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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
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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
High Greenside bed and breakfast & Pop-Up Camping, High Greenside, Greenside Ln, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4LUTelephone
07487 882040Greenside Ln, Kirkby Stephen
High Greenside Bed and Breakfast is in a beautiful location situated on the fringe of the picturesque village of Ravenstonedale in the Upper Eden Valley. We offer very comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation, each room has comfy beds, tea and…
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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
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
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
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
Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NGTelephone
015396 23204Kirkby Stephen
3 luxury wood and canvas glamping yurts, with electricity, full size king beds and log burning stoves. They have access to a shared eco toilet and hot woodland shower. The yurts are situated right on the banks of our river, in a riverside woodland…
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Address
The Kings Arms Hotel, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SBTelephone
017683 62944Penrith
The Kings Arms in Temple Sowerby offers traditional pub fare and local ales in a renovated setting. Open all day, it serves tasty, reasonably priced meals using locally sourced ingredients. Family-friendly with a beer garden.
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Address
Clifton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2ERTelephone
01768 865381Penrith
At the George and Dragon, our commitment to exceptional food has garnered us numerous awards throughout the years. We attribute our success to our field-to-fork philosophy, where we prioritize home-grown ingredients and showcase the culinary…
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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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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
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.
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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
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…
Address
Great Salkeld, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA11 9NATelephone
01768 898396PENRITH
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was rested here after being brought from Holy Island. The Pele Tower was added in 1380, with an iron door for defence of the inhabitants against the Scots.
Address
Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XETelephone
01539 822222Boroughgate, 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.
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
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
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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