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Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines
Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines

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Appleby-in-Westmorland

The ancient market town and royal borough of Appleby (no need for the in-Westmoreland bit) 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.

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.

Appleby was the county town of Westmoreland until 1974, when the boundary lines were redrawn and the ancient counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland 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.
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 mid-17th century.
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.
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.
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.

Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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Towns & Villages

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Eden Valley

Address

Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XE

Telephone
01539 822222

tic@applebytown.org.uk

Boroughgate, 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.

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Come and Sing: Mozart's Requiem

Address

Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria

Telephone
07507764683

stekeogh@hotmail.com

Come and Sing: Mozart's Requiem
Saturday 27th March 2021
1.00-5.30pm Rehearsal
7.00pm Performance
St Lawrence's Church, Morland, Cumbria
Don Gilthorpe, Conductor

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Pennine Cycleway Northern (NCN 68)

Address

-

website@cumbriatourism.org

The route is the last section of the Pennine Cycleway - a Sustrans route. It consists of 150 miles from the historic market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland to Berwick-upon-Tweed .

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Jenny's Croft

Address

Jenny's Croft, Glassonby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1DU

Telephone
07968 258234

info@therowleyestates.com

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

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Restaurant at Augill Castle

Address

South Stainmore, Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DE

Telephone
01768 341937

office@stayinacastle.com

Nr Kirkby Stephen

Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings

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North Lakes 69 & 33 Mile Loops

Address

Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH

Telephone
7521703205

chrisis.neverin@gmail.com

Cumbria

Part of The Lowther Castle Festival of Cycling weekend – 11 and 12 July 2020 – these great loops explore some of the best areas of the Northern Lakes to ride a bike, challenging climbs, breathtaking descents, lake shores, roman roads

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Orton Fells

Address

Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XE

Telephone
01539 822222

tic@applebytown.org.uk

Boroughgate, 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.

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Sacconi String Quartet

Address

Appleby Public Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XE

Telephone
017684 83777

enquiries@appleby-concerts.org.uk

Appleby-in-Westmorland

The Sacconi Quartet was formed in 2001, and its four founder members continue to demonstrate a shared passion for string quartet repertoire, infectiously reaching out to audiences with their energy and enthusiasm.

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Acorn Bank

Address

Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SP

Telephone
017683 61893

acornbank@nationaltrust.org.uk

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.

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Conservation Day

Address

Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, Smardale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HG

Telephone
01539 816300

events@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Kirkby Stephen

Brash burning, hedge planting and fence removal in preparation for fencing work to protect the newly laid and planted hedge.

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The Lodges at Artlegarth

Address

Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, Lake District, CA17 4NW

Telephone
07960351421

artlegarth@lodgebreaks.co.uk

Cumbria

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.

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Augill Beck Park

Address

Brough, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DX

Telephone
01539 823659

info@augillbeck.co.uk

Kirkby Stephen

The holiday lodges & caravans provide accommodation of an excellent standard being tastefully furnished, comfortable and well equipped. Set against a rolling backdrop of fells bordering both the spectacular Lake District and Yorkshire Dales

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The Black Swan

Address

Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NG

Telephone
015396 23204

enquiries@blackswanhotel.com

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

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Coast to Coast Packhorse

Address

Coast to Coast Packhorse, Unit 2, Wild Boar, St Lukes Road, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HT

Telephone
017683 71777

enquiries@c2cpackhorse.co.uk

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.

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George and Dragon

Address

Clifton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2ER

Telephone
01768 865381

enquiries@georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk

Penrith

The George and Dragon is a beautiful country estate pub and restaurant, which serves fresh, seasonal produce from the Lowther Estate of Cumbria.

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Stag Cottage

Address

Melmerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1HD

Telephone
07968 258234

info@therowleyestates.com

Penrith

Carefully restored 17th century sandstone barn within the grounds of Melmerby Hall. 3 ensuite double bedrooms, 1 on the ground floor. Log burning stove in inglenook fireplace and complimentary logs. Private parking and garden with Weber BBQ

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Milburn Grange Holiday Cottages

Address

Milburn Grange, Knock, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6DR

Telephone
017683 61867

holidays@milburngrange.co.uk

Appleby-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.

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Extracts from the Cumbria Film Archive

Address

Appleby Public Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XE

Telephone
01768483777

enquiries@appleby-concerts.org.uk

Appleby-in-Westmorland

Eden-centric extracts from the Cumbria Film Archive.

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Edenhall Estate

Address

Edenhall Estate, The Courtyard, Edenhall, Cumbria, CA11 8ST

bookings@edenhallestate.co.uk

Edenhall

Join us at Edenhall Estate, a world of tranquillity and adventure right between The Lake District National Park and the drama of the Pennine Fells.

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Wild Rose Park

Address

Ormside, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6EJ

reception@wildrose.co.uk

Appleby-in-Westmorland

A warm reception to our award winning park in the beautiful Eden Valley. A family friendly park in a peaceful rural location with excellent facilities. The only holiday park to offer a wigwam!

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