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The Black Bull, Appleby

Cumbria » Appleby
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The Black Bull is a traditional Cumbrian inn located in Kirkby Stephen, Eden Valley. This property offers excellent group accommodation with multiple sleeping options perfect for larger gatherings. The inn features a popular restaurant and bar downstairs, creating a sociable base for your group holiday.

Kirkby Stephen sits in the Upper Eden Valley between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. The market town provides easy access to spectacular Pennine scenery and walking routes including the Coast to Coast path.

The accommodation comprises several letting options. Individual rooms and self-contained apartments can be booked separately or together for larger groups. Each unit includes private bathrooms and comfortable bedrooms.

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About The Black Bull

The Black Bull is a traditional Cumbrian inn located in Kirkby Stephen, Eden Valley. This property offers excellent group accommodation with multiple sleeping options perfect for larger gatherings. The inn features a popular restaurant and bar downstairs, creating a sociable base for your group holiday.

Kirkby Stephen sits in the Upper Eden Valley between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. The market town provides easy access to spectacular Pennine scenery and walking routes including the Coast to Coast path.

The accommodation comprises several letting options. Individual rooms and self-contained apartments can be booked separately or together for larger groups. Each unit includes private bathrooms and comfortable bedrooms. The downstairs restaurant and bar areas provide communal spaces for group dining and socialising.

Pendragon Castle lies 4 miles away (8 minutes). Appleby Castle sits 12 miles distant (18 minutes). Kirkby Stephen Golf Club is 1 mile away (3 minutes). The Settle-Carlisle Railway runs through nearby stations offering scenic journeys.

Groups seeking a traditional inn experience with flexible accommodation will appreciate The Black Bull. The combination of private rooms and shared social spaces makes this ideal for reunions and celebrations.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Black Bull

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Appleby, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

13°C

Light drizzle

Updated: 30 Jul 2026, 3:00am

🌡️
13.10°C
Temperature
💨
4 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
92%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Black Bull sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

140m

(459 feet above sea level)

The Black Bull sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
140m
Elevation
📍
Appleby
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Appleby are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.5765200° N | Longitude: 2.49055° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Appleby (Thursday, 30 July 2026):

4:15am

Sunrise

7:17pm

Golden Hour

8:17pm

Sunset

🌅
4:15am
Sunrise
🌇
8:17pm
Sunset
📸
7:17pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:17pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Appleby, you have approximately 16.03 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Black Bull.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 30 Jul 2026 | Location: 54.5765200, -2.4905500

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Black Bull

Traditional Inn Atmosphere

The downstairs bar and restaurant create a proper pub atmosphere where groups can gather for meals and drinks together.

Flexible Group Booking

Multiple rooms and apartments let you book exactly the space your group needs all under one roof.

Central Market Town Location

Kirkby Stephen offers shops, cafes and amenities within walking distance making it easy to organise group supplies.

Walking Route Access

The Coast to Coast path passes through town making this perfect for walking groups tackling this famous route.

Eden Valley Setting

Positioned between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales giving groups access to two national parks from one base.

On-Site Dining

The restaurant downstairs means groups can eat together without travelling making evening meals straightforward to organise.

Getting To The Black Bull

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Black Bull by car, take the A685 into Kirkby Stephen town centre. The property is located on the main street with parking available on-site for guests.

By Train

Kirkby Stephen railway station sits on the Settle-Carlisle line approximately 1 mile from the property. Regular services connect to Carlisle and Leeds with taxis available at the station.

On-site parking available
Kirkby Stephen station (1 mile)
Located on main street in town centre

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Pendragon Castle
Distance: 4 miles
CA17 4HX
Appleby Castle
Distance: 12 miles
CA16 6XH
Settle-Carlisle Railway
Distance: 1 mile
CA17 4SY
Coast to Coast Path
Distance: 0 miles
CA16 6XG
Mallerstang Valley
Distance: 5 miles
CA17 4JX
Wild Boar Fell
Distance: 6 miles
CA17 4EU
Kirkby Stephen Co-op
Distance: 0.2 miles
CA16 6QT
Kirkby Stephen Market
Distance: 0.1 miles
CA16 6QW
Spar Kirkby Stephen
Distance: 0.3 miles
CA16 6QP
Kirkby Stephen Golf Club
Distance: 1 mile
CA17 4LB
Stenkrith Park
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA16 6NP
Brough Castle
Distance: 8 miles
CA17 4EJ
Pendragon Castle
Distance: 4 miles
CA17 4HX
Appleby Castle
Distance: 12 miles
CA16 6XH
Settle-Carlisle Railway
Distance: 1 mile
CA17 4SY
Coast to Coast Path
Distance: 0 miles
CA16 6XG
Mallerstang Valley
Distance: 5 miles
CA17 4JX
Wild Boar Fell
Distance: 6 miles
CA17 4EU
Kirkby Stephen Co-op
Distance: 0.2 miles
CA16 6QT
Kirkby Stephen Market
Distance: 0.1 miles
CA16 6QW
Spar Kirkby Stephen
Distance: 0.3 miles
CA16 6QP
Kirkby Stephen Golf Club
Distance: 1 mile
CA17 4LB
Stenkrith Park
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA16 6NP
Brough Castle
Distance: 8 miles
CA17 4EJ

Is The Black Bull Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Kirkby Stephen offers a swimming pool and sports centre 0.5 miles away. The surrounding countryside provides space for outdoor activities and exploration. Stenkrith Park features riverside walks suitable for families. The Settle-Carlisle Railway offers scenic train journeys that children enjoy. Local farms occasionally offer visits. The market town has playgrounds and open spaces for younger guests.
Groups Will Love...
The on-site restaurant and bar create an excellent social hub for groups staying at The Black Bull. Your party can gather for meals without coordinating transport or splitting up between venues. The restaurant serves breakfast through to dinner allowing groups to eat together throughout the day. This setup works particularly well for walking groups who want to return to base and socialise over food and drinks in the evening.
Pet Friendly
The Black Bull accepts dogs in selected accommodation units. The Eden Valley location provides excellent walking opportunities for dogs with riverside paths and fell routes nearby. Kirkby Stephen has open spaces where dogs can exercise. The Coast to Coast path passes through town making this suitable for groups walking with dogs. Check which specific rooms accept pets when booking as policies vary between units.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Black Bull

The Black Bull Restaurant

Located On-site from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA16 6XG

Pennine Hotel & Restaurant

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA16 6UN

Fletcher's Coffee Lounge

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA16 6QW

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Black Bull

Is The Black Bull pet friendly?
The Black Bull welcomes dogs in certain rooms and areas. Contact the property directly to confirm which accommodation units accept pets and any associated charges.
How many people can stay at The Black Bull?
The property offers multiple rooms and apartments that can accommodate varying group sizes. The exact capacity depends on which combination of units you book together.
What parking is available for groups?
The property provides parking spaces for guests. Larger groups should confirm parking arrangements when booking to ensure adequate space for all vehicles.
Are meals included at The Black Bull?
The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner which can be booked separately. Groups can arrange dining together in the restaurant downstairs from their accommodation.
What bedroom configurations are available?
The accommodation includes double rooms, twin rooms and family rooms across different units. Each has private bathroom facilities and can be configured to suit your group makeup.
Is The Black Bull suitable for celebrations?
The combination of accommodation and restaurant facilities makes this suitable for birthday gatherings, anniversaries and reunions. Speak to the property about group dining arrangements.
What walking routes are nearby?
The Coast to Coast path runs through Kirkby Stephen making this ideal for walking groups. The Pennine Way also passes close by offering challenging fell walking.
How far is The Black Bull from the Lake District?
The western Lake District boundary sits approximately 15 miles away. The Yorkshire Dales National Park lies a similar distance to the east.

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