Hadrian's View, Brampton

Once again, a relaxing family Christmas full of fun family games, hearty food, log fires, and lovely walks in beautiful local countryside. The cottage is always clean and well-presented with thoughtful touches from the owner; homemade scones on arrival, a bottle of milk and wine&chocolates. We have stayed on 3 occasions at Christmas and we hope to return again!

Hadrian's View has everything you could need for a relaxing stay away from your everyday routines. We specifically wanted somewhere we could spend our time unwinding and taking things at a slower, more leisurely pace and this wonderfully converted barn fitted the bill exactly. Our hosts, Mr and Mrs Harding, were friendly and made us feel very welcome. On arrival there were fresh flowers in the window plus was a bottle of wine and scones with cream chilling in the fridge. The barn has a charm synonymous with the area and the view from the east facing bedroom and living room is simply stunning. The hamlet, Banks, being in a slightly elevated position offers superb far reaching views of the Irthing valley, which on a winter morning with low cloud takes your breath away. The amenities were more than ample for our needs. The kitchen was well equipped and we cooked every night. Although there is a dishwasher, we didn't use it. The bathroom has a large, deep, modern bathtub, which was great for a soak and the heated towel rail kept the towels dry. Both the bathroom and shower room have fan heaters only and it is advised to turn these on ten minutes before hand to warm the rooms a little before use during the winter months. The rooms upstairs offer comfort and are neutrally decorated, the best room being the twin room that has those amazing views. The double room and bunk room have velux windows only. The pièce de résistance is the large living/dining area with the open fire and two three-seater (and very comfortable) sofas. There is a large dresser that contains good quality crockery and cutlery and the dining table easily places six people. Wood and coal for the fire was plentiful. We stayed for six nights and had friends (local to the area) stay over for one evening. Mrs Harding invited us to a charity hog roast at Dacre Hall (a stunning medieval building and part of Lanercost Priory), which was a fabulous event. The food was delicious and the few locals we spoke to made us feel welcome, even the Harding's neighbours gave us a lift back. There was plenty of space for all. Apart from a few creaky floors along the mezzanine and a slightly ageing oven and washing machine, we had everything we could possibly need. We even required a socket extension and was quickly accommodated. There is enough parking for three cars. The outside space offers seating and a BBQ, although because of the December chill we didn't use them. Nearby there is Lanercost Priory, Talkin Tarn, Birdoswald Roman Fort, Vindolanda Roman Fort and the small town of Brampton, where you can find all the essentials: cashpoint, cafe, supermarket, pubs, butchers etc. Banks itself is a peaceful hamlet and has no shops but the drive to Brampton does not take long. All in all we had a very enjoyable and relaxing stay at Hadrian's View. Our hosts were lovely people and we were sad to leave. We would like to return and would definitely recommend it to our friends.

We only decided to go away two weeks before we went so we were really pleased to find 'Hadrians View' available. I'll be honest and say we'd normally not have looked at this place as there were only two oof us with two small dogs so we normally stay at one bedroomed places but it came up in a listing and i fell in love with it. The photos and listing do not do this place justice. It has the most amazing uninterupted views across the river Irthing Valley and although you can see the train line and A69 you cannot hear them as they are so far away. It really is the most peaceful place - the hamlet probably has about 10 to 20 houses and the only people we met were our hosts and other visitors to the area. There isn't a shop or pub very close by, which was perfect for us as we just wanted to chill and the cottage definitely allowed us to do that. However Brampton isn't too far away if you really feel the need for either. There were some great shops selling local produce. The cottage has everything you can imagine you would need - we honestly had no complaints. It's a barn conversion but it's been done to a very high standard and there is a real fire - we only needed this on for one night and it is very cosy when it's lit. Elizabeth is also an amazing host - we had cream scones waiting for us in the fridge on our arrival with a bottle of wine chilling! We'll definitely be back!

The view from the house was to die for, it was an absolute gem of a house. The coal fire made it so much more homely. Had a great time and will return again, if the owner will have us.

Very homely and cosy and in a lovely setting. We would definitely recommend.

A stunning position looking South across Rolling Open Countryside towards Geltsdale on the horizon. A characterful cottage with an open fire and an immediate sense of home. Then there is the practicalities. With a family of four and a dog to feed the kitchen is well up to it. A boot room for the coats and walking shoes and toddler equipment, crockery is good quality and plentiful, the kitchen utensils and equipment enough to cook a large family meal and there are two separate rooms for either showering or a bath. We went out walking on many trails just outside the door or twenty minutes away. Hadrain's Wall (Three sections) Talkin Tarn, Gelt Wood, and a circular track in the lee of Geltsdale. All with good signage and stunning quiet locations or gently family friendly. I cooked every night and had a Waitrose drop for the big shop and then fresh vegetables (Fruits and Roots), fresh bread (Routledges) Organic (Wholefoods) and superb meat from (Cranstons) all in Brampton. The people all real (quiet and friendly) Geordie/Cumbrians. The Co Op cleverly covers the supermarket base with upmarket offerings as well as the basics. The weather was perfect all week after a poor summer but the cottage would work after a cold and windy day walking just as much as an end of day to an Indian Summer. Your hosts Mr & Mrs Harding run a well oiled operation and you arrive to fresh flowers/fresh scones with cream and jam and the chance to have a cuppa before you unload. Congratulations on a superb offer.

This is a perfect place to base your visit to the wall and the lakes. Photos do not do this place justice. Not only is it quaint and quiet but it has everything you need including evening entertainment. (You are in the middle of knowhere) Elizabeth was welcoming and had left some essentials for us so a cup of tea could be had before going in search of food. The place was clean and tidy, with sheets and towells provided whi h is always a bonus. Many places are walkable and carlise is only a short drive away. I wish I could have stayed longer.

We enjoyed everything about the cottage, the hosts and the location. It was everything and more that we had anticipated. We would thoroughly recommend anyone to make a booking and advise that the facilities locally in Brampton enable one to purchase any supplies required - take nothing with you except happiness.

Comfortable and relaxing place to stay. Interesting Roman and other sites in area.

The location was amazing providing fantastic views. The cottage was very comfortable and cosy, offering a lovely living area. We loved everything about it.

Hadrian's View is a beautiful cottage in a great location, with great views. The owner was welcoming. Our stay with 5 adults was very enjoyable.

It was a great place to stay with great views and easy access to all areas of interest. We had a great time and would recommend this to all our friends and family. The only downside are the bunk beds are not for adults which should be stated in description!

We appreciated the kind hostess and overall charm of the cottage in it's quiet location.

Everything was great for us, we had a wonderful relaxing time and would strongly recommend this cottage. We had the best time and the site was outstanding.

The property was great with fantastic views! Very stetegically placed for many interesting sites such as Hadrians wall and many good walks for dogs. A great place to stay!