Hesket Newmarket

Real Ale Heaven
Nestling in the northern edge of the Lakeland Fells close to the River Caldew lies the quaint, unspoilt village of Hesket Newmarket. The name is derived from the Old Norse "eski" (a place overgrown with ash trees) and the Olde English "heafod" (head or hill), the "newmarket" having been tacked on later.

The village today is defined by the Hesket Newmarket Brewery and Old Crown pub. This is an area popular with walkers, climbers and, of course, cyclists. A local challenge, "The Old Crown Round", sees walkers and runners ascending Skiddaw, Blencathra, Carrock, and Great Cockup - all within 20 hours.

A market cross on the five acre village green - a wide grassed area running up the village centre - attests to the fact that a market, the charter granted in the 18th century, was once held on Fridays. Cattle and sheep fairs were also part of the local scene. In September, an agricultural show carries on the tradition with wrestling, horses, ponies, hounds and terriers.

Dickensian Visits
Heskett Hall, built c1630 by Sir Wilfrid Lawson, is of architectural interest with its gabled wings, mullioned bays, swagged urns and finials. A central chimney protrudes from a pyramidal roof. Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins visited Hesket Newmarket in 1857. The purpose of the trip was to gather material for an article, The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices, which Dickens planned to publish in his magazine, Household Words.

Friendly folk, good beer, good food, fantastic views and walks - what more could you ask for.

Places of interest

Old Crown Public House
The Old Crown, is one of the Lake District's best known pubs. As a magnet for enthusiastic walkers, climbers, cyclists and real ale aficionados, the pub is deservedly popular. The pub offers superb food and its curries are legendary but bookings are recommended. The beer served in The Old Crown is not long traveled, it has only been gently rolled those few yards down from the Hesket Newmarket Brewery at the top of the garden.
Tel: 01697 478 288
Website: www.theoldcrownpub.co.uk

Hesket Newmarket Brewery
Although one of the UK's smallest breweries in Hesket Newmarket Brewery produces one of the largest selection of real ales in the country. The brewery is now owned by a cooperative of local beer enthusiasts with a passion for the very best in real ale. Over the last 10 years Hesket Newmarket beers have won many awards at CAMRA and other beer festivals up and down the country.
Telephone: 01697 478 066
Website: www.hesketbrewery.co.uk

The Fellside Stores
A well stocked village store, Post Office and tea room, and with plenty of home-baked food, it is popular with local cycling clubs. Also suppliers of puddings to the Old Crown! The shop is open Monday to Saturday.
Tel: 01697 478 229

Serviced Accommodation

Denton House
Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria CA7 8JG
Tel: 01697 478 415

Newlands Grange
Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria
Tel: 01697 478 676

Bank End Mill
Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria
Tel: 01697 478 398

Camping

nr Old Crown pub
Tel: 01697 478 288.

Greenhill
Tel: 01679 478 453