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United Kingdom
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North West England
Cumbria
Eden

Cliburn

Attractions and Places To See around Cliburn - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Cliburn, a village in Cumbria, England, are primarily centered around its natural beauty and historical sites. Located within easy reach of the Lake District National Park, the area features rolling green fells and picturesque towns. Cliburn serves as a gateway to notable historical landmarks and natural features of the broader Cumbrian landscape.

Best attractions and places to see around Cliburn

  • The most popular attractions is Lowther Castle, a historical site with a brilliant cafe, gardens, adventure playground, and walking and cycling trails. It has been the family seat of the Earls of Lonsdale and features dramatic ruins.
  • Another must-see spot is The Cockpit Stone Circle, a historical site that is a large Bronze Age structure standing on an ancient crossroads. This impressive stone circle on the ancient High Street Roman road measures 27 m in diameter.
  • Visitors also love Pooley Bridge (2020), a viewpoint that features a new stainless steel structure across the River Eamont. This new bridge replaced the 18th-century stone bridge that was destroyed during Storm Desmond in December 2015.
  • Cliburn is known for its historical sites, natural features, and unique bridges. Visitors can explore ancient castles, stone circles, and modern engineering marvels.
  • The attractions around Cliburn are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 210 upvotes and 40 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 3, 2026

Pooley Bridge (2020)

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pooley Bridge got a new bridge on 23rd October 2020! The new bridge is 128ft (39 m) in length and replaces the 18th-century stone bridge that was destroyed during Storm Desmond in December 2015. If you look closely you can see the names of people and businesses engraved along the bridge which helped raise money for the project.

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The Cockpit Stone Circle

Highlight • Historical Site

This is an impressive stone circle on the ancient High Street roman road, measuring 89 feet (27 m) in diameter.

Because of its antiquity, it's unclear what it was actually for; common theories include rituals and gatherings or more prosaically simply as a (surprisingly elaborate) signifier of land ownership.

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Lowther Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Brilliant cafe, gardens, adventure playground, walking and cycling trails.

Large free car park is a brilliant place to start a bike ride.

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Penrith Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

A ruined medieval castle in Penrith, Penrith Castle has witnessed many turbulent eras of British history. Built between 1399 and 1470 to defend against Scottish raids, the castle passed between various noble men throughout its lifespan, before being sold to the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway Company at the end of the 19th century. Today, the castle is looked after by English Heritage and listed as a Grade I listed building.

the castle is open 7.30am until 9pm and entrance is free of charge. You can find more information, here: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/penrith-castle

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Langwathby Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

In the darkness of an early March morning in 1968 the 300 year old stone bridge collapsed leaving a 70m gap.
A "temporary" girder bridge was constructed as a replacement but this has been used ever since.

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Tips from the Community

Robert B.
March 8, 2026, The Cockpit Stone Circle

The Cockpit is a 3,500–5,000-year-old Bronze Age stone circle (27m diameter) located on Moor Divock in the Lake District National Park, overlooking Ullswater. It features roughly 70–75, mainly recumbent, stones set into a circular embankment, likely serving as a prehistoric gathering place. It is accessible via walking trails from Askham or Pooley Bridge.

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Among the many treasures of the English Lake District, Lowther Castle stands out. Built in the early 19th century on the site of two older houses, the castle once had a room for every day of the year and its gardens were famous in the north. Today, Lowther Castle is a great visitor attraction with dramatic ruins, beautiful gardens, and an adventure playground.

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Rather muddy in some spots. At one of the turns, it appears to have been covered up by a shed so it was hard to get around. All in all a nice walk with lambs everywhere.

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Brian
January 19, 2024, Penrith Castle

Penrith Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle. The castle was built between 1399 and 1470 as a defence against Scottish raids. It was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III.

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Brilliant cafe, gardens, adventure playground, walking and cycling trails. Large free car park is a brilliant place to start a bike ride.

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In 1968, a strong gale caused flood waters to thunder down the Eden causing the 300-year-old Langwathby Bridge to collapse without warning. In its place this metal girder bridge was built as a “temporary” replacement. It’s still there now and is the longest standing temporary bridge in the country.

