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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: 71
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XETelephone
01539 822222Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland
Across the valley floor and along its undulating sides, courtesy of stone bridges over the Eden and Lyvennet rivers (and
numerous becks that feed them), this ride has excellent views to the eye-catching contours of the North Pennines.
Address
South Stainmore, Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DETelephone
01768 341937Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
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
Roundthorn Country House, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8SJTelephone
01768 863952Penrith
The Roundthorn is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion is set in its own landscaped grounds and enjoys panoramic views of the Eden Valley, the Pennines and Lakeland Fells.
Tourism For All
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
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
Pennine View Caravan Park, Station Road, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4SZTelephone
017683 71717Kirkby 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.
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Address
Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XETelephone
01539 822222Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland
Ancient Orton village (with its own chocolate factory) makes a welcome midway refreshment stop after you’ve ridden out of the Eden Valley and entered the grey limestone of the Orton Fells area.
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
Black Cat Distillery, Brougham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DETelephone
07854 944597Penrith
Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of our gin making workshops with us. A warm Cumbrian welcome awaits as we embark on your distilling adventure.
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Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Lazonby Village Hall, Lazonby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1AQTelephone
07852905408Penrith
Amateur performance of the hilarious comedy by Ian Gower and Paul Carter adapted from the original TV series by Richard Curtis
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
Appleby Station, Clifford St, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6TTTelephone
017683 53200Appleby-in-Westmorland
Welcome to Settle-Carlisle country, home to one of the most scenic railway journeys in England.
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Address
Brockram & Keld Barns - Low Ploughlands Holiday Lets, Low Ploughlands Ln, Little Musgrove, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4PQTelephone
07870611157Little 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…
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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 Green Cumbria, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NWTelephone
07483 323738Kirkby Stephen
The Haystore 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
Vicarage Lane, KIRKBY STEPHEN, Cumbria, CA17 4QXTelephone
01768 371279KIRKBY 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.
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
Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, Smardale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HGTelephone
01539 816300Kirkby 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.
Address
Shepherds View, Dufton, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6DBTelephone
01768 352167Appleby-in-Westmorland
Shepherds View is the perfect place for couples to relax and unwind in luxurious surroundings. Everything has been thought about with your comfort in mind, from the Super-King bed to the relaxing Jacuzzi bath. You have stunning views from the…
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