Brough

Introduction

Brough is a village of two halves. The old coaching stopover of Market Brough, a functional place home to the village's amenities, is separated from pretty and interesting Church Brough by the busy A66 transpennine route. Despite a far from promising approach, a little exploration will certainly uncover enough of interest to justify a diversion.

Sights and Activities

Brough Castle

Though perhaps not as well preserved as its cousin at Brougham, this fine castle is nonetheless worth a visit to view the grand Norman keep and take in its dramatic position overlooking the Eden Valley. The remains of the Roman fort of Verteris occupy the same site (though there's little left to see).

St Michael's Church

A particularly well-preserved and pretty church in lovely grounds, parts of the Church of St Michael date from as early as 1150.

Helbeck and Swindale Wood

Easily overlooked, a tiny path breaks from the High Street behind the Castle Hotel and leads out onto the Pennines. Where the path forks (at Helbeck Quarry) there are two equally enticing options - the enchanting Swindale Wood, carpeted by bluebells in mid-May, or the easily scaled peak of Helbeck with spectacular views over the Eden Valley to the Lake District and the Howgill Fells.

Getting There

Brough is reasonably well connected by bus, with services running to Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Penrith, Ravenstonedale, Sedbergh and Kendal. The main A66 transpennine road offers easy access to the M6 or A1 North-South routes. Be aware that the A66 is occasionally closed just East of Brough after a particularly heavy snowfall.

Eat, Drink and Sleep

• The Golden Fleece. Brough's local pub. Serves food and has a number of rooms to rent.
• The Castle Hotel. Directly opposite the Golden Fleece, The Castle Hotel is Brough's only remaining coaching inn (there were once 10). Restaurant and bar meals, a range of ales, and accommodation.
• Augill Castle, 1 mile from Brough. Until recently run-down and slightly dilapidated, the present owners have transformed the Victorian folly of Augill Castle into a tremendous luxury hideaway, winning plaudits from critics and customers for both accommodation and food. Winner of Cumbria Tourism's Accommodation of the Year award in 2008.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The Royal Mail provides postal services in the United Kingdom. The Royal Mail's store fronts are called Post Office and offer services ranging from sending letters and packages to foreign currency exchange. Use the branch locator to find the nearest Post Office branch. An alternative includes TNT Post.
It's common for a post office to be incorporated into a grocery store, where there will be a small counter located at the back of the store for dealing with post related matters. All post offices are marked with signs that say 'post office' in red lettering. Post boxes can be found at any post office and standalone large red post boxes on the streets or red boxes in the sides of public buildings.