
Appleby Horse Fair
A historic gathering for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, celebrating horse trading and cultural heritage in Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full cultural immersion

Appleby Horse Fair
Best Time
Experience the full cultural immersion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic gathering for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, celebrating horse trading and cultural heritage in Appleby-in-Westmorland.
"Great to see in person, meet and talk to real Travellers from all over Britain."

📸 Ask Before You Snap
Always ask permission before photographing people or their horses. Respect is key!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Horse Trading
Various locations throughout Appleby
Witness the heart of the fair: the vibrant trading of horses, a tradition spanning centuries. See magnificent steeds and skilled negotiation.

River Eden Horse Washing
River Eden
A quintessential sight: Traveller girls washing their horses in the River Eden, a beautiful and iconic scene.

Cultural Encounters
Throughout Appleby
Engage with the rich culture of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. Many are proud to share their heritage if approached respectfully.

The Market Buzz
Market areas
Explore the bustling market stalls offering everything from crafts to food. A lively atmosphere with unique finds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respectful Engagement
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Ask Before You Snap
Always ask permission before photographing people or their horses. Respect is key!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must!
💰 Food Prices
Food can be pricey, especially at burger vans. Explore different vendors for better value.
🤝 Be Respectful
This is a cultural event. Approach with an open mind and treat everyone with respect.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Ask Before You Snap
Always ask permission before photographing people or their horses. Respect is key!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must!
💰 Food Prices
Food can be pricey, especially at burger vans. Explore different vendors for better value.
🤝 Be Respectful
This is a cultural event. Approach with an open mind and treat everyone with respect.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult. Consider public transport or be prepared for a walk from designated areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Appleby Horse Fair is a truly unique and immersive cultural experience, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and the deep connection to horse trading traditions. Visitors often praise the opportunity to meet and interact with the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, finding them proud and welcoming when approached respectfully. However, some find the food prices to be high, and navigating the crowds and parking can be challenging.
"Great to see in person, meet and talk to real Travellers from all over Britain. Actually they were very proud to pose for my camera if you asked them respectfully. Kids racing the horses up and down the street without a saddle and seeing the Traveller girls washing the horses in the river Eden was a sight to be seen.
Inbetween I met a bareknuckle boxing champion that had the tattoos to prove it and was actually a very nice bloke. Yes I would go there again because I can."
Kas
"Absolutely lovely relaxing experience, I have been going on and off since 1994 when I traveled up with my partner, was an experience being on the hill, since relationship broke up I come to see the event as much as possible."
Niki x B
"A0pleby always In my opinion a Very Good time had by all."
BRYAN BARRETT
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Appleby-in-Westmorland is accessible by train, with a station in the town. Driving is also an option, but be aware that roads can be busy and parking limited during the fair. Many visitors arrive by car and find parking in designated areas outside the main fairgrounds.
While the main fair is in Appleby, local bus services may operate, but schedules can be affected by the event. It's best to check with local transport providers closer to the date.
Appleby is located in Cumbria, easily accessible via the A66 and A685. However, expect significant traffic congestion during the fair.
Parking is available but can be challenging and expensive. Some visitors opt for park-and-walk schemes.
The town center can become very crowded. Walking is the primary way to get around, so comfortable shoes are essential.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Appleby Horse Fair is a public event and does not require tickets for entry. It's a traditional gathering open to all.
The fair is a continuous event during its scheduled dates, typically in early June. There are no set opening or closing hours as it's a traditional gathering.
There is no admission fee to attend Appleby Horse Fair. It's a free event for visitors to experience.
The fair typically takes place over several days in early June. The peak days for horse trading and cultural events are usually mid-week.
While generally open, there can be temporary road closures and specific areas managed by authorities for safety and traffic flow.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll witness traditional horse trading, see horses being washed in the River Eden, explore market stalls, and experience the vibrant culture of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
Like any large event, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Respectful behavior is encouraged, and the event has a long history of community gathering.
Yes, but always ask for permission before photographing people or their horses. Many are happy to be photographed respectfully.
You'll see a wide variety, with a strong presence of Gypsy Cobs, known for their strength and beauty.
Children often enjoy watching the horses, the market, and the general lively atmosphere. Some may participate in informal races.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous food vendors, including burger vans and kebab shops, offering typical fairground food.
Some visitors find food prices, particularly at burger vans, to be on the higher side. Exploring different vendors can help find better value.
Yes, Appleby town has traditional pubs and restaurants offering a range of dining experiences beyond the fairground food.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted, which can be a good way to manage costs.
While prices can vary, classic fair food like hot dogs and chips are popular. Some visitors recommend kebab vans for better value.
📸 📸 Photography
The horse washing in the River Eden, the bustling market, and the interactions between people and their horses are iconic.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals or groups. Respectful engagement is crucial.
Early mornings and late afternoons often offer softer light. However, the vibrant activity throughout the day provides unique shots.
A versatile lens is useful for capturing both close-ups of horses and wider scenes of the fair. A telephoto lens can be good for candid shots from a distance, but always prioritize asking permission.
Generally, no, as long as you are respectful and ask permission when necessary. Be mindful of private areas and sensitive moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for crowds and wear comfortable shoes for everyone. Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to keep costs down and ensure kids are happy. The market stalls can also be a source of interest for younger visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember the golden rule: always ask permission before photographing people. Many Travellers are proud of their heritage and may be happy to pose if approached respectfully. Consider a versatile lens that can handle both close-ups and wider shots of the bustling fair. Early mornings and late afternoons can offer beautiful light.
🤝 Cultural Explorers
Approach the fair with an open mind and a respectful attitude. Engage in conversations where appropriate, and be willing to learn. This is not a performance; it's a genuine community gathering, and your respectful presence will be appreciated.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Fair: Horse Trading and Culture
The fair is more than just commerce; it's a significant cultural celebration. It's a time for families and communities to gather, reconnect, and share their heritage. This includes music, dancing, and storytelling, creating a vibrant and unique atmosphere.
Respectful observation is key to appreciating this aspect of the fair. Understanding the traditions and approaching interactions with politeness allows for a more meaningful experience and can lead to genuine connections with the community members.
Iconic Sights: The River Eden and Beyond
Beyond the river, the streets of Appleby come alive. You'll see horses and carts (sulky racing is a common sight ), children racing horses without saddles, and the general hustle and bustle of a busy market town transformed by the fair. The market stalls themselves are a highlight, offering a variety of goods, from traditional crafts to everyday necessities.
Navigating the town during the fair requires comfortable footwear, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Be prepared for crowds, especially on the main thoroughfares. The energy of the fair is palpable, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Practicalities for Visitors
Parking can also be a challenge. While there are designated areas, they can fill up quickly, and you might need to walk a considerable distance to the fairgrounds. Public transport, if feasible, can sometimes be a less stressful option.
Crucially, respectful engagement is paramount. This is a significant cultural event for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people, and approach all interactions with courtesy and an open mind. This approach will greatly enhance your experience and ensure you are a welcome visitor.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit