Kirkby Stephen Events: What's On?

Kirkby Stephen offers historic attractions like Pendragon Castle's ancient ruins and scenic walks like the Stenkrith Park circular. Explore its quaint cobbled streets, visit unique shops, and dine at cosy cafes or traditional pubs. Walkers can enjoy nearby hikes, including the famous Coast to Coast Footpath.

Left is a full calendar of events from local markets to live entertainment and major events like the Yomp Mountain Challenge.

Use our Eden Valley events service to find out more about what's on in Eden Valley or venture a bit further south to enjoy some Lune Valley events.

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

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

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

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

Our mapping service provides a complete collection of Cumbrian castles with links to our network of community groups where you can ask questions. You will also find a link to the comunity's events calendar to help plan your visit.

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.

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.