If you want to visit Appleby Horse Fair this summer, you will be most welcomed by the biggest bunch of gypsies with open arms and a kind heart. This is what needs to be done in order to build bridges within communities. Not by keeping things all cloak and dagger and hush hush.
You know those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you keep saying you’ll do one day? Well, it’s time to stop putting it off and make plans for Appleby Horse Fair 2024. This legendary annual gypsy gathering in the northwest of England is an epic event you don’t want to miss. From the thousands of Romani travelers in traditional dress to the hundreds of horses being washed in the River Eden, it’s a vibrant spectacle of color and culture. Beyond the flashy horses and extravagant wagons, it’s also a rare chance to get a glimpse into a community that still holds onto age-old traditions in the modern world. Between mingling with gypsy clans, browsing handmade crafts, and taking in musical performances around cozy campfires, Appleby delivers an unforgettable experience. Trust us, you need to see it to believe it—and 2024 is the year to make it happen. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t regret.
What is The Appleby Horse Fair?
The Appleby Horse Fair is a historic gypsy gathering and horse trading event held annually in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, England. For over 300 years, Romani gypsies and travellers have congregated in the town during the first week of June to trade horses, meet with friends and family, and celebrate their vibrant culture.
A Legendary Horse Trading Tradition
At its heart, the Appleby Horse Fair remains a place for gypsies and travellers to trade their horses. You’ll see handsome cobs and athletic trotters paraded up and down the roads, with owners showcasing the animals’ prowess and stamina. Deals are made and horses change hands for large sums of money. For the gypsy community, the horse fair is a chance to continue an age-old tradition and strengthen economic and social bonds between families and clans.
Experience the Colour and Pageantry
Beyond the horse trading, the Appleby Horse Fair is a spectacle of traditional gypsy culture. The streets are filled with ornate gypsy caravans, stallions are ridden through town, and people dress in colourful traditional clothing. Folk music and dancing take place each evening. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a chance for outsiders to experience the richness of gypsy cultural heritage.
A Controversial Event
The Appleby Horse Fair has been a controversial event at times. There have been issues with crowds, sanitation, and unlawful behaviour that have caused tensions with local residents. However, recent years have seen the gypsy community work closely with local government and law enforcement to address concerns and make the event safer, cleaner and more positive for all. If you attend with an open and respectful attitude, you’ll find most locals and travellers welcoming.
Overall, the Appleby Horse Fair is a fascinating cultural event and a rare opportunity to experience Britain’s gypsy heritage in action. If you’re looking to witness something truly unique, put it on your bucket list. The memories will stay with you for life.
Reasons to Visit Appleby Horse Fair in 2024
Experience a Historic Cultural Tradition
Appleby Horse Fair has been held annually for over 300 years, making it one of Britain’s oldest fairs. This gathering of Romanichal and Irish Travellers is a chance to experience their vibrant culture and witness time-honored traditions like horse trading, storytelling, and feasting.
See Magnificent Horses
With over 10,000 gypsies and travellers attending, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the finest horses in Britain. Watch skilled riders put their prized animals through their paces or see them washed and groomed along the river Eden. The fair is especially known for its trotting and sulky races where riders drive carts pulled by trotting horses at breakneck speeds.
Enjoy Live Music and Dancing
Appleby Horse Fair comes alive at night with music, dancing, and revelry. Travellers gather around campfires playing accordions, fiddles and flutes while others dance and sing the night away. You’re bound to hear classic Romanichal songs and experience a truly festive atmosphere.
Indulge in Delicious Food
You can sample authentic gypsy cuisine like stewed hedgehog, fried frog legs, and roasted dormice. More traditional fare like fish and chips, burgers, and candy floss are also available from the many food stalls and caravans. And no visit is complete without trying a pint of real ale at one of the local pubs, some of which have been serving thirsty travellers for centuries.
A trip to the historic Appleby Horse Fair offers a glimpse into Britain’s gypsy heritage and four days of unbridled festivities you’ll never forget. Don’t miss this legendary gathering in 2024!
Appleby 2024: Don't Miss the Magic of the Gypsy Horse Fair
Every June, the picturesque town of Appleby in Cumbria, England, transforms into a hub of activity as Gypsies and Travellers from across the UK descend for the annual Appleby Horse Fair. Running since the 1600s, the fair is the largest of its kind, where Gypsies gather to trade horses, meet old friends, and celebrate their vibrant culture.
Witness Living History
At the Appleby Horse Fair, you’ll experience Gypsy culture in action. Watch as colourfully decorated wagons roll into the fairgrounds, some dating back over 100 years. See traditional Gypsy crafts like basket weaving, and copperwork. Listen as elders share old Gypsy folk tales around the campfires at night. This fair provides a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries.
Marvel at the Gypsy Cobs
The highlight of the fair is the horse trading. Witness the prized Gypsy cobs, the breed favored by Travellers, being paraded and sold. These handsome, sturdy horses are the pride of their owners and an integral part of Gypsy culture. Even if you’re not in the market for a horse, watching the lively trading and spirited animals is entertainment in itself.
