Attractions and Places To See around Great Salkeld - Top 20

Yes, Great Salkeld and its surroundings offer several family-friendly options. Lowther Castle features extensive gardens, an adventure playground, and walking trails that are great for all ages. The ancient Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle is also considered family-friendly, offering an intriguing historical site to explore. Additionally, Penrith Castle is a ruined medieval castle with free entry, suitable for families interested in history.

Great Salkeld is rich in history. At its heart is St Cuthbert's Church, a Norman church with a unique 14th-century pele tower, which once served as a refuge. Inside the church porch, you can see a Roman altar. The village also contains 23 listed buildings, reflecting its architectural heritage. Just across the River Eden, you can visit the ancient Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle, dating back to the Bronze Age.

Great Salkeld is nestled in the beautiful Eden Valley, known for its lush green countryside and rolling hills. The River Eden borders the village to the east, providing a scenic backdrop. You can also find 'The Dub,' a historic watering hole now home to rare Great Crested Newts. The area offers a haven of pastoral calm, perfect for enjoying nature.

Yes, the area around Great Salkeld offers a variety of hiking trails. You can find routes ranging from easy to difficult, including loops around the Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle. For more detailed options, explore the dedicated hiking guide: Hiking around Great Salkeld.

Cyclists can enjoy various routes around Great Salkeld. The area is known for challenging climbs like Hartside Pass Ascent from Melmerby, a 5-mile climb with a consistent 5-7% gradient. For mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails around Great Salkeld guide. If you prefer gravel biking, there's also a guide for Gravel biking around Great Salkeld.

The village of Great Salkeld is home to The Highland Drove Pub, an award-winning establishment with historical significance as a former drovers' stopping point. Nearby, the Kirkoswald Village Centre also offers the Crown Inn, which provides traditional pub food and drinks, along with a community village shop for mid-ride resupply.

Yes, Penrith Castle is listed as wheelchair accessible. It is a ruined medieval castle managed by English Heritage, offering free entry and open daily.

The pele tower at St Cuthbert's Church in Great Salkeld is a distinctive 14th-century feature. These fortified towers were common in the region due to its proximity to the Scottish border, serving as a refuge for villagers during times of conflict. St Cuthbert's is one of only three churches in Cumbria to feature such a defensive tower, and it uniquely houses two vaulted chambers and even a dungeon.

Yes, Lowther Castle is open to visitors. It offers gardens, an adventure playground, and walking and cycling trails. There is a charge for admission to the castle, gardens, and play areas, but access to the tea rooms and toilets is free. A large free car park is available.

Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle is the third-largest stone circle in England, located just across the River Eden from Great Salkeld. Dating back to the Bronze Age or approximately 5,000 years ago, it consists of 69 stones within a diameter of about 106 meters. It's a significant prehistoric site steeped in legends.

The Eden Valley, where Great Salkeld is located, offers beautiful scenery throughout the year. For walking, hiking, and cycling, spring and summer provide pleasant weather and lush landscapes. Autumn brings vibrant colors, while winter walks can be serene, though some trails might be more challenging. The area is generally peaceful, making it suitable for a tranquil rural experience in any season.

Beyond the well-known attractions, 'The Dub' in Great Salkeld is a unique natural spot. Historically used by drovers, it is now a habitat for rare Great Crested Newts. The scenic Eden Lacy Viaduct, carrying the Carlisle Settle Railway over the River Eden, is also a notable structure within the picturesque landscape.