Attractions and Places To See around Stapleton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Stapleton offer a rich tapestry of historical sites and natural beauty in the United Kingdom. This area is notably close to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing a glimpse into Roman history. Visitors can explore ancient fortifications, historic religious buildings, and significant cultural landmarks. The landscape is characterized by its historical depth and opportunities for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Stapleton
- The most popular attractions is Hadrian's Wall…
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Hare Hill, Hadrian's Wall Ruins
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Hadrian's Wall
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Birdoswald Roman Fort
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Lanercost Priory
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Bewcastle Church and Cross
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Tips from the Community
At this small sacred monument, there are several reasons why cyclists should not pass by carelessly, but should linger for a moment: Firstly, the church, together with the surrounding cemetery and the 'Bewcastle Cross' standing on the grounds, form a very harmonious unit. Secondly, when contemplating this cross, one looks far back into history, as its creation is dated to the 7th or 8th century. Thirdly, however – and mainly (!) – the artistic design of the obelisk, which rises to about the lower eaves of the church roof, tapering slightly upwards, is extremely noteworthy ('Amy' and 'Joe' have already described this in their contributions). My personal conclusion: Although the actual cross, which once crowned the obelisk, has long been missing, it is still a noteworthy small sacred monument!
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With its well-preserved sections of wall and nearby banks, turrets and a lime kiln, Hare Hill offers great insights into the Roman past. Along with the River Irthing crossing, this area must have been a veritable hive of Roman activity.
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Well, we got here nearly at the end of our Hadrian's Wall hike for the day and had a bit of bad luck. Fancy turning up at one of the best Roman forts on Hadrian's Wall to be told it was closed because the wind was too strong and it might blow us off the wall. A place to come back to.
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St Cuthbert Bewcastle Church stands on the foundations of a Roman fort and has roots dating back to the 13th century. Although the current building largely dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, parts of the east chancel are still medieval. The church exudes simplicity and tranquility, with a rectangular plan and a wooden gallery on the west side. Within the church, traces of the Border Reivers' turbulent history can be found, including gravestones bearing names like Armstrong and Routledge.
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On a strategic rise above the River Irthing lies Birdoswald Roman Fort (Banna), one of the best-preserved forts along Hadrian's Wall. Built around 122 AD, it housed troops from countries including Dacia (modern-day Romania) and played a key role in defending the northwestern border of the Roman Empire. The fort lies on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian's Wall still visible. Within the ruins, you'll find the remains of barracks, granaries, gates, and even a unique Roman drill hall. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits and original artifacts, including altars and inscriptions. Birdoswald is an ideal rest stop for cyclists following the Hadrian's Cycleway. The tearoom and the view make it a pleasant stop with historical depth.
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This impressive Augustinian priory, founded around 1169, is just a stone's throw from Hadrian's Wall. Its ruins tell stories of kings, wars, and pilgrims. King Edward I stayed here in 1306 during his final campaign against the Scots, and Robert the Bruce later attacked the monastery. The church ruins still stand tall, with a dramatic triple-arched structure. Built partly with stones from Hadrian's Wall, they include Roman inscriptions. Inside, you'll find the Lanercost Cross (1214) and the Lanercost Dossal, a work of art designed by William Morris.
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Information about this magnificent long-distance hiking trail—along this border fortification dating back to Roman times (the 120s AD) and commissioned by Emperor Hadrian—is, of course, no longer confined to printed maps or books. Hikers who would like to gather information online in advance should visit the official website, which is entitled: "Follow in the footsteps of Romans and trek alongside an ancient monument on a coast-to-coast walk across northern England." If you're interested, see =>> https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/hadrians-wall-path/
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The northernmost border of the Roman Empire in the British Isles was secured against the Celtic tribes not subjugated by Rome by a massive structure: Hadrian's Wall, built in the 120s. An episode of the television series "Treasures of the Roman Empire" on German television is dedicated to this 117-kilometer-long border fortification. The film (available only in German) can be accessed in the ZDF media library via the following link =>> https://www.zdf.de/dokumentation/zdfinfo-doku/schaetze-des-roemischen-reichs--der-hadrianswall-100.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Stapleton?
