Longtown Bridge is a road bridge made of red sandstone ashlar over the River Esk. It dates from 1756 and has five segmental arches. A segmental arch is flatter than a semicircular arch; the five arches give the bridge a clearly articulated form. At its centre, it retains a central cast-iron standard gas lamp from the 19th century, which has been converted to electricity. This conversion adds another technical development to the description of the structure.

Architectural history in Longtown

The Church of St Andrew in Longtown is a Grade II listed building. As a church, it complements the bridge with a different type of structure, giving visitors interested in culture two distinct points of connection with the town’s architectural history.

Walks and riverside paths

Longtown is a starting point for walks along the River Esk and through the surrounding countryside. The Wilkins Pool circular route offers another specific option: on some sections, walkers reach the Esk and can skim stones across the water. Riverside access and water conditions can vary; the river can flow quickly. Bear this in mind when planning sections by the water. This way, the proximity to the river and the conditions at any given time remain part of your planning, rather than being assumed to stay the same.

Arthuret: church and well

Arthuret, with several historical points of interest, lies near Longtown. Arthuret Church stands on a hill above Longtown and offers wide views of the surrounding countryside. Its present form dates from 1609; it is designed in the Perpendicular style and has crenellated parapets. The Perpendicular style is characterised by pronounced vertical lines. The grave of Archie is also in the churchyard.

St Michael’s Well is also in Arthuret, near Longtown. The holy well probably dates from the early 17th century. Its red sandstone wellhead has a pointed arch; the site also includes steps and a sunken stone cattle trough. During one survey, the area was overgrown, so the well’s current visibility is uncertain. The dates assigned to the two historical sites have different levels of certainty: 1609 is the date given for the church’s present form, whereas the dating of the well to the early 17th century remains an estimate.

Countryside and wildlife watching

At Moat Longtown, Livingstone Homestead combines garden areas with wetlands, meadows and woodland. The grounds include nature trails, a bird hide and farm animals. The site is open to everyone for walking, wildlife watching, contemplation and prayer; check access before your visit.

Deer, squirrels, herons and long-eared owls are often sighted daily on the Longtown Countryside Walk. These wildlife sightings are seasonal and are not guaranteed on any particular visit.

Discover more destinations: Calthwaite, Broughton-In-Furness, Gamblesby, Patterdale, Grayrigg, Newby Bridge, Temple Sowerby, Silloth

For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.