Just a few doors away is the Mason's Arms, a lively, old-fashioned country pub with a choice of fine ales, as well as a blazing open fire and warm atmosphere. With a growing reputation as something of a gastro-pub, meals are served Wednesday to Sunday each week (booking is essential for Fridays and Saturdays, and always advisable).

The tranquil Eden Valley is Cumbria's best-kept secret: its natural beauty, rolling countryside and rural pace of life will charm you, as will historic Long Marton, which is one of the area's prettiest, most unspoiled villages. Situated near the medieval market town of Appleby (the old County Town of Westmoreland), the dramatic scenery of the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines are easily reached within 20 minutes' drive, while the Pennine Way and the Yorkshire Dales are also close at hand. Yet the tourist traffic largely passes this peaceful, undiscovered haven by, so that its traditional sheep farms and hamlets of sandstone cottages appear largely unchanged by the modern world.

Walkers will find endless opportunities to explore the countryside, with delightful walks beginning right from the doorstep. The Pennine Way passes through the neighbouring village of Dufton, and the intersection of this long-distance trail with Wainwright's famous Coast-to-Coast Walk is just a few miles away, close to the picturesque village of Orton (home of Kennedy's Fine Chocolates - a treat not to be missed!). With steeper, more challenging walks to Pennine landmarks like High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell, or gentle rambles along the riverside or in the bluebell woods at Dufton Ghyll Forest, the choices are endless. Cyclists, too, will enjoy the quiet, country lanes and can sample parts of the Reivers Cycle Route and the C2C cross-country route. Rock climbers can choose between bouldering at a variety of local sites and the more dramatic mountain routes of the Lake District.

History lovers will find a plethora of sites of interest to visit. Ancient ruins from Roman times and earlier abound in this long-inhabited area. Long Meg and her Daughters at Little Salkeld is one of the most famous perhistoric stone circles in Cumbria, while there are Roman forts and milestones within a few miles of Long Marton, in addition to the attractions of Hadrian's Wall. The medieval castle at Brougham occupies a commanding location just south of the A66. From more recent times, the scenic Settle-to-Carlisle rail journey passes through Long Marton, a former stop on the line dating back to its steam days, and there is an impressive viaduct just outside the village.

If wildlife is your thing, visit the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre or Eden Valley Ostrich World, or simply look around for red squirrels and badgers and a wide variety of birdlife.