The area around Stapleton is rich in history, particularly Roman and medieval. You can visit the iconic Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and specifically the well-preserved section at Hare Hill, Hadrian's Wall Ruins, which stands at about 3 meters high. Another significant historical site is Lanercost Priory, an impressive Augustinian priory founded around 1169, partly built with stones from Hadrian's Wall.
Are there any religious buildings or ancient monuments to visit?
Yes, several. Lanercost Priory is a notable Augustinian priory with a rich history, including royal visits and conflicts. You can also explore Bewcastle Church and Cross, which stands on the foundations of a Roman fort and has medieval origins. Within its churchyard, you'll find the ancient Bewcastle Cross, a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon monument renowned for its intricate carvings and runic inscriptions.
What outdoor activities, like hiking, are available near Stapleton's attractions?
The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, especially along Hadrian's Wall. You can find various routes, including easy to moderate trails. For instance, there's the 'Hadrian's Wall & Lanercost Priory loop from Lanercost' which is an easy 7.2 km hike. Other options include the 'Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop from Mile Castle 53' (moderate, 13.8 km) or the 'Lanercost Priory – Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall loop from Burtholme' (moderate, 10.2 km). You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Stapleton guide.
Are there easy walking routes suitable for all abilities near the attractions?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. For example, the 'Lanercost Priory – View Towards Banks loop from Burtholme' is an easy 4.8 km walk, and the 'Lanercost Priory – Lanercost Tea Room loop from Burtholme' is another easy 4.6 km option. These routes often incorporate scenic views and historical sites. Discover more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Stapleton guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Stapleton?
Visitors are often impressed by the sheer scale and historical significance of Hadrian's Wall, noting the immense effort required to build it. The well-preserved sections, like Hare Hill, offer a tangible connection to the Roman Empire. Lanercost Priory is appreciated for its dramatic ruins and the stories of kings and pilgrims it holds. The staff at the priory are often highlighted as well-informed and friendly.
Are the attractions around Stapleton family-friendly?
Many of the historical sites are suitable for families. Hadrian's Wall and Lanercost Priory are both categorized as family-friendly, offering engaging historical experiences. Exploring these ancient sites can be an educational and exciting adventure for children and adults alike.
Can I go running on trails near Stapleton's attractions?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find moderate routes such as the 'Brampton Motte loop from Brampton' (6.9 km) or the 'Talkin Tarn Lake – Talkin Tarn loop from Brampton' (11 km). These trails offer a great way to experience the local landscape while getting some exercise. More running options are available in the Running Trails around Stapleton guide.
What is the significance of the Bewcastle Cross?
The Bewcastle Cross, located in St Cuthbert's Churchyard, is a highly significant 7th-century Anglo-Saxon monument. It is considered one of the oldest and most exquisite crosses in Europe, featuring rich decorations including runes, wickerwork, and Christian iconography. Scholars have described it as a major achievement of its era, and it still stands in its original location, offering a profound glimpse into early medieval art and faith.
What is unique about Lanercost Priory's construction?
Lanercost Priory is unique because it was partly built with stones from the nearby Hadrian's Wall. This reuse of Roman materials adds another layer to its historical narrative, connecting the medieval priory directly to the ancient Roman frontier. The church ruins still feature a dramatic triple-arched structure and contain Roman inscriptions.
Where can I see the tallest section of Hadrian's Wall?
The tallest surviving section of Hadrian's Wall, standing at about 3 meters high, can be found at Hare Hill, Hadrian's Wall Ruins. This particular section is believed to have survived so well because it was built against in medieval times, preserving its impressive height.
What kind of historical context does Bewcastle Church offer?
Bewcastle Church and Cross provides a deep dive into Roman and Border history. The church itself stands on the foundations of a Roman fort that guarded the Maiden Way, a key Roman road. While the current building largely dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, parts of the east chancel are medieval. Inside, you can find traces of the turbulent Border Reivers' history, including gravestones bearing names like Armstrong and Routledge.
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