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.