Discover Appleby-In-Westmorland

Appleby-In-Westmorland lies in a bend of the River Eden. The Eden winds through the town and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The river and protected nature sit alongside a townscape shaped by historic buildings. Appleby is also on the Sea-to-Sea Cycle Route. The places below show how these highlights differ.

Buildings and history in Appleby

Appleby Castle is listed as a Grade I building. The Parish Church of St Lawrence has the same designation. Its construction history dates back to the 12th century, with later additions and restorations. The church preserves memorials to Lady Anne Clifford and Margaret, Countess of Cumberland. The church thus brings together a long building history and the memory of two named women.

Moot Hall is one of the few early town halls that still serves its original purpose: the affairs of the borough are conducted there. This connects the historic building with an ongoing civic function. St Anne's Hospital offers a different focus: it comprises 13 almshouses arranged around a paved courtyard, as well as a small chapel in one corner of the courtyard. The description of this ensemble thus encompasses both the layout of the courtyard and the chapel.

Bridge, crosses and former uses

The current double-arched structure of Appleby Bridge dates from 1889. High Cross was erected around 1670 and bears the inscription “Retain your loyalty, preserve your rights”. Cheese was sold at its stepped base. Low Cross was created in the 18th century as a replica of High Cross. The two crosses can therefore be distinguished by their dates: High Cross dates from around the late 17th century, while Low Cross is the later replica.

Appleby Tourist Information Centre also has an exhibition room featuring displays by local craftspeople. Thus, alongside the historic buildings, insights into local crafts are among the town's points of interest.

The Horse Fair, river and cycle route as travel highlights

The Appleby Horse Fair is the annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers in Appleby-in-Westmorland. It lasts for a week: from a Thursday in early June until the following Wednesday. The walk from the railway station to the fairground and to the town centre is stated as ten minutes for each. Check the travel information for the specific fair dates.

This event, which takes place at a set time, differs from the buildings permanently associated with Appleby and its location on the Sea-to-Sea Cycle Route. The Eden is another point of reference: it winds through the town and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. If you are looking for a hotel in Appleby, you can first consider the purpose of your trip—for example, the Horse Fair in early June, the history of the buildings or the cycle route. For a trip to the Fair, the dates and information about the walk from the railway station can help with practical planning; for other stays, the riverside location and the various historic sites provide points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Seascale, Rusland, Wetheral, Storth, Kirkby Lonsdale, Windermere, Keswick, Holmrook.

For the wider travel overview: Cumbria.