Roman Wall Lodges

On the edge of the scenic Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there’s plenty of reason to spend days exploring pretty countryside vistas hereabouts, but the site is handily placed for urban trips too. It’s about 10 minutes’ drive from base to the small city of Carlisle, famed for its castle (where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned for nearly 19 years), cathedral and racecourse. History buffs have more than Carlisle Castle or the many forts of Hadrian’s Wall to entice round here: the ruins of Lanercost Priory are half an hour away, the spectacular Lowther Castle and Gardens are within about 45 minutes, and it’s 40 minutes to the National Trust’s Wordsworth House and Gardens (yes, that Wordsworth). It’s also just 20 minutes from Gretna Green, so quickie marriages can be dealt with even more quickly than usual. If nature is still beckoning, the site’s about 40 minutes north of the Lake District, placing hikes, bikes and sailing along Ullswater within easy reach. Otherwise, take a longer drive as far as Newcastle (an hour and a half) and its shops, museums and the Angel of the North.