Caldbeck Tourist Information

Caldbeck is a traditional working underfell village named after the river on which it stands. The river provided water power for the important industrial development of the 17th and 18th centuries; corn mills, woollen mills, bobbin mills, a paper mill and a brewery. The village still reflects this former industrial activity with many of the old buildings still in use. Mineral mining was also an important industry, the most significant minerals being lead, copper and barytes, the last mine closed in the 1960's.

Places of interest around the village include Caldbeck Pond, known locally as 'Claydubs' which reflects its history as a claypit for a brick and tile works in the 19th century. The present church of St. Kentigern dates back to the 12th century and is thought to occupy a site where people have worshipped since Kentigern's time, here the graves of Mary Harrison (the beauty of Buttermere) and John Peel, the famous huntsman, can be found.

Priests Mill was built by the Rector of the Church in 1702 for grinding corn. Two hundred years later it was also used as a sawmill and joiners workshop and the water power was supplemented by a diesel engine. The Mill also houses a number of interesting workshops, which are perfect to browse at leisure and perhaps buy an unusual gift.

As you climb out of Caldbeck across the open moorland towards Ireby, the wonderful views encompass Skiddaw and the Lakeland Fells beyond.