Key the name "Bewcastle" into any search engine and it immediately suggests you mean "Newcastle"!

So where on earth is it? Located within Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, yet not on the wall, the church is Grade 11* and dates from the 13th century with building material from the Roman fort; the tower was added in the late 18th century. We are in remote north east Cumbria.

The 8th century Bewcastle Cross, a scheduled monument in the churchyard, is ranked by Pevsner as one of the 12 most important monuments in Britain - although this is in a dispersed, remote and rural location.

In the churchyard is a small and easy-to-visit museum outlining life in Bewcastle from prehistoric times up to the present.

Tellingly recently was this comment in the visitors’ book “Apart from Iona, I know of no place with such a “Wow” factor!” Was the visitor referring to the impact of the cross, to the museum, to the location or perhaps to the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere inside the church, which is open every single day of the year during daylight hours? Come and see for yourself!