads and Birdoswald; as well as walks, including the 84 mile Hadrian's Wall Path (National Trail)

The historic home of Lord & Lady Inglewood, Hutton-in-the-Forest is a beautiful house of the north eastern edge of the Lake District. It is surrounded by magnificent woodland of the medieval forest of Inglewood. Legend has it that it is the Green Knight's castle in the Arthurian tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.  Originally a medieval stronghold with a pele tower, succeeding generations have altered and added to the house, and the outside and inside show a wide variety of architectural and decorative styles from the 17th century to the present day.   Anthony Salvin was responsible for the work done between 1860 and 1880, adding the large south and east wings, and the interior of the original house. The interior decoration is something of a showpiece, as it was done by William Morris, a friend of the family.  The house contains fine collections of furniture, ceramics, tapestry and portraits.

 

Appleby boasts a fine public swimming pool, plus other fitness facilities; locally there is fishing, clay shooting and other country activities.  The Eden Valley is also home to Center Parks - Whinfell Forest, who offer day visits for non-residents. A little further away, there are now two fun and challenging Go Ape sites in the Lakes

 

 

 

 

Pendragon Castle is reputed to have been founded by Uther Pendragon, the father of King Arthur. According to legend, Uther Pendragon and a hundred of his men were killed here when the Saxon invaders poisoned the well. There are also claims that the Romans built at least a temporary fort here, along the road between their forts at Brough and Bainbridge. But (apart from legend and supposition), there is no real evidence that there was any building here before the Normans built their castle in the 12th Century.  The castle was built next to the River Eden in the Vale of Mallerstang in the late 12th century, probably by Hugh de Morville. Like the nearby castles of Appleby and Brough, Pendragon came into the possession of the Clifford family. It was abandoned after a raiding Scottish army set fire to the castle in 1341, but was rebuilt in 1360. It was left in ruins by another fire in 1541, but was restored in the mid 17th century by Lady Anne Clifford. The castle gradually fell back into ruin after her death - and now remains a romantic ruin, set in glorious scenery.

NOTE: Pendragon castle is on private land. Access is permitted, but care must be taken - it is in a potentially dangerous condition despite some recent restoration.