Talkin Tarn Country Park

A beautiful glacial lake just minutes away — perfect for woodland walks, tea room, paddleboarding, rowing, birdwatching, or a gentle lap around the water. Great for dogs and families.

Hidden away in the north-west corner of the North Pennines, Geltsdale is a remote and ruggedly beautiful nature reserve where two hill farms – Geltsdale and Tarnhouse – meet. Here, you'll find upland birds like Black Grouse, breeding waders including Curlews, and birds of prey like the Hen Harrier.

Right on your doorstep when you stay at Coalfell. 

Miltonrigg Woods is an extraordinary and atmospheric place. An outstanding feature in the Cumbrian landscape, this ancient woodland displays vibrant flowers and magnificent veteran trees, as well as wetland areas and a pond.

With so much to see, excellent access facilities and a number of benches at key points to provide a welcome rest, this woodland is ideal for walkers and is a beautiful spot for a picnic. 

Brampton is a vibrant market town just a short drive from the cottage, offering a welcoming blend of independent shops, cosy cafés, and rich Cumbrian heritage. Surrounded by rolling countryside and steeped in history, it’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely morning browsing local produce, exploring the Moot Hall, or enjoying a relaxed lunch after a walk along the nearby fells. With Hadrian’s Wall, Talkin Tarn, and peaceful woodland trails close by, Brampton makes an ideal hub for discovering the very best of northern Cumbria.

The Moot Hall is Brampton’s distinctive little clock‑tower building at the centre of the town. Once a traditional market and meeting place, it now anchors the square with its historic charm and lively local events.

Lanercost Priory is one of Cumbria’s most atmospheric historic treasures — a place where centuries of stories linger in the quiet arches and honey‑coloured stone. Set beside the River Irthing and framed by peaceful countryside, the priory offers a serene escape into the region’s medieval past. Visitors can wander through beautifully preserved cloisters, explore the tranquil church still in use today, and soak up the calm that has settled here since the 12th century. It’s a gentle, reflective stop just minutes from the cottage, perfect for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a moment of stillness in a truly special setting.

The café at Lanercost Priory offers a cosy spot to relax, serving homemade cakes, light lunches, and great coffee in a peaceful countryside setting. As always dog friendly!

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most captivating historic landscapes in Britain, and the stretches closest to the cottage — Hare Hill, Birdoswald, and Banks Turrets — offer some of its most memorable moments. At Hare Hill, a rare, towering section of wall rises dramatically from the fields, giving a real sense of the scale and strength of Rome’s northern frontier. Birdoswald, set high above the River Irthing, invites visitors to wander through the remains of a vast Roman fort and enjoy sweeping views across open countryside. Further along, the Banks Turrets provide quieter, more intimate glimpses into Roman life, dotted along peaceful walking routes that feel wonderfully untouched. Together, these sites create a rich, immersive journey through history — all just a short, scenic drive from the cottage.