Shap & Orton Events: What's On?

Shap and Orton offer a blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Explore the remnants of Shap Abbey, a picturesque monastic ruin dating back to the 12th century. Wander through their quaint streets, dotted with welcoming pubs and shops, and inviting cafes like Shap Chippy.

Left is a full calendar of events around Orton and Shap including Orton's Farmer's market and live music.

Use our Eden Valley events service to find out more about what's on in Eden Valley or venture west to explore the Lake District's events.

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.

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.

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.

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 built these alms houses in 1651. Enough for 12 Sisters and a Mother.