Visit Upper Eden

Smardale Gill Viaduct
Welcome to Upper Eden

Our Visitor Centre is situated in the Upper Eden ‘capital’, the historic market town of Kirkby Stephen, in the midst of an area of stunning natural beauty.

Westmorland Dales Festival 2023
Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 July 2023 - SAVE THE DATE!
Westmorland Dales Festival

Join us for a taste of life in the wonderful Westmorland Dales and help us celebrate our landscape, heritage and people! A weekend of activities and entertainment for all the family!

Pendragon Castle
MALLERSTANG
Historical Sites

“Let Uther Pendragon do what he can,

Eden will run where Eden ran.”

Kirkby Stephen Station
PLAN YOUR STAY
Start your Upper Eden adventure here

From cosy bed & breakfasts, luxury glamping pods, to stately castles.

Kirkby Stephen Station
Upper Eden - shop online

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan your stay

From cosy bed & breakfasts, luxury glamping pods, to stately castles, start your Upper Eden adventure here.

Upper Eden Visitor Centre

Market Street
Kirkby Stephen CA17 4QN
017683 71199
visit@uecp.org.uk

What's On

Check what activities and events are happening during your stay, in and around Kirkby Stephen.


We offer a wealth of information about the local area as well as a range of crafts and gifts. We also provide interesting openings for volunteers and retail opportunities for local residents and artisans. To find out how you can become involved please contact us on the details below.

Kirkby Stephen nestles in a valley surrounded by the high peaks of the Westmorland Pennines. There are many individual independent shops with history and tradition around every corner and plenty of back alleys to explore.The Visitor Centre is run by the Upper Eden Community Interest Company and staffed by a manager supported by local volunteers. Visitors are important to us – why not pop in and meet the local people who will be proud and delighted to tell you about the hidden gems to be found in the Upper Eden which is sandwiched between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks and includes part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once you have found us, you might be tempted to join the many who return and even move here.

Kirkby Stephen is Cumbria’s first ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town and has won the title of Calor® ‘English Village of the Year’. It lies on the route of one of Britain’s most popular long distance trails – the Coast to Coast path – and there are many other walking and cycling trails nearby.


The upper Eden is situated on the higher reaches of the aptly named River Eden valley, Cumbria. The source of the Eden is at Red Gill high on Black Fell moss above the picturesque Mallerstang valley before tumbling down the impressive Hell Gill force. This high point is shared by the Lady Anne (Clifford) Highway and Ais Gill summit, the highest point of the Settle-Carlisle railway. The river meanders on until it reaches Stenkrith Park, Kirkby Stephen and the spectacular gorge falls where the stone has been scoured out into cup shapes known locally as Coup Karnan. Here you will find the spectacular viewport from the Millennium Bridge. The river loses its power and gently flows on towards Appleby passing many pretty villages.

What's On

Conservation Groups and Charities

10:30 – 16:00 The conservation trusts and charities working in our area are very important to our community, landscape, wildlife and heritage. Browsing and questions invited and encouraged. Venue: Kirkby Stephen…

Legends of the Westmorland Dales with Emily Hennessey

10:45; 12:30 & 15:00 Join renowned storyteller Emily Hennessey as she drawns on local folklore and work with local schools to bring to life tales of the Westmorland Dales. Venue: Church…

July 29 – The Jukers

The Jukers @ The Engine Shed 18:00 – 20:00 Local Kirkby Stephen Grammar School Band live in the Engine Shed. Refreshments available for purchase. Venue: Pennine View Park

July 29 – Platform 3 Play

Platform 3 Play 10:00 – 17:00 Indoor and Outdoor soft play for children to burn off some energy with food and refreshments available (Normal prices apply). Venue: Unit 3, Station…

July 29 – Eden Spinners, Weavers and Dyers

Eden Spinners, Weavers and Dyers 12:00 – 18:00 Eden Valley Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers will be demonstrating, exhibiting and selling beautifully crafted works. Venue: The Old Forge, 39…

Upper Eden Visitor Centre

Market Street
Kirkby Stephen CA17 4QN

017683 71199        

visit@uecp.org.uk

Opening hours:

Summer 2023 opening hours:

7 Days a week 10am-4pm.     

Contact Us