Brambly Trails Family Staycation Guide: Appleby, the Eden Valley and the Lake District

Jen's family adventures in Appleby, the Eden Valley and the Lake District

I don’t think I need to work too hard to convince anyone that the Lake District is special. Appleby-in-Westmorland sits in the Eden Valley, between the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines. We are very lucky to have family here, so it has become an easy base for our family trips - quieter than the main Lake District towns, but still close enough for proper days out.

Appleby itself is small and easy to walk around, with the castle, the River Eden, a park and a few good places to stop for coffee. It works well when we want a simple day close to home.

Top things to do close to Appleby

• Walk along the River Eden from Appleby, or try the Appleby to Bolton circular walk if everyone has a bit more energy.
• Climb Murton Pike. We did this recently and it was a good one with children - enough of a climb to feel like an achievement, but not too much for little legs.
• Stop at Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour and Tearoom for delicious homemade ice cream and a run around in the playground near the castle.

Favourite days out

• Rheged, near Penrith – very useful on rainy days, with a café, cinema, gallery, shops and events: https://rheged.com
• Lowther Castle and Gardens - the Lost Castle adventure playground is brilliant for children: https://lowthercastle.org
• Ullswater - lovely for swimming or paddling when conditions are safe. Always check the weather and water safety advice first.
• Aira Force, Ullswater - a great family waterfall walk with woodland paths and bridges.
• Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick - good for younger children, especially with the Gruffalo sculptures.
• Catbells, near Keswick - a good first fell walk for slightly older children, with great views over Derwentwater.
• Windermere - hire a self-drive electric boat or rowing boat for a classic Lakes day: https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/self-drive-row-boats

Best places to eat

• We often take picnics because it is easier with children and gives us more flexibility. When we do stop for food, these are the places I would happily go back to.
• Appleby Hub Café — a local café with homemade lunches, cakes and an easy family feel.
• Rheged Café, near Penrith — spacious, family-friendly and useful for rainy days: https://rheged.com/cafe
• Another Place, The Lake, Ullswater — good for coffee or lunch by the water.
• Tebay Farmshop and Kitchen — great local food, meals and picnic bits: https://www.tebayservices.com

Best places to stay

• Herdie Hideaway, Warcop — a cosy countryside base near Appleby, close to walks and day trips. More details
• Appleby Castle — a memorable stay if your children like castles and history: https://www.applebycastle.org
• Into the Woods Cumbria — a more adventurous, back-to-nature family stay. Into the Woods Cumbria
• Another Place, The Lake, Ullswater — a special lakeside option with family-friendly spaces and a pool: https://another.place/the-lake

5 things to know about the area

• Appleby is a good base if you want the Lakes nearby without staying somewhere too busy.
• Pack layers and waterproofs. The weather can change quickly.
• Allow extra time for rural roads. Short distances can take longer than expected.
• Simple days often work best: river walks, coffee stops, boat rides and wandering around villages.
• Expect sheep, tractors and slow lanes.

Final thoughts

For us, Appleby and the Eden Valley are tied to family. We come back to my husband’s family home each time, so it always feels relaxed and familiar, but we are still finding new places to explore with the children. That is what makes it special for us - family time, easy days close by and bigger Lake District adventures when we want them.