Pooley Bridge, Cumbria
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: Iron Age fort on Dunmallet Hill
The village name means 'hill by the pool' and comes from a large pool in the River Eamont and Dunmallet, or Dunmallard, a conical hill that rises on the far side of the river. The 'bridge' comes from the late 18th-century bridge across the river. The 3-arch bridge was erected in 1764, according to an inscription on a parapet stone. It replaces a much earlier bridge dating back to the late 16th century.
The village is very popular with tourists, especially during the summer months. As a result, there are several hotels and inns, including the Sun Inn, created from a row of 17th-century cottages.
St Paul's church was built in 1868 as a daughter church of St Michael's in nearby Barton. It was felt that a new church was needed in Pooley Bridge to deal with the large numbers of tourists flocking to the area in the late Victorian period. Pooley Bridge did not become a parish in its own right until 1905 and still maintains close links with Barton.
There is an Iron Age fort on the summit of Dunmallet and a circular earthwork fort at Maiden Castle (not to be confused with the much larger site in Dorset). The Maiden Castle site is in a farm field at grid reference NY452243, a mile west of the village. As for Dunmallet, it can be reached via a footpath from the far side of the bridge. The walk is described by Alfred Wainwright in his book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland, as a 'simple after-dinner stroll'.
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About Pooley Bridge
Address: Pooley Bridge, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Village
Location: On the B5320 at the northern end of Ullswater
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest
Dacre, St Andrews Church - 1.4 miles (Historic Church)
Dalemain - 1.5 miles (Historic House)
Ullswater - 3 miles (Countryside)
Lowther Castle and Gardens - 3.3 miles (Historic House)
Mayburgh Henge - 3.9 miles (Prehistoric Site)
King Arthur's Round Table - 4 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Clifton Hall - 4.2 miles (Historic Building)
Penrith Castle - 4.3 miles (Castle)
Nearest Accommodation to Pooley Bridge: