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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.
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.
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.
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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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…
Penrith
Spend time in Acorn Bank garden and woodland with Wild Soul practitioner Alex Murgatroyd who will lead you through the seasonal highlights at Acorn Bank, taking time to notice and fully engage with nature.
Alex is leading 3 Nature Connection walks…
Kirkby 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.
KIRKBY 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.
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Welcome to Settle-Carlisle country, home to one of the most scenic railway journeys in England.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
769 reviewsKirkby Stephen
Charming 14-bed 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge.
Temple Sowerby, Penrith
Some of Acorn Bank's Orchard highlights will be brought to life for hard of hearing and deaf visitors by one of our expert volunteers, supported by a BSL interpreter.
Boroughgate, 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.
Kirkby 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.
Penrith
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.
Brougham, Penrith
Bring your family and step back in time to the 1940s!
*Authentic living history *Military vehicles *Live vintage music from The Bobby Pin Ups and Rachel Mercer *Film footage exhibition of Britain at War *Period costume *Old style canvas tents…
Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
Kirkby 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.
Kirkby 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…
Penrith
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).
Penrith
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of its stones have fallen over so none are higher than one yard but they are 100 yards in circumference.
Little 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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58 reviewsBoroughgate, 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.
Kirkby 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.
Penrith
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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1041 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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