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The ancient market town and royal borough of Appleby is right in the heart of the Eden Valley and serves as the focal point for all of the surrounding villages and hamlets. There’s a good selection of traditional shops, while the riverside is perfect for a stroll or a picnic – there’s also an indoor swimming pool if you want something a little more energetic. The biggest event on the calendar is the annual horse fair that takes place in June.
Outside of town, the North Pennines lie directly east, with Cross Fell (893m) the tallest point and the distinctive conical peaks of Knock, Dufton and Murton pikes jutting up from the edge – the whole area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Culture & Heritage
The valley floor is occupied by the Eden River and its tributaries. The Romans marched through this valley between Carlisle and Brough: traces of one of the finest settlements in the northwest are at Ewe Close, made up of a series of hut circles and enclosure walls.
Older still is the double-ringed Oddendale Stone Circle and other prehistoric cairns on the limestone plateau to the south-west of Crosby Ravensworth, where you can also see evidence of Iron Age settlements.
During the 9th century, Viking settlers drawn to the rich grazing lands around the river founded the first settlements of Temple Sowerby, Bolton, Appleby, Great Ormside and Sandford. In the 11th century the Normans built the first castle on a high vantage point overlooking a river crossing at Appleby. The castle passed into the hands of the Clifford family in the 13th century, and they held it for the next 400 years: its most famous member was Lady Anne Clifford, who fought a 40-year battle to inherit her father’s estate, finally doing so in 1643. She devoted the rest of her life to restoring her family’s five castles – including the one at Appleby. Thanks to her, the castle is still open for tours, weddings, functions and conferences.
Photo: Appleby Castle
Appleby was the county town of Westmorland until 1974, when the boundary lines were redrawn and the ancient counties of Cumberland and Westmorland disappeared to be replaced by Cumbria (which also includes bits of Lancashire). Its former high status is still in evidence in the elegant uphill sweep of its tree-lined main street (Boroughgate) from the Norman church of St Lawrence at the bottom to the defensive Norman castle at the top.
Appleby developed early as a market town to sell produce from the surrounding rural area. The strong tradition of milk, butter and cheese production led to the establishment of the Appleby Express Creamery in 1931. The bull tethering ring, which can still be seen between Low Cross and the Moot Hall, was last used in 1812. Further along, the old County Gaol incarcerated prisoners for various misdeeds. Prisoners were made to work for their keep by grinding malt for the brewery and pumping water. A treadmill was uncovered here by Channel 4's Time Team in 2003. Gallows Hill (now known as Fair Hill) was the site for public hangings, the last being in 1829. And finally, you might notice some narrow alleys off some of the main streets – these were known as ‘wiends’ and could be sealed off to protect the townspeople in case of attack.
Surrounding Areas
Orton - The village of Orton stretches languidly in all directions but never loses sight of its focal centre, where several roads and footpaths converge. Here on the second Saturday of every month is one of the best farmers' market in northwest England with a huge array of local produce, complemented by a fine artisan chocolate factory and a traditional village shop.
Kirkby Stephen - Kirkby Stephen, an ancient market town at the head of the Eden Valley, possesses an air of historical intrigue. A fine church and busy market square lie at its heart. Narrow, twisting passageways await exploration and underground passages once provided refuge during Scottish raids and to smuggle in beer to the ale-houses to avoid paying taxes.
Did you know?
APPLEBY HORSE FAIR
This colourful spectacle has its origins circa 1685 when James II granted the town a second market charter to hold a fair ‘for the sale of all manners of goods, cattle, horses, mares and geldings’. Held in early June every year at Fair Hill, the event is a major cultural gathering for travelling people and attracts huge numbers who come to witness horse sales and the tradition of washing horses in the river.
ST LAWRENCE'S CHURCH
The parish church of Appleby was founded shortly after the castle. Although badly damaged by the Scots in 1388, the church was rebuilt by Lady Anne Clifford in the mid-17th century. When she died in 1676 her coffin was laid in a vault near to a handsome monument to the Clifford family lineage. Adjacent is a magnificent marble memorial to her mother Margaret, Countess of Cumberland.
ST ANNE'S HOSPITAL ALMSHOUSES
Midway up Boroughgate is a picturesque courtyard of almshouses built by Lady Anne Clifford in 1651 to house poor Appleby widows. Although the houses are still occupied, the courtyard and chapel may be visited during the day.
EDEN BENCHMARKS
Ten carved stone sculptures (which also function as seats) that can be found along the length of the River Eden from Mallerstang to Rockcliffe. The sculputures were commissioned to commemorate the 2000 millennium.
BONGATE MILL
Although the present building dates from 1838, it is thought there has been a mill here since the 13th century, probably supplying ground corn to the castle.
ACORN BANK GARDEN
A horticultural haven that contains the largest collection of culinary and medicinal plants in the north of England and a traditional orchard with many regional varieties of apple, pear and damson trees.
