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Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines
Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines- Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines
- Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines
- Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines
- Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines
- Appleby-in-Westmorland Eden Valley & North Pennines
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?
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 ‘for the sale of all manners of goods, cattle, horses, mares and geldings’. Held in early June every year at Fair Hill, the event is a major cultural gathering for travelling people and attracts huge numbers who come to witness horse sales and the tradition of washing horses in the river.
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 the mid-17th century. When she died in 1676 her coffin was laid in a vault near to a handsome monument to the Clifford family lineage. Adjacent is a magnificent marble memorial to her mother Margaret, Countess of Cumberland.
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. Although the houses are still occupied, the courtyard and chapel may be visited during the day.
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. The sculputures were commissioned to commemorate the 2000 millennium.
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 of apple, pear and damson trees.
Read LessEden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 72
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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
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.
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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.
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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
The Bike Inn, Metal Shed, Station Yard, Appleby, Cumbria, CA16 6ULTelephone
071683 47979Station Yard, Appleby
The Bike Inn is having a open Easter weekend for people to come and test ride a range of E-bikes.
Address
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
01539560951Penrith
Learn about all things foraging with Wild Food UK.
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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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Address
Black Cat Distillery, Brougham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DETelephone
07854 944597Penrith
Perusing the Black Cat Gin range is certainly thirsty work! Luckily you can taste a tipple or two of our juniper-based ambrosia to help the process along. I already know that you will find your new favourite gin from our award winning range! We have…
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Address
The Lodges at Artlegarth, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NWTelephone
07960351421Kirkby Stephen
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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Address
Roundthorn Country House, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8SJTelephone
01768 863952Penrith
The Roundthorn is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion is set in its own landscaped grounds and enjoys panoramic views of the Eden Valley, the Pennines and Lakeland Fells.
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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…
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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
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
01539560951Penrith
Join Nature Conservation Advisor, Chloe Lumsdon, for a deep dive into identifying the native flora in the restored hay meadows at Acorn Bank. This is an opportunity to explore part of the estate not usually open for visitors.
On this date, Meadow…
Address
Milburn Grange, Knock, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6DRTelephone
017683 61867Appleby-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-round.
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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…
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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
Coast to Coast Packhorse is the only UK travel company specializing exclusively in Alfred Wainwright’s famous C2C Way. For nearly 30 years, we’ve helped walkers, runners, and cyclists plan unforgettable coast-to-coast holidays from our headquarters…
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…
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Address
The Green Cumbria, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NWTelephone
07483 323738Kirkby Stephen
The Haystore 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
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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Address
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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