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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: 69
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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
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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Beyonk Online Booking
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Address
South Stainmore, Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DETelephone
01768 341937Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
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Brough, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DETelephone
01768 341937Kirkby Stephen
A Victorian fantasy, romantic, quirky, laid back and utterly beguiling. The ultimate escape. 'A truly amazing place' Les Routiers. Huge bathrooms, beautiful beds, top quality linen, big fluffy towels. Fresh ground coffee, home-made biscuits and…
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Address
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
01539560951Penrith
Join Rachel Smith, Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group, to find out more about this shy creature and its struggle for survival. Booking is essential.
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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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
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
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
01539560951Penrith
Snowdrop Weekends are back for 2025. Here's your chance to visit whilst the snowdrop displays in the woodland are at their most brilliant; we'll be open each weekend from 1 February - 16 March.The watermill, second-hand bookshop and gardens will…
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
South Stainmore, Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DETelephone
01768 341937Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
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…
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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
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
01539560951Penrith
Join local artist David Hawkes to sketch wildflowers in the meadow.On this date, Meadow Mania Part 1: British Native Meadow Species is in the morning with Nature Conservation Advisor, Chloe Lumsdon, and is followed in the afternoon by this session…
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
The Green Cumbria, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NWTelephone
07483 323738Kirkby Stephen
The Carthouse 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
Waitby School Holiday Cottage, School Ln, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HHTelephone
01306 740743Kirkby Stephen
Waitby School is an extended and renovated 17thC schoolhouse standing proud on a breathtaking fell in the Eden Valley. The building has been fitted with 21stC luxuries for the ultimate retreat, including jacuzzi bath & under-floor heating.
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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.
Penrith
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack in Penrith.
Address
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
01539560951Penrith
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Acorn Bank on an Easter trail.Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 7 and 21 April, from 10:30am to 4pm,…
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