Appleby Horse Fair 2013
The dates for Appleby Horse Fair 2013 are Thursday 6 June until Wednesday 12 June 2013. For more information about Appleby Horse Fair visit www.applebyfair.org
Appleby Horse Fair 2012
The 2012 Appleby Horse took place from 7-13 June. Numbers at the Fair this year were similar to that in 2011, with 1329 (1138 caravans + 191 horse drawn bow-tops) this year compared to last year's figure of 1325 (1134 caravans and 191 bow tops).
Appleby Horse Fair 2012 Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback about the Fair and how it went this year so that your comments can be used as part of the evaluation process write to:
The Chief Executive
Eden District Council,
Town Hall, Penrith
Cumbria CA11 7QF
Email chief.exec@eden.gov.uk
Background to Appleby Horse Fair
Appleby horse fair is the largest and one of the oldest fairs of its kind anywhere in Europe. It dates back to the reign of James II who granted a Royal Charter allowing a horse fair "near the River Eden" around 300 years ago.
Traditionally the fair runs for one week, starting on the first Thursday and ending on the second Wednesday of June. This year it starts on Thursday 7 June and runs to Wednesday 13 June, 2012.
The fair attracts travellers and gypsies from around Britain and all over the world. They gather to meet old friends, conduct business, but primarily to trade horses. Traditionally they bath the horses in the River Eden and run on public roads to show them off to potential buyers.
As well as horses the Fair also features market stalls selling food and other merchandise as well as fortune telling, palm reading and other live entertainment.
Visiting Appleby Horse Fair
Appleby Horse Fair is a major tourist event which attracts many thousands of visitors each year. The main days for visiting are Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Some general advice for visitors:
- Be prepared for bad weather. There is little to no shelter available.
- Don't bring your dog, as they can startle and frighten horses.
- Arrive by train or bus to avoid congestion and parking fares.
- Don't approach or pet horses without permission of the owner.
- Keep children under supervision at all times and especially around animals.
More advice and information is available on Appleby Horse Fair (Official Site).
Finding Accommodation
Accommodation within Appleby is in very high demand during the week of the fair, so you may not be able to secure a room within the Appleby itself and may have to look elsewhere in Eden.
Travel Advice
For Travellers and Gypsies
For information on temporary places visit www.applebyfair.org
For Visitors
For day visitors, using public transport to travel to Appleby is recommended, because of the problems with congestion and safety when travelling by car.
Travelling to the fair by train is probably the best option as Appleby Station (on the Settle-Carlisle line) is only a short walk from the fair.
Buses are also available, though there may be some disruption during the week of the fair.
If you do arrive by car, you need to be aware that during and leading up to the week of the fair there will be a large amount of horse drawn traffic and other slow moving vehicles in and around Appleby. There is more advice and directions for motorists on the official website.
