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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?
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland. Click for more details.
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
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Number of results: 50
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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Address
Shap, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3QGPenrith
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975 after it had fallen - some 3500 years after first being set on end.
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
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
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
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.
Tourism For All
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…
Address
South Stainmore, Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DETelephone
01768 341937Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
Tourism For All
Appleby-in-Westmorland
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?
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
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.
Tourism For All
Appleby-in-Westmorland
A world hidden from the surface but full of adventure and challenge for all. From simple passageways to great labyrinths. Your journey feels like you’re reaching into the bowels of the earth on a true adventure. The experience is incredibly…
Address
South Stainmore, Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DETelephone
01768 341937Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
Penrith
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.
Address
Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Whinfell Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DWTelephone
01768 893 009Penrith
Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the Lake District. Experience a range of activities, restaurants and traditional accommodation, all set around a beautiful lake.
Address
Roundthorn Country House, Roundthorn, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8SJTelephone
01768 863952Penrith
Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House, overlooking the Eden Valley and Lakeland Fells. Guests are welcome to enjoy the use of the hotel facilities on site.
Tourism For All
Address
Arragons Cycle Hire, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HHTelephone
07745190227Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
Address
George and Dragon, Clifton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2ERTelephone
01768 865381Penrith
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country inn that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Sink into our fabulous beds adorned with luxurious linens, and enjoy the convenience of en-suite…
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.
Tourism For All
Address
The Kings Arms Hotel, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SBTelephone
017683 62944Penrith
Discover The Kings Arms in Temple Sowerby: a quaint pub with 9 spacious rooms, nestled in the scenic Eden Valley. Enjoy a warm welcome and newly refurbished spaces.
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