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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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Number of results: 72
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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
Expertly Crafted Running Holidays – As specialists in the Alfred Wainwright Coast to Coast, we use our expertise to create seamless running itineraries.
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…
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Address
Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NGTelephone
015396 23204Kirkby Stephen
Charming 14-bed 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge.
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Address
Morland, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3AXPenrith
Morland church has the only Anglo Saxon tower in Cumbria which is a remarkable survival and outstanding example of its type.
The top storey of the tower was added in the 17th century but the massive Saxon structure retains its original masonry,…
Address
The Greyhound Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Main St, Shap, Cumbria, CA10 3PWTelephone
01931 716718Shap
Here at The Greyhound, we understand that good food can make your day complete. Whether you are after a quick snack to break a journey, a hearty meal to refuel after a hard days walking or a quiet meal for two on a special occasion, there is…
Address
The Greyhound Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Main St, Shap, Cumbria, CA10 3PWTelephone
01931 716718Shap
The Greyhound is a beautifully renovated 18th century coaching inn with fantastic views across the to the fells. Very easy access from main travel routes and plenty of parking. Serving local ales, crisp lager, fine wines, fabulous G&Ts and fantastic…
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…
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Address
Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
017683 61893Penrith
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.
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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
Great Salkeld, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA11 9NATelephone
01768 898396PENRITH
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was rested here after being brought from Holy Island. The Pele Tower was added in 1380, with an iron door for defence of the inhabitants against the Scots.
Address
Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NGTelephone
015396 23204Kirkby Stephen
3 luxury wood and canvas glamping yurts, with electricity, full size king beds and log burning stoves. They have access to a shared eco toilet and hot woodland shower. The yurts are situated right on the banks of our river, in a riverside woodland…
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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.
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Address
Old Lowther College, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA102HHTelephone
07516588286Penrith
River Rhythms is a free, three-day immersive course where you'll explore the science, ecology, and unique soundscape of rivers.
Tune in to the rhythms of the natural world as you:
– Capture and experiment with audio in wild river settings
– Learn…
Address
The Green Cumbria, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NWTelephone
07483 323738Kirkby Stephen
The Byre is one of three luxurious cottages sitting within a large converted Victorian barn at the foot of the Howgill Fells at The Green Cumbria. Super stylish barn conversion, idyllic rural location, dogs welcome, enclosed garden, wood-burner,…
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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
Roundthorn Country House, Roundthorn, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8SJTelephone
01768 863952Penrith
Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House, overlooking the Eden Valley and Lakeland Fells. Guests are welcome to enjoy the use of the hotel facilities on site.
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Address
Boroughgate, APPLEBY-IN-WESTMORLAND, Cumbria, CA16 6XFTelephone
01768 361269APPLEBY-IN-WESTMORLAND
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late 13th after a raid by the Scots, restored 16th by Lady Anne Clifford, followed by two rounds of 19th century internal remodelling.
Address
Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NGTelephone
015396 23204Kirkby Stephen
Charming 16-bed, 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge. Beautifully restored/refurbished, our family run Inn offers a relaxed, informal home-from-home.
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Address
The Green Cumbria, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NWTelephone
07483 323738Kirkby Stephen
The Carthouse is one of three luxurious cottages at The Green Cumbria. Super stylish barn conversion, idyllic rural location, dogs welcome, enclosed garden, wood-burner, pubs nearby and great walks from the door.
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Address
Milburn Grange, Knock, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6DRTelephone
017683 61867Appleby-in-Westmorland
Nestling at the foot of the Pennines and enjoying uninterrupted views of the Lakeland fells, our comfortable cottages offer a high standard of accommodation and are open all year-round.
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