Appleby Horse Fair is a weekend event. Please see www.applebyfair.org (the Multi Agency Strategic Coordinating group website) for more information.
The Dates for Horse Fair:
2023 Thurs 8th, Fri 9th, Sat 10th, Sun 11th June.
Appleby Horse Fair Market – Public Hall
During Horse Fair there is a market held in the Public Hall from Thursday until Sunday with an understanding that all stall holders stay for the full 4 days.
If you would like to arrange a stall please contact the Public Hall Manager on 017683 51177 ext 3 or email admin@applebytown.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Horse Fair?
Horse Fair lasts from the Thursday before, and until, the second Wednesday in June.
However THE MAIN DAYS FOR VISITORS are Friday, Saturday and Sunday .
If you come on Monday or Tuesday you may be disappointed as there will be VERY little to see.
Are there any special days or days when certain things happen?
Appleby Fair is not an organised event and as such there is no set programme for anything happening. It is a traditional gypsy fair, more like a big family get together. The horses are washed, and trotted up and down the flashing lane most main days and sold. There is no auction.
There is a market on Jimmy Winter’s Field selling a variety of goods – some traditional to the Gypsy travelling community – and other. To arrange to sell on that field please contact Jimmy Winter on 017683 51456. There is an indoor market held in the Public Hall, if you would like to arrange a stall please contact Appleby Town Council admin on 017683 51177 ext 3, or email admin@applebytown.org.uk. To sell on Fair Hill please contact Billy Welch or Bill Lloyd, the leaseholders.
How can I find somewhere to stay in Appleby within walking distance?
Accommodation within walking distance will be rarer than hen’s teeth. Most accommodation is booked up for the following year when visitors leave. There will be accommodation at http://www.visiteden.co.uk and https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
If you wish to camp on the Fair Hill with the Gypsy Community please speak to Mr Billy Welch or Mr Bill Lloyd.
Penrith Tourist Information Centre is 01768 867466 and Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre is 01833 696356.
How can I buy a horse? Is there an auction?
There is no auction at the Fair. Arrangements are made buyer to seller for cash. The price will usually include extra for Luck Money. If you need livery locally with a view to exporting your new horse abroad, please contact Appleby Tourist Information.
How can I get there on Public Transport?
You can come on the train. Appleby station is on The Settle-Carlisle line, voted one of the most scenic and beautiful lines in the world. Timetables can be viewed on https://settle-carlisle.co.uk/
Where can I park my car?
There will be several car parks in Appleby so whichever direction you approach from (South, East or West) you should be able to find parking. Please see http://applebyfair.org/ for a map. There are also limited spaces at the Railway station.
How much is the parking?
It tends to be around £10.00 per car per day. This is because each car park is owned by different owners, and some car park tenants pay rent.
I am bringing a coach of visitors – where do I park?
There is space for two coaches to drop off outside the Moot Hall in the town Centre.
There is usually parking space at the Appleby Grammar School for coaches on Saturday and Sunday, but this has to be booked in advance. There will be a fee payable for coaches and mini-buses. Please contact the Friends of the School, via the School Office (017683 51580).
Also there will be coach parking at the Railway Station. Again fees apply.
I have a disabled parking disc – where should I park?
There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces in the Town Centre, including on Boroughgate, in Broad Close car park and outside the Library. If you wish to park up nearer the field, please speak to the Police on duty.
What will I see at the Fair?
The Fair is a sight to see. It is a traditional Gypsy fair, but the biggest in Europe. If you don’t like crowds you should give it a miss. You can see a taste of it if you go on to www.YouTube.com People particularly enjoy sitting on the river bank and watching the horses be washed. The horses look very smart pulling sulkies up Battlebarrow and there is the colourful dress of the Gypsy and Traveller women in all their finery.
Where are the Toilets?
Most of the car parks will have Portaloos in them or toilets nearby. In town there are public toilets in the entrance to the Public Hall, on Boroughgate, and in Broad Close car park. There is one disabled toilet with baby changing facility next to the Tourist Information Centre. There will also be Portaloos in town and nearby Fair Hill. The Railway Station also has limited facilities.
Where are the Cash machines?
There is ATMs outside the Co-op, in the Spar and outside the Post Office.
For more information on Appleby Horse Fair please visit www.applebyfair.org
Comments
If you would like to make a comment regarding the Horse Fair please contact Steph Corden, chair of MASCG, at steph.corden@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk