Around Appleby and Kirkby Stephen

 

Eden Valley

www.visiteden.co.uk

Eden is a beautiful corner of Cumbria in the north of England, taking in the lakes and mountains around Ullswater, part of the Lake District National Park and the moorlands around Alston in the North Pennines - a designated National Landscape and a UNESCO Global Geopark. The River Eden flows through the rolling countryside of the Eden Valley.

The Eden Valley in the County of Cumbria

www.visitcumbria.com

Lying with the Pennines to the east and the Lake District Fells to the west, the beautiful Eden Valley around the River Eden is a mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns, and attractive sandstone villages, some dating back to Viking times.

To the south are the peaceful Howgill Fells, a favourite of the walker A. Wainwright.

For much of its course, the river is accompanied by the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, a spectacularly scenic route saved from extinction in the 1960s by the efforts of local enthusiasts. The railway is a perfect means for accessing the Eden Valley, with stations at Appleby and Kirkby Stephen.

Appleby-in-Westmorland - A picturesque market town with a great deal of interest and charm.

www.visitappleby.com

Appleby-in-Westmorland lies in a loop of the river Eden and is overlooked by the Pennine range with the Lake District Fells showing on the western horizon, just a few miles away . Appleby is also only 2 miles from the Western Dales extension in the Yorkshire Dales National park.

The town is the starting point for dozens of walks in the surrounding fell countryside and along the River Eden.

It has kept its old world charm, and the people of Appleby are amongst the friendliest you can find. With the Castle and Norman Keep at the brow of the main street and the town at its foot, it seems as if time has stood still. A walk up Boroughgate can transport you back into Medieval England, while the charm of the riverside walk provides an opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the countryside within a few minutes of the town centre.

Things to see and do around Appleby

Appleby Horse Fair

www.applebyfair.org

Appleby Horse Fair is an annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers in the town of Appleby in Westmorland, which takes place over a week in early June, from a Thursday to the following Wednesday, but this is essentially a weekend event, the main days being the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Appleby Fair is unique in Europe and, as well as attracting around 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers, over 30,000 other visitors attend the Fair. 

Appleby Castle Tours

www.applebycastle.org

History Tours of the Castle are held daily throughout the summer months but advance booking is essential.

Visitors will be greeted at the front gate where a guide will tell you the history of the Castle and it’s owners who have played significant roles in the history of England. There are hidden corners of this Castle that have remained unchanged over the centuries. This Castle is a hidden gem in the North of England – the only remaining Clifford Castle not in ruins.

Brougham Castle

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brougham-castle/

In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont in Cumbria, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century. This great keep largely survives, amid many later buildings - including the unusual double gatehouse and impressive 'Tower of League'.

Both a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and a prestigious residence, the castle welcomed Edward I in 1300. A complex of passages and spiral stairways makes Brougham a fascinating castle to explore, as well as an ideal picnic setting for a family day out. Don't forget to head up to the top of the keep to enjoy panoramic views over the Eden Valley.

Walking

www.visitappleby.com/walking

Discover some of Eden’s beautiful countryside, scenic routes and history with some rambles.

Kirkby Stephen - A Traditional Market Town

www.kirkby-stephen.com

A traditional market town of historic buildings, cobbled yards, quaint corners and interesting shops, ideally located in the beautiful Upper Eden valley, formerly the old county of Westmorland, now Cumbria. This is an area of Cumbria much less well known than the Lake District, but equally appealing. It is surrounded by a landscape of pastoral rural scenery and wild uplands and offers breathtaking views in every direction and has been part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, since 2016.

Kirkby Stephen - A 'Walkers are Welcome' Town

www.visiteden.co.uk/explore-eden/the-eden-valley/kirkby-stephen/

Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the ancient market town of Kirkby Stephen in the Upper Eden Valley enjoys an enviable position between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks. The town is also close to the North Pennines National Landscape.

Kirkby Stephen was Cumbria's first "Walkers are Welcome" town and winner of the prestigious title of Calor® "English Village of the Year".

Things to see and do around Kirkby Stephen

Kirkby Stephen East - A Historic Station & Steam Railway

Kirkby Stephen East is a historic station and steam railway, opened in 1861, and now cared for by volunteers of the Stainmore Railway Company. Explore our site to discover our history and ​get information about visiting us. ​

Imagine a place where time had stopped and you could enjoy a steam railway experience from the past? Well, you’re thinking about Kirkby Stephen East!

Savour the atmosphere of a country station as it would have been in the 1950s. You’re sure to learn lots on your visit and have an enjoyable time.

Eden Viaducts

www.edenviaducts.org.uk

Podgill, Merrygill and Smardale Gill viaducts are located in the beautiful Upper Eden Valley in Cumbria near the pretty market town of Kirkby Stephen.  The viaducts were all part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway network and an important part of our Victorian industrial heritage.

The viaducts are free to access and enjoy via our permissive footpaths across the top of the viaducts and at Smardale Gill, through Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve.

There is easy and free parking at all locations.

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