History comes to life at the launch of the Eden heritage Trails

A brand new set of heritage trails are now available to both visitors and locals. These new trails covering most of Eden highlight the rich and diverse heritage of our area in an easy to use, colourful style. The free leaflets are accompanied by a heritage trail app and display boards at Alston, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and Penrith information centres.

Costumed characters, courtesy of Penrith Players, Richard III, Lady Anne Clifford, Michael Faraday and John Smeaton welcomed guests to the launch event at the beautiful setting of Brougham Castle.

Jim Walker, Chair of the Eden Tourism Network commented,"Eden is extremely rich in heritage assets.  Yet without meaningful interpretation and informed marketing these can be easily overlooked and their potential to inspire and enthral people remain unrealised. This exciting partnership between Historic England, Eden Council and local heritage attractions has worked hard to enable visitors and local residents to better understand the heritage of the area.  As a result we can create great days out and rewarding holidays, while at the same time helping to support and contribute to the future care of the attractions themselves for the benefit of successive generations. I am really looking forward to seeing the positive impact of this work."

The Eden Heritage Project comprises 4 trail leaflets covering Eden's main towns and surrounding areas.  These present a fascinating insight into the area's rich historical legacy. Each guide brings history to life, guiding the visitor on a journey of discovery to Eden's historical castles, houses, churches and buildings. Visitors will be able to obtain the guides from Tourist Information Centres across Eden.

A brand new app will also enable the public to explore Eden's main heritage sites at their leisure via smart phones and tablets.  Users of the app will be able to see what sites they are nearest too along with getting travel directions and information on what facilities are available at each site.

Copies of the leaflets are available to download from the Eden Heritage Trails section of our website.  There is also access to the free heritage trail app.

This has been a two year project which would not have been possible without the funding support received from Historic England North West.  

Charles Smith from Historic England added "Historic England is delighted to have worked in partnership with Eden Tourism to deliver this exciting project. The new heritage trails will give both residents and visitors greater access to the fascinating history to be found in this beautiful part of Cumbria. Embracing modern technology will bring historic places to life."

Visitors already contribute over £336m to the local economy and tourism activity continues to employ an increasing number of employees on an annual basis. Last year Eden welcomed 4.9 million visitors an increase of 4.6% on the previous  year. "We are hopeful that this new initiative will help to continue to grow the volume and value of tourism in the Eden district" commented Jessica Goodfellow, Eden Tourism Manager.

Research figures Source STEAM 2017