Enjoy the Carnival Atmosphere
Despite its historical roots, the Appleby Horse Fair has a festive vibe. Walk the fairgrounds, chat with Gypsies and Travellers, watch or join in the traditional dances and games, and sample delicious Gypsy fare. At night, gather around the campfires and join in the revelry—there might even be a fiddle playing and people singing well into the wee hours.
The Appleby Horse Fair is a vibrant event that provides a glimpse into Britain’s Gypsy heritage. Whether you’re interested in the history, the horses, or just a good party, the magic of Appleby will stay with you long after you’ve left the fairgrounds. Don’t miss your chance to experience this legendary gathering in 2024!
Tips for Attending the Legendary Appleby Horse Fair
Book Accommodation in Advance
Given its popularity, accommodation in Appleby and surrounding towns gets booked up months in advance. If you want to stay within walking distance of the fair, book a room at a local B&B, inn or hotel as early as January or February. Camping on-site is allowed for those with horses, so you may need to look further afield.
See our posts on finding the best accommodation near or in Appleby.
- COOL HOTELS
- GYPSY STAYS
- CAMP SITES
Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions
The Appleby Horse Fair takes place in early June, but the weather can be unpredictable. Pack clothing for rain and sun, including a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat. The fair goes ahead rain or shine, so be prepared for any conditions.
Go Early and Stay Late
To beat the crowds, head to Appleby as early as Wednesday when the first Romanichal and Irish Travellers start arriving. The fair is open 24 hours a day from Thursday morning until Sunday night, so go late in the evening when most tourists have left to see the fair in its authentic state.
Don’t Miss the Horse Trading
One of the main highlights is the horse trading that takes place along the banks of the River Eden. Hundreds of horses are trotted and cantered up and down for potential buyers. Even if you’re not in the market for a horse, watching the traders negotiate and strike deals is a fascinating glimpse into Gypsy culture.
Explore the Campsites
Many Romanichal and Irish Travellers live in mobile homes and horse-drawn wagons for most of the year, so the Appleby campsites become temporary villages during the fair. Walk around the open campsites to see the ornate wagons, meet the families and get a sense of their nomadic way of life. But be respectful of people’s privacy, and always ask permission before taking photos.
Shop at the Colorful Market Stalls
A huge open-air market features stalls selling everything from traditional Gypsy clothing and jewelry to modern wares. Look for handmade products like whittled wood trinkets, carved stone charms, woven baskets and patchwork quilts. Be prepared to bargain – haggling is part of the Gypsy market experience.
The Appleby Horse Fair offers a glimpse into Britain’s Gypsy heritage. Go with an open and curious mind, show respect for the culture and you’ll be rewarded with a colorful experience like no other.
FAQs About Visiting Appleby Horse Fair in 2024
When is the best time to visit?
The Appleby Horse Fair officially begins on the first Thursday in June and runs through the following Wednesday, but the best time to visit is over the first weekend. This is when you’ll see the largest crowds and most activity like horse trading, gambling, and socializing. Many Romanichal and Irish Travellers will have already set up camp by Thursday, so you’ll be able to walk through the temporary villages, see the colorful caravans, and chat with the locals.
Where is the best place to view the horses?
Head to the main road through the village, Boroughgate, also known as “Horsefair Hill.” This is where many of the horses will be paraded up and down, and where impromptu horse races and competitions break out. You’ll also spot horses being ridden through the River Eden, with riders showing off their skills. For the best views, arrive early and stake out a spot along the stone walls lining the road.
Is it safe to camp overnight?
Overnight camping during the fair is not recommended for casual visitors and can be unsafe due to the sheer number of people and activities going on at all hours. However, many pubs, hotels, and campsites in the area will be open and available to book in advance. If you do wish to camp, you must obtain a permit from the local council and camp in the designated areas only. Exercise caution with your valuables and be aware of your surroundings.
What else is there to do?
Beyond the horses, you’ll find plenty of other entertainment at the fair. Stop by the local pubs to grab a pint and listen to live folk music. Try your luck at street gambling and games of chance. Browse wares from vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to caravans and livestock. Take in a bare-knuckle boxing match or watch dancers at an impromptu ceilidh. Experience the Appleby Horse Fair and you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime!
Conclusion
So if you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience, be sure to check out the Appleby Horse Fair. Every June, this legendary Romany gathering draws thousands to the small town of Appleby in England for a massive festival of horses, trading, and celebration of gypsy heritage. With colorful wagons, fast-trotting stallions, and age-old traditions on display, it’s an unforgettable spectacle. Just leave your assumptions behind and come enjoy the revelry. Chat with the Romany people, take in their distinctive culture, and watch their prized horses show off. You’ll gain perspective on a community that’s often misunderstood. Trust us, the magic of Appleby Horse Fair will stay with you long after you’ve left. So don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind extravaganza!
