Eden Valley Events: What's On?

As well as the many Eden Valley events (left), Eden Valley offers a wonderful collection of castles to explore and regular farmer's markets plus lots of things you must see while your're in Eden Valley and plenty of family fun activities to enjoy.

Appleby Market, every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Held on Boroughgate between Low Cross and The Moot.

Kirkby Stephen Market, every Monday from 7am to 6pm.

Penrith Market, every Tuesday from 8am to 3:30pm.

Brough, 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9am to 2pm.

Orton, 2nd Saturday of the month, from 9am to 2pm.

Penrith, 3rd tuesday of every month, from 9am to 3.30pm.

Pooley Bridge, last Sunday of every month (April to September), 10.30am-2.30pm.

Stainton, 3rd Saturday of the month from 9.30am to 2pm.

Shap, 4th Saturday in the month from March to November and the 3rd Saturday during December.

Appleby Castle: The history of Appleby Castle reaches back to Roman times when a fort existed on the site to protect the crossing over the River Eden. An excavation in the 1960’s revealed the remains of a Roman Well in the basement of the Castle. The Keep is one of the few intact Norman Keeps in Great Britain and at over 900 years old is the oldest part of Appleby Castle. Built by Ranulf Le Meschin, the Norman keep is now one of the only centres in the UK that is dedicated to educating on the Norman Age.

Brougham Castle: In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont, 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.

Brough Castle: Frequently the target of Scots raids, its towering keep dates from about 1200. More comfortable living quarters were later added by the Clifford family, only to be accidentally burnt following a 'great Christmas party' in 1521. Like so many other castles in the region, Brough was restored in the 17th century by the Lady Anne Clifford, traces of whose additions can still be seen.

Lowther Castle: The castle was first constructed in the early 19th century. For 130 years the castle was a beacon of grandeur, a place where the great and the good came to enjoy a remarkable art collection and fabled setting. But after two wars and a prolonged period of underinvestment, the castle’s fortunes turned. In 1957, its roof was removed while the gardens were overplanted with a commercial spruce plantation. Today, thanks to a great deal of hard work and investment, the castle ruins are stable while the gardens themselves have been brought back to life.

Pendragon Castle: According to legend the original castle was built by Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur, in the 5th century and may have been the site of his death when a well was poisoned by the Saxons. However, there is no evidence to support the legend that there was a castle here before the 12th century. The Castle has had several notable owners including Sir Hugh de Morville, one of the knights who murdered Sir Thomas Beckett in 1170. Lady Anne Clifford was a very well known landowner who rebuilt the Castle after it had been destroyed by a Scott's raiding party. She added a brewhouse, bakery, stables and coach house and was a frequent visitor until her death in 1676.

South Lakes Safari Zoo: The zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible to experience the amazing creatures with which we share our planet. Wander amongst kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Be amazed as free-flying macaws soar overhead. Participate in animal feeding experiences or be a zookeeper for a day.

Grizedale Forest: Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest. Adrenaline junkies should head to the Treetop Challenge or Zip Trekking Adventure if seriously high-level tree-top crossings and incredible zip wire flights get your pulse quickening.

Treetop Nets: Bounce, slide and explore your way along this unique adventure set high up in the trees of Windermere. Treetop Nets will see you enjoying 1-2 hours of bouncy fun, with ball parks, a crawl tunnel, super-fast slides and aerial walkways to get stuck into. This family-friendly activity under the tree canopy is the perfect option for mini-adventurers and parents who want a guaranteed early night.

Goldsworthy’s Pinfold: The Nine Standards, above Kirkby Stephen, were the original inspiration for Goldsworthy’s cone shaped cairns. His cairns have become one of the most repeated and travelled forms in his work. Now he has brought the form back to its roots as six village pinfolds, each within a protective shell. Pinfolds are sheepfolds which were originally used to pen stray animals that had escaped around a village.

St. Anne's Appleby: Through an arched stoned doorway is a cobbled courtyard surrounded by brightly coloured doorways of the quaint houses. When Lady Anne Clifford was living at Appleby Castle, during the 17th Century, she became concerned with the welfare of the poor widows of the town. So, she had these alms houses built in 1651. Enough for 12 Sisters and a Mother.

Long Meg and her Daughters: Found near Great Salkeld you will find one of the finest stone circles in the north of England. The circle has a diameter of about 350 feet, the second biggest in the country. At about 12 feet high, Long Meg is the tallest of the 69 stones. The stones probably date from about 1500 BC and it was likely to have been used as a meeting place or for some form of religious ritual.