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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 fine indoor market and 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.
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.
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.
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?
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
Number of results: 64
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APPLEBY-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.
The Heights, Appleby-in-Westmorland
Luxury Glamping in the Eden Valley with wood fired hot tubs. Panoramic 360 degree views over the Pennines and Lake District Fells
Penrith
Traditional, luxury sandstone cottage with 2 double ensuite bedrooms. Cast iron log burning stove & leather armchairs in living room. Oak & granite kitchen and separate utility. Dining room leads to French doors onto lawned garden with BBQ
Kirkby Stephen
Nestled in the Eden Valley surrounded by rolling countryside Pennine View Park is a touring and camping park, perfectly placed for walking, cycling and simply relaxing.
Penrith
Traditional, luxury sandstone cottage with 2 double ensuite bedrooms. Cast iron log burning stove in living room & open plan with dining room. Oak & granite kitchen and separate utility and cloakroom. Kitchen opens onto sunny patio with BBQ
Appleby-in-Westmorland
A climbing session on a mountain crag or rocky outcrop is one way to keep fit, and challenge yourself. As you look at the rock face the height and apparent blankness of the rock is what first strikes you, but when you get up close you realise the…
Kirkby Stephen
6 Exclusive luxury log cabins on a beautiful seven acre private grounds, each with its own private outdoor hot tub, offering peace, tranquility and wonderful views, walking distance to three fantastic village pubs. National Park location.
Kirkby Stephen
Charming 14-bed 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge.
St Lukes Road, Kirkby Stephen
Package Holidays and Support Services for Wainwright's Coast to Coast Path plus bespoke Coast to Coast Cycle Routes and Packages from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay.
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
Little Musgrove, Kirkby Stephen
Low Ploughlands is set in the Eden Valley, nestled at the foot of the Pennines. Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the Lake District you are spoilt for choice on the great outdoors.
Brockram & Keld barns converted with…
Penrith
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.
Kirkby Stephen
Waitby School is an extended and renovated 17thC schoolhouse standing proud on a breathtaking fell in the Eden Valley. The building has been fitted with 21stC luxuries for the ultimate retreat, including jacuzzi bath & under-floor heating.
Kirkby Stephen
Smardale is a gem of a nature reserve away from the hustle and bustle of the Lake District. Dogs on leads are welcome. Native cattle graze here.
Kirkby Stephen
Set just 23 miles from Askham Hall, Redmayne House offers accommodation in Kirkby Stephen with access to a large lounge, an expansive, enclosed garden, as well as a luxurious kitchen. Boasting free private parking, the holiday home is in an area…
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands on the site of a Saxon church and contains many ancient relics.
Kirkby Stephen
The Haystore is one of three luxurious self-contained holiday cottages sitting within a large converted Victorian barn at the foot of the Howgill Fells.
Penrith
Morland House gardens, laid out in the 1880's, are famous for their variety and natural beauty with the spacious lawns and walled rose garden giving views to the Pennines. The main gardens are open every day of the year from 10 - 5.
St Lukes Road, Kirkby Stephen
Package Holidays and Support Services for Wainwright's Coast to Coast Path plus bespoke Coast to Coast Cycle Routes and Packages from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay.
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
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