3-day Cultural itinerary in Kirkby Stephen, Appleby-in-Westmorland and Penrith

Famed for its outstanding natural beauty, the Eden Valley is also the perfect place to immerse yourself in fascinating culture and heritage. Discover beautiful historic houses, thriving artistic communities and impressive ruins of ancient castles on this fantastic 3-day itinerary starting in Kirkby Stephen, before heading onto Appleby-in-Westmorland and Penrith.

Hutton-in-the-Forest near Penrith

Day one

Kirkby Stephen

Kirkby Stephen is a beautiful traditional market town full of historic buildings and cobbled yards. It’s also popular with walkers with eleven long distance walks, including the coast to coast, passing through the town.

The Upper Eden Visitor Centre in the centre of town is a great place to pick up more info on the history and heritage of the area, as well as to browse local walking guides. To the north of the market square the old cloisters lead into the grounds of St Stephen’s Parish Church – also known as the ‘Cathedral of the Dales’ thanks to its impressive architecture. Within its walls you’ll find ancient artifacts such as the 10th century Loki stone.

The Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Kirkby Stephen

Move from ancient to contemporary culture with a walk on the Poetry Path along the banks of the River Eden. This trail features 12 poems carved into blocks of stone, all telling the story of the hill farmer’s relationship with the landscapes in and around the Upper Eden.   

Tucked away at the southern edge of town is Kirkby Stephen East – a historic steam railway and heritage centre. Run by volunteers, it operates from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

St Stephen’s Parish Church, Kirkby Stephen – also known as the ‘Cathedral of the Dales’

Around Kirkby Stephen

The town’s location on the edge of the North Pennines National Landscape and the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a fitting backdrop to many captivating stories from history.   

Venture south and into a land of myth and legend with a visit to the Mallerstang valley. Moorland views and historic sites combine to create a truly majestic landscape. Take in the ruins of Pendragon Castle which according to legend was built by the father of King Arthur!

Just 5 miles north of Kirkby Stephen, you’ll find the medieval ruins of Brough Castle. Like so many of the castles in this region, Brough was restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the 17th Century, a fascinating woman who fought a lengthy battle for her to right to inherit her father’s estate.

Pendragon Castle, Mallerstang valley

Day Two

Appleby-in-Westmorland

In the middle of the Eden Valley, recharge and uncover more local history in the ancient market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.

Your first stop is the historic Moot Hall. This impressive structure is home to the town’s tourist information centre and a permanent exhibition room showcasing a revolving display of arts, crafts and historical artefacts. Visit Monday to Saturday, from 10am until 3pm in summer or until 2pm in winter.

Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland

The town’s vibrant arts scene includes some brilliant established venues. Stop by the traditional art shop at the Colour Maker’s House, discover up and coming artists at the Courtyard Gallery on Boroughgate or book a workshop or course at the Appleby Hub creative arts centre – here you’ll also find a craft and second-hand bookshop, as well as a café serving delicious homemade food and cakes.

The 11th century Appleby Castle is also not to be missed. Built by the Normans, the castle sits on an impressive high vantage point overlooking a river crossing in the town. Pre-booking is essential.

Enjoy further wanderings on foot to discover more of the town’s rich history. Historic highlights include St. Laurence's Church, St. Anne's Hospital Almshouses and Bongate Mill. In between all the exploring, there are plenty of local cafes to refuel or stroll along the scenic riverside footpath to find the perfect picnic spot.

St. Laurence's Church, Appleby-in-Westmorland

Around Appleby-in-Westmorland

Appleby-in-Westmorland is also a great base from where to explore more of the Eden Valley. In between the Pennines and the Lake District fells, this area offers a brilliant mix of peaceful countryside and picturesque towns and villages.

The River Eden

For walkers, the Lady Anne's Way and the Eden Way pass through the area, while cyclists can enjoy sections of the Pennine Cycleway and the Sea to Sea (C2C) route.

The most scenic railway in England, the Settle to Carlisle line, runs through the Eden Valley as well, with stations at Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Langwathby, Lazonby and Armathwaite.

You’ll also find Acorn Bank – a place looked after by the National Trust. Visit the walled gardens, home to a medicinal herb garden, the lily-filled pond and traditional orchards carpeted with daffodils in spring.

Finally, seek out the Eden Benchmarks – a series of ten contemporary stone sculptures located at intervals along the length of the River Eden. Find ‘Red River' by Victoria Brailsford at Temple Sowerby and 'The Primrose Stone' by Joss Smith at Bongate near Appleby.

'The Primrose Stone' by Joss Smith

Day Three

Penrith

While it may be small in size, Penrith is mighty in statue when it comes to historical, cultural and arts attractions. There’s also plenty to explore in the town centre – think independent art and pottery studios as well as beautiful historic buildings such as St Andrew’s Church.

Opposite the railway station, you’ll find Penrith Castle. Dating back to the 14th century, its first resident, Ralph Neville, played a key role in defending the area against the Scots. Later it became a luxurious residence for Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who would go on to become Richard III.

Penrith Castle

Established in 1883, the Penrith and Eden Museum is dedicated to preserving, displaying and interpreting material that is of cultural interest to the local area. The collection includes items such as an elephant’s tooth discovered at Penrith Castle, 600 Roman bronze coins and a painting by Jacob Thompson showing Druids performing a ritual in the Eden Valley. Also, in the collection there are two Pewter chargers dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries – a period when Penrith was a center for Pewter trade.

The Penrith and Eden Museum

Close by, you’ll find the EVAN Gallery (Eden Valley Artistic Network) – another Penrith institution. Unassuming from the exterior, the EVAN Gallery is in fact home to many artists and artisans creating a brilliant variety of work including painting, photography, jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, sculpture, mixed media and printmaking. Step inside their gallery and shop to browse the collections, purchase favoured items and learn about further EVAN member events and galleries. You may also get the chance to watch the resident artists at work. Visit from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

Around Penrith

Extend your stay and take in the plentiful array of historic sites and cultural attractions found around Penrith.

Hutton-in-the-Forest and Dalemain are both historic venues with beautiful gardens to explore, while Brougham Hall is a medieval building also home to a community of artisans. For more fascinating stories in stunning settings, step back in time with a visit to Brougham Castle or Lowther Castle & Gardens – the latter also home to the famous Lost Castle adventure playground.     

For something a bit different, head north to Lacy's Caves. Dating back to the 18th century and named after Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Lacy, this series of five chambers are carved into red sandstone cliffs next to the River Eden.

Lowther Castle near Penrith

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This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus