Autumn at Augill Castle isn’t just about pulling on your boots and going for a walk (although we’re very much in favour of that too).
There’s quite a lot going on around the Eden Valley over the next couple of months, so we’ve picked out a few things we think are worth knowing about.
September and October are a particularly good time to explore the Eden Valley, with local markets, open gardens, walks, art, dark skies and a few rather more unusual things going on. Here are some of the events worth knowing about while you’re staying with us.
September and October 2026
SEPTEMBER
5 September – Kirkby Stephen Craft & Food Producers Market
A monthly indoor market bringing together local food producers, makers and craftspeople from within 50 miles of Kirkby Stephen. It’s held from 9am–1pm and is a good excuse for a Saturday morning wander into town. Kirkby Stephen Craft & Food Producers Market
11 to 20 September – Heritage Open Days
One of the best things happening locally in September, with free events and access to places across the Eden Valley. In Appleby there are opportunities to explore Moot Hall, St Lawrence’s Church, the Colour Maker’s House and more, while Kirkby Stephen has the Old Ale Trail, Helbeck Hall Walled Garden and the Viaducts Walk among its events. Heritage Open Days in Eden
September – Larch Cottage Nurseries, Melkinthorpe
The private gardens and chapel at Larch Cottage are open on selected Wednesdays and Sundays throughout September, from 1pm–4pm. Entry is £6, with proceeds going to Eden Hospice and Hospice at Home. The nursery itself is also open. Larch Cottage Gardens & Chapel
17 September – Westmorland & Furness Way Celebration Walk
A 4½-mile walk from Church Brough to Kirkby Stephen, celebrating the launch of the new Westmorland & Furness Way. The walk meets at Church Brough village green at 10.30am and follows part of the Pennine Journey. Westmorland & Furness Way Celebration Walk
26 September – Appleby Makers Market
A free-entry makers market at Appleby Public Hall, with locally handmade gifts and goods. It takes place alongside Appleby’s regular Saturday market. Appleby Makers Market
OCTOBER
3, 17, 24 and 31 October – Bottomless Brunch, Augill Castle
90 minutes of delicious food and pitchers of fabulous cocktails.
Gather your tribe and join us at Augill Castle for a brunch experience that’s all about great food, fabulous cocktails and good company. Book here for Bottomless Brunch.
3 October – Kirkby Stephen Craft & Food Producers Market
The monthly market returns with local food, crafts and makers, held indoors from 9am–1pm.
Kirkby Stephen Craft & Food Producers Market
3 October – Kirkby Stephen Parish Church, Silver Band, Autumn Concert
There are rumours of bananas, brass instruments and suspicious activity at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church. Apparently there will also be music, stories from the world of the Minions and a healthy amount of general silliness. Consider yourself briefed.
10 October – Lakes Deer Fest at Rheged
A new autumn festival celebrating Cumbria’s red and roe deer, wildlife and the landscape. There are talks, storytelling, films, conservation discussions and other activities throughout the day, with events including Discover Deer and the Lake District Landscape and Drones, Deer and the Future of Conservation. Several events are free to attend. Lakes Deer Fest at Rheged
17 October – Brough Farmers’ & Makers Market
The monthly Brough market returns on the third Saturday of October, with local food, makers and crafts. Free entry. Brough Farmers’ & Makers Market
16 October to 1 November – North Pennines Stargazing Festival
The tenth North Pennines Stargazing Festival runs throughout the second half of October, with expert-led events celebrating some of the darkest skies in England. It’s a particularly good one for autumn stays when the nights are drawing in. North Pennines Stargazing Festival
24 October – Appleby Makers Market
Another chance to browse locally made goods at Appleby Public Hall, with free entry and the regular Appleby Saturday market taking place in town too. Appleby Makers Market
25 October – Halloween at Kirkby Stephen East
The heritage railway is running a daytime diesel service from 10.30am–4pm, followed by a ticketed evening Halloween event and diesel ‘ghost train’ in conjunction with Kirkby Stephen Town Council. The organisers say further details will follow. Kirkby Stephen East events
29 to 31 October – Thorpe Farm
Over three spine-chilling nights, Thorpe Farm will transform into a world of creepy characters, haunted surprises and Halloween thrills. Whether you’re looking for a fun family evening with younger children or a genuinely scary experience for older visitors, we’ve created two unique Halloween sessions to suit every age. Scare Nights at Thorpe Farm Centre.
And for something a little more cultured…
Rheged also has a good programme of cinema, live-streamed theatre and opera through September and October. Highlights include The Misanthrope on 24 September, Così fan tutte on 9 October and Macbeth on 17 October. See what’s on at Rheged
Kirkby Stephen & District Walkers are Welcome also have a full autumn programme of guided walks, including the Augill Pasture walk on 10 September, the Poetry Path on 1 October and further walks throughout October. Autumn Walks Programme
Event dates and details can occasionally change, so please check the organiser’s website before setting off.
FAQs
1. What is there to do near Augill Castle in September and October?
There’s plenty happening around the Eden Valley in autumn, from Heritage Open Days and local makers’ markets to guided walks, open gardens, live music, cultural events and seasonal activities. Kirkby Stephen, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Brough and Penrith are all within easy reach of Augill, so there’s usually something to add to a day out if you fancy exploring beyond the castle.
2. Are there any autumn events near Kirkby Stephen?
Yes. Kirkby Stephen has a programme of markets, guided walks and local events throughout September and October. Highlights include the Craft & Food Producers Market, the Westmorland & Furness Way celebration walk and a rather unusual Halloween event at Kirkby Stephen East railway, complete with a ghost train.
3. What events are happening around Appleby-in-Westmorland this autumn?
Appleby has its regular Saturday market as well as special makers’ markets during September and October. Heritage Open Days in September also bring a range of free events and opportunities to discover some of the town’s historic buildings and lesser-known corners.
4. Are there any events for families near Augill Castle?
Yes. There are several family-friendly options during the autumn, including the Halloween special at Kirkby Stephen East and events at Rheged near Penrith. Heritage Open Days also offer a chance to explore local history without necessarily needing to plan a whole day around one attraction.
5. What can I do near Augill Castle if the weather isn’t great?
Autumn weather is part of the deal around here, but it doesn’t have to ruin your plans. Rheged has a programme of films, theatre, opera, talks and creative workshops throughout September and October, while the area’s market towns offer independent shops, cafés, galleries and indoor markets. Or, of course, you could simply stay put at Augill with the fire and a good book.
6. Are there any good autumn walks or outdoor events near Augill Castle?
Absolutely. Autumn is a brilliant time for walking in the Eden Valley, and Kirkby Stephen & District Walkers are Welcome have a programme of guided walks throughout September and October. The new Westmorland & Furness Way also launches this autumn, creating a 120-mile walking route through the wider Westmorland & Furness area, including Brough, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen.
Event dates and details can change, so we recommend checking the individual organiser’s website before travelling. If you’re staying at Augill and aren’t sure what would work for your day, just ask us – we’re very happy to point you in the right direction.
