You’ve probably heard of the famous Appleby Horse Fair, but do you actually know where it takes place? If someone asked you the postcode or exact location of this iconic event, could you tell them? Don’t worry if you can’t – you’re not alone. Many people have heard of the fair over its long history but aren’t quite sure of the details when it comes to the actual venue. In this article, we’ll give you the inside scoop on the postcode and location for the Appleby Horse Fair so you can confidently chat about it or even visit it yourself one day. We’ll fill you in on how to get there and what the area is like so you have all the details on where the magic of this historic fair takes place every year.
Get ready to become an expert on where to find the exciting Appleby Horse Fair!
The Appleby Horse Fair has been held annually for over 300 years, making it one of the oldest horse fairs still in existence. The fair began as a place for Romany Gypsies and Irish Travelers to trade horses, but today people from all over the UK and beyond attend to buy and sell horses, and to celebrate Gypsy culture.
Origins
The fair originated in 1685 when King James II granted a Royal Charter allowing a horse fair to be held in Appleby. At the time, the fair was meant as a place for farmers and breeders to buy and trade quality horses. The fair grew steadily over the next few centuries, eventually becoming a major stop for Romany Gypsies and Travelers to meet up, trade, and celebrate.
A Cultural Tradition
Today the Appleby Horse Fair is a colorful celebration of Gypsy and Traveler culture. Thousands of people descend on the small town of Appleby, bringing beautifully decorated horse-drawn wagons and carriages. The horses are groomed and adorned in colorful tack and feather plumes. There are competitions for the finest horses and the most beautifully turned out wagons. People gather to share stories, trade, and strengthen community bonds that have endured for generations. The fair is a vibrant display of a living cultural heritage.
A Modern Fair
While still retaining its cultural traditions, the Appleby Horse Fair has evolved with the times. What began as a place for trading quality work horses now focuses on the buying and selling of cobs and colored horses. Visitors can find everything from traditional Gypsy wagons to the latest horse trailers. And while the fair remains centered on horses, there are carnival rides, live music, dancing, and all manner of food for visitors to enjoy. After over 300 years, the Appleby Horse Fair continues to thrive and brings together people from all over to celebrate Gypsy and Traveler heritage.
When and Where Does Appleby Horse Fair Take Place?
Appleby Horse Fair takes place annually over the first full weekend of June in the small town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria, England. The historic fair has been held for over 700 years, making it one of the oldest horse fairs in the world.
The event is held on Gallows Hill, right next to the River Eden. Vendors and visitors alike camp on the hill, with gypsies and travelers coming from all over the UK and Europe to trade, sell, and show off their horses. Over 10,000 gypsies and travelers attend the fair each year, along with over 30,000 visitors.
While the fair officially kicks off on the first Thursday of June, many gypsies and travelers start arriving the week before to set up camp and start the festivities early. The fair really gets going on Friday and Saturday, with horse shows, competitions, and of course lots of buying, selling, and trading of horses.
Sunday sees more events and activities, including horse shows, donkey shows, and vintage vehicle shows. There are also lots of food stalls, market stalls, and other attractions like fun fair rides to enjoy. The fair starts winding down on Sunday evening, with most visitors heading home by Monday.
The postcode for the site of Appleby Horse Fair are CA16 6XE and CA16 6XR. The fairgrounds span over 90 acres, with ample parking available on site for visitors arriving by vehicle. Public transport options are also available, with a bus service running from Penrith railway station to the fairgrounds during the event.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new horse, enjoy the colorful gypsy culture, or just experience one of Britain’s most iconic traditions, Appleby Horse Fair is an event like no other. Put it on your bucket list and experience a piece of living history in the stunning Eden Valley.
Getting to Appleby Horse Fair: Directions and Parking
By Car
The easiest way to get to Appleby Horse Fair is by driving there yourself. The fair takes place on Gallows Hill in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, UK. To get there by car, enter the postcode CA16 6XE into your sat nav.
You’ll want to arrive early, as the tiny town of Appleby gets very congested during the fair. Public parking is available at the Auction Mart, around a 10 minute walk from the fairground. The parking fee is typically around £5 for the day. Street parking in Appleby is very limited, so the Auction Mart car park is your best option.
Public Transport
If you prefer not to drive, Appleby Horse Fair is accessible by public transport. The nearest major train station is Penrith, about 15 miles from Appleby. From there, bus service 554 runs frequently during the fair dates, dropping you off right in the center of town. You can find the bus timetables on the Stagecoach website.
Once in Appleby, the fairground at Gallows Hill is only a short walk from the bus stop. The public parking and shuttle options also provide service from Penrith for those who would rather not take the bus.
Parking Tips
Wherever you park, make sure not to leave any valuables in your vehicle. Although theft is rare, the huge crowds at the fair can provide more opportunities for thieves. It’s also a good idea to note where you’ve parked – the sea of vehicles in every open space can make it hard to find your car again at the end of the day!
The most important thing is to get there, soak in the atmosphere, and experience this iconic slice of gypsy culture and history. With some advanced planning for travel and parking, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Appleby Horse Fair.
What to See and Do at the Appleby Horse Fair
If you’re planning to attend the Appleby Horse Fair, there’s plenty to experience. This historic fair has been held for over 300 years, so there are many traditions you’ll get to see firsthand.
Watch the Horse Trading
One of the main events is the horse trading that takes place along the riverbank. Dealers and private sellers gather to buy, sell, and trade their gypsy caravans, horses, and ponies. You’ll see proud owners showing off their prized horses while potential buyers evaluate the animals. It’s a glimpse into an age-old practice that still thrives today.
Explore the Fairgrounds
In addition to the horse trading, the fairgrounds host many attractions like food vendors, craft stalls, and entertainment. Grab a snack, shop for handmade goods, or just soak in the festive atmosphere. The fairgrounds are open 24 hours a day during the fair, so you can pop in anytime.
See the Evening Parades
One of the highlights is the evening parades where riders proudly prance their decorated horses up and down the streets. The riders, known as “lads and lasses,” dress in traditional gypsy garb for the occasion. The parades start at around 7 pm, but get there early to grab a good viewing spot. The thundering of hooves, whinnying of horses, and cheers of the crowd will make it an unforgettable experience.
Take a Carriage Ride
For a fun way to explore the area, take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Carriages line the streets, offering rides along the River Eden and through the picturesque countryside surrounding Appleby. It’s a great way to rest your feet while still soaking in the atmosphere of the fair.
The Appleby Horse Fair promises to be an exciting trip back in time. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to give yourself at least a couple of days to experience all it has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to witness this iconic event in British gypsy culture.
Appleby Horse Fair FAQs: Answers to Common Questions About the Location and Postcode
Where exactly is Appleby Horse Fair located?
Appleby Horse Fair takes place in the small market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria, England. The fair is located along the banks of the River Eden, with the main events happening right in the center of town.
What is the postcode for Appleby Horse Fair?
The postcode for Appleby-in-Westmorland town center and the locations of Appleby Horse Fair events is CA16 6XE. You can enter this into your GPS to navigate directly to the fairgrounds.
How do I get to Appleby Horse Fair?
The closest major city to Appleby-in-Westmorland is Carlisle, about a 30 minute drive west of the fair. You can drive to Appleby by taking the M6 motorway to Junction 38, then following the A685 road west directly into town. For those traveling by train, the nearest station is Appleby Station, about a mile from the fairgrounds. Shuttle busses and taxis will take you directly to the fair.
Where can I park for the fair?
There are several parking lots located around the outskirts of Appleby designated specifically for fair attendees. Parking is very limited within the town center itself during fair week, so using one of the designated lots and shuttle services is highly recommended. You will need to pay a small fee for parking and shuttle use. Disabled parking is available in some lots – check with the individual lot operators for details.
How much does it cost to attend Appleby Horse Fair?
Admission to Appleby Horse Fair itself is free. However, some individual events and activities like gypsy horse sales, catering, and camping may charge their own separate fees. The costs for parking, shuttles, and any meals or entertainment are additional and at your own expense. Most attendees budget at least £30-50 per day to cover basic costs, though you can certainly spend more or less depending on what you want to do.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the lowdown on the location and postcode for Appleby Horse Fair. Every June, this iconic event draws in tens of thousands for a wild week of horses, hustle and hangouts. While the fair itself takes place right in Appleby-in-Westmorland, the campsites and impromptu villages that pop up on the fringes are really where the party’s at. If you ever get a chance to attend, be sure to respect the residents and lands that host this annual tradition. With its winding roads and temporary tent towns, Appleby and the surrounding villages transform into a lived-in landscape like no other. Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into where the magic happens each summer – maybe you’ll feel inspired to see those rolling hills and colorful bowtops for yourself someday.
