Attractions and Places To See around Appleby - Top 20

Appleby is rich in history. You can explore the magnificent Appleby Castle, a Norman fortress with a history dating back to the 12th century, offering guided tours and beautiful gardens. Don't miss St Lawrence's Church, an architectural gem from the late 12th century, or the historic Moot Hall in the town center.

Yes, the area boasts beautiful natural features. The River Eden gracefully winds through Appleby, perfect for scenic riverside walks and picnics. Just a short drive or walk away, you'll find Rutter Force, a charming waterfall surrounded by woodland. The wider Eden Valley offers lush green countryside ideal for walking and wildlife spotting.

Appleby is famous for the annual Appleby Horse Fair, held in early June, which is one of Europe's largest and oldest horse fairs. You can also visit the Appleby Heritage Centre in the Moot Hall for insights into the town's history, or experience a scenic journey on the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which has a stop in Appleby.

The region around Appleby offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy scenic walks along the River Eden or explore the wider Eden Valley. For more structured routes, consider hiking or cycling. There are many options, such as the 'Bottesford Beck – Bottesford Beck Linear Park loop' for hiking or the 'Julian's Bower Turf Maze loop' for cycling. Find more routes on the hiking guide or cycling guide for Appleby.

Families can enjoy several spots. The Waters' Edge Visitor Centre offers a free family day out with wildlife and nature exploration across 110 acres, including interactive displays and outdoor play areas. The Julian's Bower Turf Maze is another unique and engaging site for all ages.

Appleby is known for its local produce, including an award-winning creamery that manufactures delicious cheeses. The Boroughgate, Appleby's main street, is lined with independent shops, tearooms, and traditional pubs where you can find locally produced goods and unique items.

Beyond the castle and church, the Boroughgate is renowned for its charm, featuring 17th and 18th-century buildings and two slender market crosses. You can also see St Anne's Hospital Almshouses, a picturesque courtyard of residences built by Lady Anne Clifford in 1651.

Absolutely. The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located to the east of Appleby, offers distinctive peaks and breathtaking views, including High Cup Nick, a spectacular glaciated U-shaped valley. The Humber Bridge also provides impressive views across the estuary.

The komoot community particularly appreciates the Humber Bridge, an awe-inspiring suspension bridge, and the Horkstow Suspension Bridge, noted for its design and surrounding views. The Waters' Edge Visitor Centre is also highly rated for its nature exploration opportunities.

Yes, you can visit the Barton Old Cement Works Ruins, known locally as "Old Cements." This site offers a glimpse into a very early English cement works, with fascinating ruined structures and historical context.

The Eden Valley is best explored on foot or by bike. There are numerous trails for hiking and cycling that allow you to discover the lush green countryside, traditional towns, and sandstone villages. Consider a road cycling route like 'Roadbike loop from Broughton' or a touring bicycle route such as 'Julian's Bower Turf Maze – St John the Baptist Church loop from Winterton'. You can find more details on the road cycling guide or cycling guide.

The Appleby Hub is a community center housed in a converted church. It offers a variety of activities, classes, a climbing wall, and a community café. It also hosts a monthly Hubcraft fair, making it a vibrant local spot for both residents and visitors.