Appleby Tourist Information
Appleby belonged to Scotland until ownership was transferred to England in 1092. This had little effect on the towns security, and in the late 14th C, it was almost destroyed in a cross border raid.
Found on the map under it's full title of Appleby-in- Westmorland, it was the County Town of Westmorland until becoming part of Cumbria in the regional reorganisation of 1974.
The main street of Boroughgate descends past neat cottages from the 17th C monument of High Cross to it's 18th C replica at the lower end. The Tourist Information Centre, once, Moot Hall, stands in the middle of the street a short way from the Gothic Arch entry to the medieval Church of St. Lawrence.
The 12th C castle, long associated with the philanthropic Clifford family, is at the top of Boroughgate. It was surrendered to the Parliamentarians during the Civil War, who, as part of terms or surrender, claimed 1200 horses.
Appleby has suffered several distressing events in it's chequered history including the deaths of more than 100 inhabitants from the Plague in the 16th Century.
These days, this pleasant market town can be seen hosting occasions such as the annual Pony Fair. This June gathering is attended by gypsies from countrywide who arrive en-masse to trade horses and ponies as in days gone-by. The owners take the animals to the river for a thorough shampooing before offering them for trade or sale; a procedure which occasionally leads to a "horsey" protest!!
There are several diverse gatherings and festivals throughout the summer, and, after sampling what the town has to provide, try the surrounding villages, hamlets and Lune Forest. There you will discover much to enjoy in the form of quiet walks in a peaceful countryside.
The town is also a stop on the Carlisle- Settle Railway. This sometimes steam train hauled excursion is an unforgettable experience.
Haweswater and Ullswater are the nearest lakes with the town of Penrith 13 miles distant, and the capital, Carlisle, 16 miles beyond.
Appleby-in-Westmorland, is well equipped to meet tourist and visitor demands. The eateries and accommodation of the town and neighbourhood give excellent value and come well recommended.
How to get there:
By rail: Appleby is one of the stations on the scenic Settle to Carlisle railway.
By road: Reach us on the A66 from the A1; Or leave the M6 at J38 and follow the A685 to Brough to join the A66, Or, leave the M6 at J40 and take the A66.
Local links:
| Appleby Accommodation | Appleby Attractions |
| Appleby Food and Drink | Appleby Transportation |
Attractions |
Appleby Castle
The site is is a private residence and not open to the public.
Hazel Dene Garden Centre and Tearoom
Situated along the Settle to Carlisle railway, the garden centre offers an extensive selection of seasonal plants and garden furniture.
The tearoom offers freshly prepared food, cake and scones.
Situated between Penrith and Appleby.
Phone: +44 (0)1768 882520
www.hazeldenegardencentre.co.uk
Acorn Bank Garden
A National Trust garden with a walled herb garden of 250 species of culinary and medicinal herbs - the largest in the north of England.
Phone: (0)1768 361893
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Appleby Horse Fair
Said to be the largest event of its kind in Europe and attracting upwards of 50,000 visitors. Held in June.
Carlisle/Settle Railway
Appleby is a station stop on this famous railway route. The late Reverend Eric Treacey of Wakefield, well known for his railway photography, said that York Minster, Hadrians Wall and the Settle – Carlisle Railway were the three main man- made Wonders of the World.
Walks
The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle line Guided Walks have something for all ages and abilities.
Cross Fell, the highest section of the Pennine Chain and named as “England’s last Wilderness” is a rewarding climb and walk plus many other less demanding ones in the area. The area is perfect terrain for activity holidays.
Lacys Caves, Little Salkeld
These are 5 chambers on the side of the River Eden carved out by one Colonel Lacy who is also known for his attempt to blow up the stones of the Long Meg Stone Circle. The Colonel used the caves to entertain guests from an extensive wine cellar.
Long Meg and her Daughters (Little Salkeld)
One of the best surviving Stone Circles with 69 stones. Legend has it that Long Meg was witches who together with her 69 daughters were turned to stone for denying the Sabbath. The Circle is said to hold magic powers and so it is not possible to count the same numbers of stones twice, but if you do so then the magic spell will be broken. William Wordsworth wrote” next to Stonehenge it is beyond dispute the most notable relick(sic) that this or probably any other country contains”
See Wordsworths poem written in 1822, “Monument Commonly Called Long Meg”.
Little Meg
Situated a few hundred yards from Long Meg and is probably the smallest stone circle in Cumbria.
Eden Ostrich World near Penrith
Dalemain House, near Penrith
Lovely House and Gardens.
Fishing
You won’t find much better anywhere.
Cycling
Appleby is close to Pennine and Cumbrian Cycle Way routes and Wainwrights Coast to Coast.
| Food and Drink |
| Transportation |
Morris Minor Travel
High quality taxi and minibus services. We operate modern, licensed and fully insured vehicles with prompt and reliable service.
Our range of vehicles comprise a 4 seater licensed Hackney taxi, together with 8, 11 and 14 seat minibuses.
Phone: 017683 52772 or 07710 609307
SMS: 07710 609307
www.morrisminortravel.com