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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
Number of results: 65
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Penrith
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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244 reviewsPenrith
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.
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
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
The Byre is one of three luxurious cottages sitting within a large converted Victorian barn at the foot of the Howgill Fells at The Green Cumbria. Super stylish barn conversion, idyllic rural location, dogs welcome, enclosed garden, wood-burner,…
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…
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 reviewsVicarage La, Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria Festival Chorus, conducted by Ian Jones, presents Rachmaninov's ethereal hymn of praise. With saxophone interludes by Lynne Williams.
Tickets £15 (under-18s free) via our website.
Penrith
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.
Kirkby Stephen
Charming 16-bed, 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge. Beautifully restored/refurbished, our family run Inn offers a relaxed, informal home-from-home.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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134 reviewsTemple Sowerby, Penrith
Discover how to make your own herbal remedies for everyday ailments with medical herbalist Bel Charlesworth.
Kirkby Stephen
A neo-Gothic Victorian fantasy, romantic, quirky, laid back and utterly beguiling. The ultimate escape. Truly family friendly. Anything goes at Augill except false formality. Winner of B&B of The Year 2008 - Cumbria Tourism.
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.
Nr Kirkby Stephen
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
Penrith
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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331 reviewsAppleby-in-Westmorland
Sound Bath event
Appleby
A charity fun run and 10k event around the picturesque town of Appleby
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.
Brougham, Penrith
Join the HandleBards at Brougham Hall for a hilarious, high-octane production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Four young lovers find themselves lost in a magical forest, where the Fairy King and Queen are fighting for the possession of…
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