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 89
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Address
Bland Ho, Orton, Penrith, CumbriaPenrith
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of its stones have fallen over so none are higher than one yard but they are 100 yards in circumference.
Address
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
017683 61893Penrith
Join Acorn Bank gardener Bronwyn and her team to taste freshly juiced apples from the orchard. You might be surprised at the flavours.
* Juicing will take about 10 minutes at the start of the session, so if you want to see the pressing, be sure to…
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Address
Cliburn, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DWPenrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
Address
The King's Head, Riverside, Ravenstonedale, Cumbria, CA17 4NHTelephone
015396 23050Ravenstonedale
The King's Head is a stunning Bar/ Restaurant/ Hotel based in Ravenstonedale in the Eden Valley. Built in the 16th Century, The King's Head is a Grade II listed building has been a landmark in this area for 5 Centuries.
Address
Into the Woods Cumbria, Maughanby Farm, Little Salkeld, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1NPTelephone
07900213352Little Salkeld, Penrith
Luna is a 6 person treehouse nestled amongst the trees. Sleeping 6 in 3 king size beds, all ensuite. It's glamping on another level. Based on 2 floors, the top floor offers a private deck with a hot tub, outdoor shower & dining area whilst the lower…
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Penrith
Melmerby Hall sleeps 18 guests in 9 ensuite bedrooms. An English country manor house, it boasts unbeatable relaxing and entertaining space. Breakfast in the orangery, BBQ overlooking fabulous gardens and woodland and cook in the 4 oven Aga.
Address
Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NGTelephone
015396 23204Kirkby Stephen
Our Head Chef, James Ashworth has been with us since 2024. Alongside his team, he is producing a local Cumbrian menu which offers something for everyone. Using locally sourced food, driven by seasonality, and his experience working in a range of…
Address
Black Cat Distillery, Brougham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DETelephone
07854 944597Penrith
Perusing the Black Cat Gin range is certainly thirsty work! Luckily you can taste a tipple or two of our juniper-based ambrosia to help the process along. I already know that you will find your new favourite gin from our award winning range! We have…
Address
The Coast to Coast Packhorse Ltd, 25, Cumberland house, 20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HTTelephone
+44 (0) 17683 7177720 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen
Set your own pace on the Coast to Coast. Choose how many rest days you need and how far you’d like to walk each day. Opt for one of our self-guided tours or customise your trip with bespoke options. With flexible start dates throughout the season,…
Address
The Coast to Coast Packhorse Ltd, 25, Cumberland house, 20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HTTelephone
+44 (0) 17683 7177720 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen
Enjoy an excellent introduction to the charms of the English Lake District on the official Cumbria Way Walking Holiday.
Address
Brougham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2ADPenrith
A lovely church in a remote setting.
Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a long track, above a bend in the River Eamont and with views of the Pennines and the Lake District. It is worth finding both for its lovely setting and…
Address
Black Cat Distillery, Brougham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DETelephone
07854 944597Penrith
Award Winning Craft Gin Distillery and shop offering gin making workshops in a beautiful medieval setting with other artisan producers and cafe on site.
Address
Gillcumber Glamping, Gillcumber Edge, Winton, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HUTelephone
07928405133Winton, Kirkby Stephen
Kick The Dust Up is a four-day country music festival taking place at Gillcumber Glamping, Cumbria, from Friday 11th to Monday 14th June 2027. Enjoy live country music, camping, glamping, festival entertainment and a weekend of good times, great…
Appleby-in-Westmorland
A world hidden from the surface but full of adventure and challenge for all. From simple passageways to great labyrinths. Your journey feels like you’re reaching into the bowels of the earth on a true adventure. The experience is incredibly…
Address
National Trust Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
01768 361893Penrith
2 Trampers are available for 2-hour sessions at 11am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 2pm.
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Address
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
07776 296726Penrith
A 10k road race for all abilities, on quiet country lanes, with start & finish within the beautiful grounds of Acorn Bank National Trust property in the Eden Valley
Address
South Stainmore, Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DETelephone
01768 341937Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
Address
Little Salkeld, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1NWPenrith
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated with concentric circle - late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c2000 or earlier).
Address
The Wilding, Main St, Brough, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4AXTelephone
017683 41252Brough, Kirkby Stephen
Discover The Wilding Hotel, your charming gateway to the breath-taking Lake District, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Eden Valley, Cumbria. This family-run, historic 300-year-old Coaching Inn offers a delightful blend of traditional charm…
Address
Into the Woods Cumbria, Maughanby Farm, Little Salkeld, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1NPTelephone
07900213352Little Salkeld, Penrith
Gaddalands is a dry hire venue & is able to accommodate up to 120 people. The communal area is vast with a large indoor/outdoor covered area know as the Manshack, an outdoor stage, a DJ booth in the trees & an outdoor kitchen with BBQ. With 3…
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