You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > Eden Valley & North Pennines > Towns and Villages > appleby-inwestmorland
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: 79
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Penrith
The George and Dragonis a beautifully restored 18thC coaching inn situated in a quiet village near Penrith. The restaurant and pub serves fresh, seasonal produce from the owners family estate as well as a range of excellent wines and ales.
KIRKBY STEPHEN
High Greenside Bed and Breakfast is in a beautiful location situated on the fringe of the picturesque village of Ravenstonedale in the Upper Eden Valley. We offer very comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation, each room has comfy beds, tea and…
Penrith
Go Tri triathlon. Aimed at beginners and improvers. This is a have ago event. No fancy equipment needed.
200m swim,10k bike and 2k run
Penrith
A 14thC fortified home in course of reconstruction to provide craft centre.
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…
Kirkoswald, Penrith
A weekend festival for all the family with camping, music, food, and fitness. Guided running, wild swimming in the river, films from Keswick Mountain Festival, yoga and fitness sessions, and lots of children's activities. Choice of camping options…
PENRITH
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.
Kirkby 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.
Penrith
Traditional, luxury sandstone longhouse. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, downstairs cloakroom. Log burner in living room, doors open onto large garden, Weber BBQ and garden furniture. Bosch appliances and American style fridge freezer in kitchen.
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.
Melmerby
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.
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Spectacular romantic hideaway in the peaceful Eden on the edge of the Lake District
Penrith
Traditional and superbly appointed sandstone farmhouse with 6 ensuite bedrooms. Stunning views and a walkers’ paradise, 2 log burning stoves, Aga, side by side fridge freezer in oak and granite kitchen. Private parking and garden with BBQ.
Cumbria
Experience living history - stay in luxury in a English Castle that boasts one of the finest Norman Keeps in the UK. Situated beneath the Pennines on the edge of the Lake District Appleby is one of most beautiful castles in England.
Penrith
28th May – 19th June see website for opening times
'February to May'
Artwork by David Boyd created en plein air on paper and in sketchbooks this year. The exhibition features images from around the
areas of Shap, Crosby Ravensworth, Reagill,…
Nr Penrith
"Messing about on the river"
Join us on our next paddle down one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Eden from Langwathby to Lazonby, just a few miles from Penrith. This 11km stretch is an ideal introduction to river paddling by canoe and…
Kirkby Stephen
Nature reserve.
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.
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.
Kirkby Stephen
Charming 14-bed 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL