Appleby Horse Fair

Where to eat:

If it's a pint and a pub lunch you're after the locals recommend either the Crown and Cushion or the Royal Oak. You'll find the latter just out of the town centre if you follow signs for the A66 and Scotch Corner. The Crown and Cushion, you'll fail to miss, it's right in the centre of town next to the church. Both offer a traditional menu, well stocked wine list and the kind of character all the chains are trying to copy with open fires, genuine wooden floors and good crack. Alternatively the Chinese restaurant does fantastic sizzling chicken dishes on the main street in to town. For sandwiches the bakery next to the post office is a reliable bite.

Follow the signs for the swimming pool and you'll come across two car parks, both of which are next to a river side walk that takes you round the loop of the river Eden and takes in the Swimming Pool, children's park, new Doctor's surgery, Cricket pitch and Football pitch. If you're taking a dog, make sure to have plastic bag handy, dog fouling does not go down well.

Jubilee Bridge is another pleasant walk and picnic place. If you follow the signs for the A66 after passing the Royal Oak on the left you come across a narrow lane to the right. Follow this lane to the river and bridge, from here there are public footpaths to neighbouring villages.

Appleby Castle was closed to the public in 2004. Appleby Tourist Information Centre can confirm whether it is open 017683 51177

Gypsy Caravan

When to go:

The first week in June is chaos as tens of thousands of gypsies and tourists descend on the town. If you fancy it, book hotels and restaurants early. Sundays attract coach tours, but as long as you don't mind a queue at the sandwich shop they don't cause any problems.

Toilets:

Two blocks of public loos, one is better than the other. The newer and cleaner building can be found in the car park near just out of the town centre. follow signs for the swimming pool and you can't miss it. The other block is oppisite the Co-Op on the Sands as you drive into the town on the A66.

How to get there:

Go by train for the best views. Appleby is on the Carlisle to Settle line, at the station head down the hill to take you into the town centre.

From the North and West: Leave M6 at junction 40 (Penrith) and follow the A66 and signs for Scotch Corner.

From the South: Leave M6 at junction 38 and follow signs for Orton. This route takes you over Asby Scar so avoid it if the weather is snowy or icy but in summer it provides scenic views of the Pennines.