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The new Pooley Bridge replaced the old stone bridge, which was washed away by the storms in 2015. It lends its name to the village, which has a few nice pubs and helpful shops.

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Nice outdoor seating in the courtyard.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I visit near Cliburn?

Cliburn and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore the dramatic ruins of Lowther Castle, which has been the family seat of the Earls of Lonsdale. Another significant historical site is The Cockpit Stone Circle, a large Bronze Age structure on the ancient High Street Roman road. Additionally, the ruined medieval Penrith Castle, built to defend against Scottish raids, is also nearby.

Are there any unique bridges or engineering marvels to see?

Yes, the area features some interesting bridges. Pooley Bridge (2020) is a modern stainless steel structure that replaced an 18th-century stone bridge destroyed by floods. Further afield, the Langwathby Bridge is notable for its 'temporary' metal girder replacement that has been in use since 1968, making it one of the country's longest-standing temporary bridges.

What natural features or viewpoints are there around Cliburn?

Cliburn is located within easy reach of the stunning Lake District National Park, renowned for its rolling green fells and crystal-clear lakes like Windermere, Derwentwater, and Ullswater. You can also find picturesque viewpoints such as the one at Pooley Bridge (2020), offering views of the River Eamont.

Are there family-friendly attractions near Cliburn?

Absolutely. Lowther Castle is an excellent choice for families, featuring extensive gardens, an adventure playground, and walking and cycling trails. Many of the historical sites like Penrith Castle are also suitable for family visits.

What hiking opportunities are available near Cliburn?

There are numerous hiking opportunities around Cliburn, catering to various difficulty levels. You can find easy routes like the 'Dangerous Ford and Footbridge – Morland Village loop from Morland' or 'Whinfell Forest loop from Cliburn Moss'. For more challenging hikes, consider the 'White House by the River – Pooley Bridge (2020) loop from Clifton'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Cliburn guide.

Can I find cycling routes around Cliburn?

Yes, Cliburn offers a variety of cycling routes. For an easy ride, try the 'Morland Village – Long Climb from Maulds Meaburn loop from Morland'. If you're looking for a challenge, there are difficult routes such as the 'Morland Village – View of Shap Countryside loop from Cliburn' or the 'Great Dun Fell Radar Station – Great Dun Fell Access Road loop from Cliburn Moss'. Discover more on the Cycling around Cliburn guide.

Are there mountain biking trails near Cliburn?

Mountain biking enthusiasts will find several trails. Options range from moderate, like 'The Cockpit Stone Circle – View over Ullswater loop from Clifton', to difficult routes such as 'View of Ullswater – The Cockpit Stone Circle loop from Lowther'. More details can be found on the MTB Trails around Cliburn guide.

What is the best time to visit Cliburn for outdoor activities?

The Lake District, which Cliburn is close to, is beautiful year-round. However, for walking and cycling, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions with milder temperatures and less rainfall. Always check local forecasts before heading out.

Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?

Some attractions in the area offer better accessibility. Pooley Bridge (2020) is noted as wheelchair accessible. Penrith Castle is also listed as wheelchair accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs to explore.

Are there dog-friendly walks or attractions?

Many of the outdoor areas and walking trails around Cliburn are dog-friendly, especially within the Lake District National Park. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to check specific attraction rules beforehand. For example, the grounds of Lowther Castle are generally welcoming to dogs.

Where can I find cafes or pubs near the attractions?

The village of Pooley Bridge, near the new Pooley Bridge (2020), offers several pubs and shops, including the Pooley Bridge Inn. Lowther Castle also features a brilliant cafe on-site, with free access to the tea rooms and toilets.

What is the significance of St Cuthbert's Church in Cliburn?

St Cuthbert's Church in Cliburn is a significant local landmark, representing the village's medieval history and cultural heritage. It is dedicated to St Cuthbert, an Anglo-Saxon saint, and provides insight into the region's long-standing religious and community traditions. You can learn more about St Cuthbert on Wikipedia.

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