Routes

Gypsies and Travellers attending this year’s Fair are being asked not to arrive too soon before the Fair starts on Thursday 6 June.

Gypsies and Travellers attending this year’s Fair are being asked not to arrive too soon before the Fair starts on Thursday 6 June 2024. The overriding message is please do not come early to the Fair as places to stay are limited and are needed by those who have no vehicular transport. For those where a staged journey to and from the fair is essential, specifically the horse drawn bow tops, the information on this website should help you to plan your journey and provides information on some of the more popular temporary stopping places, identifies any restrictions that are in place and where appropriate provides information on grazing available for horses.

Traffic restrictions have been implemented in a number of areas within the South Lakeland and Eden Localities, on the grounds of road safety and as a direct result of public feedback from previous Fairs. These areas are marked by wooden posts and associated signage. However, please note they do not apply to all verges or temporary stopping places. There has been no attempt to stop people coming to Appleby Fair, the public agencies who co-ordinate the Fair are asking people to work together to make the Fair safer to manage.

Plan your journey to Appleby and please respect the temporary stopping places provided. Please ensure you bag up your litter and place it by the roadside for collection.

Traffic update

During the Horse Fair - Appleby Town Centre

A road closure will be in place on The Sands in Appleby town centre from approx. 09.30-18:00 on Thursday 6th Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June.

A one-way system will operate along Garth Heads Road to maintain access into the town as a result of the closure on The Sands and further one-way restrictions will be in place on Garbridge Lane and Roman Road.

A road closure will be in place for the duration of the Fair outside the public house known as "The Midland" in order to provide a safe area for horses.

Flashing Lane - Long Marton Road leading to Dufton

The "Flashing Lane", (Long Marton Road) will be closed between the hours of approx. 09:30 to 18:00 for the duration of the Fair. to prevent the likelihood of conflict between horses and other traffic while the trotting (‘flashing’) of horses takes place.

The public are encouraged not to enter the Flashing Lane, especially the carriageway. However, for those who choose to do so are asked to remain on the footway at all times, guardrail will be in place to provide some protection from flashing horses. Anyone who enters the Flashing Lane does so at their own risk and are advised to take extra care for their own safety and that of others.

Other Roads in and around Appleby

Warning signs have been placed on all major routes approaching Appleby and variable message signs will display Horse Fair related warning messages in the run up to the Fair advising motorists to be aware of the likelihood of horse drawn vehicles in the area.

A 40mph speed restriction will be implemented along the A685 prior to the Bank Holiday in order to address road safety concerns that arise from the encampment that takes place along this road between Brough and Kirkby Stephen.

A 40mph speed restriction will be implemented along the Powis Road in order to address road safety concerns that arise from the encampment that takes place along this road

Public Transport service to Appleby Fair

You can travel to Appleby Horse Fair by public transport. The following services will be available:

Settle Carlisle Railway Line

The Settle Carlisle Railway line is the best way to get to Appleby Horse Fair by public transport.

For Northbound passengers you can access the line from Leeds, Skipton etc. The closest station to Appleby along the line from the South is Kirkby Stephen.

For Southbound passengers you can access the service form Carlisle, Armathwaite, Lazonby and Langwathby.

For up to date information visit the Settle Carlisle Railway website www.settle-carlisle.co.uk

Bus services

The bus service to Appleby is limited. For more information visit Westmorland & Furness Council's website: Bus services | Westmorland and Furness Council