Brampton, Cumbria.

Just twenty minutes’ drive from Carlisle brings you to this beautifully kept country park, an ever poplar venue for families and anyone else who is up for a treat. There is something for everyone, from exploring ancient woodlands, to easily accessible paths around a 65-acre lake. The name ‘Talkin’ derives from the Celtic meaning ‘brow of a hill’ and Tarn, a Norse meaning for ‘tear drop’ or ‘small lake’. How quaint.

Soak up the peace and tranquillity – be prepared to acknowledge the many friendly greetings from other visitors. Watch your little ones (and big ones) squeal with delight when feeding the majestic swans, geese and ducks, not forgetting the noisy seagulls of course. Bring your four-legged friends, but make sure to keep them on a lead. If you’re lucky you just might get to glimpse a red squirrel or a roe deer, to name some of the wildlife that freely roam the woods.

The 1.3-mile route, with hard packed paths, is a pleasure, walking past the soft rushes, irises and grasses, make sure you pop into the ‘hide’ and learn about the variety of birdlife that often put in an appearance. Explore further afield, discover the forest, using the colour coded routes. For those needing mobility scooter support, a hire service is available and along with the hire comes three free hours’ parking.  

Good coffee and cakes can be purchased at the lovely gift shop, which is open daily throughout the year, at the time of our visit they only accepted cards for purchases. Seats and benches have been sited outside, next to the children’s outdoor play area, and free toilets are just around the corner.

The site is home to water sports, amateur rowing and sailing clubs, along with the Carlisle model boat club. At weekends and school holidays you will find paddle boarding, archery, canoe and kayaking, along with fishing and lots of educational resources available including geocaching for the young ones. Stargazing nights, sponsored walks, wedding and party hire in the log cabin and for the hardy amongst us, there is open water swimming via a permit (brrrrrr no way Jose). They are always looking to welcome conservation and management volunteers – see their website for details.

This inspiring setting is always popular with artists, painters and photographers – and will often host creative exhibitions in the Alex Boathouse. Be aware there is a fee for parking, payable via their app or cash.

When in the area, be sure to visit – it’s a joy with a great atmosphere. Check out the websites for further information.