Gilsland

Area Attractions Click on Map

The image top is of Milecastle 48, part of Hadrian's Wall on the east side of Gilsland, next to the old Railway Station. This is the first part of Gilsland walkers see when walking from the Newcastle direction.

There are two ways to follow the Hadrian's Wall Path from here, to the left and over a Railway Footpath, then down through a field to Gilsland Primary School.

You can also go down to the right from the Milecastle, cross the Poltcross Burn by footbridge, and walk down through Gilsland past the Samson Inn and under the Railway Bridge.

The three Main Attractions in Gilsland are the Samson Inn for Drinks and Meals, Bridge Inn for Drinks, and Cafe / Shop in the Village centre.

Gilsland Methodist Church is next to the Cafe with the road up past the Church leading to Gilsland School and back to Hadrian's Wall.

Hadrian's Wall from Gilsland School to Birdoswald Roman Fort is about 1 mile long, one of the top sections of the Wall to visit. Photo Tour.

Gilsland Hall Hotel is about 1 mile north, formerly (Gilsland Spa Hotel) popular for drinks and meals, with views over the Village. The Hotel has a Bowling Green, Woodland Walks with Waterfalls, Popping Stone for Romance, and Sulphur Springs, may be closed just now?

St Mary Magdalene Church is at the entrance to Gilsland Hall Hotel, an Anglican Church built from 1851 for Hotel guests, and the people of Gilsland.

Attractions close by Gilsland are:

Haltwhistle Golf Club 1 mile east

Thirlwall Castle 1 miles east

Birdoswald Roman Fort 2 miles west

Lanercost Priory 6 miles west

Gilsland History

From 122 - Hadrian's Wall is built between Newcastle in the east and Carlisle in the west.

Milecastle 48, or now known as Poltcross Burn Milecastle, is built in the area of Gilsland.

1603 - first recording of the Estate where Gilsland Hall Hotel is now situated, named Shaw's Estate.

Gilsland Village no doubt grew by the Estate as estates employed many workers.

1745/46 - Jacobite rebellion battles were the last in Britain, leading to a peaceful country, ending many centuries of conflict along the England - Scotland border.

1760s - first Hotel is built on Shaw's Estate named Shaw's Hotel.

1787 - Robert Burns' the Scottish poet visits Shaw's Hotel at Gilsland.

1797 - the novelist Walter Scott visited Shaw's Hotel and Popping Stone with him meeting his wife Miss Carpenter here.

1837 - the Carlisle to Newcastle Railway opened with the Gilsland Station on the east side of the village, originally named Rosehill Railway Station.

1851 - St Mary Magdalene Church by Shaw's Hotel is built.

1859 - Shaw's Hotel is destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt larger soon after.

1869 - Gilsland Methodist Church is built in the Village centre.

1893 - Shaw's Hotel is taken over to serve as the Gilsland Spa Hotel.

1967 - Gilsland Train Station is closed.

2016 - Gilsland Spa Hotel is renamed Gilsland Hall Hotel.

2022? - Gilsland Hall Hotel was closed for refurbishment, leading to financial difficulties, not sure when or if it will re-open.