Attractions and Places To See around Appleby - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Appleby include a rich array of notable landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural sites within the historic market town and the picturesque Eden Valley. This region, nestled in Cumbria, offers lush green countryside and traditional towns. Visitors can explore historic architecture, scenic river walks along the River Eden, and unique points of interest. The area provides opportunities for exploring both man-made structures and natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Appleby
- The most popular attractions is Humber Bridge, a man_made_monument that is an awe-inspiring suspension bridge across the Humber. When completed in 1981, it was the longest bridge of its kind in the world.
- Another must-see spot is Horkstow Suspension Bridge, a historical_site and bridge. This structure is noted for its design and surrounding views, with a gravel track heading north.
- Visitors also love Waters' Edge Visitor Centre, a facilities hub with a cafe. It offers a free family day out with wildlife and nature exploration across 110 acres of country park and nature reserve.
- Appleby is known for historical sites, natural features, and cultural attractions. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to scenic river walks and unique local events.
- The attractions around Appleby are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 45 photos shared and over 60 upvotes.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Horkstow Suspension Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
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Waters' Edge Visitor Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
For a free family day out packed with wildlife and nature don’t miss Waters’ Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre. Explore 110 acres of country park and nature reserve, discover how green you are with our interactive displays or just chill out by the ponds and feed the ducks. Little ones will love our Kids Corner as well as our outdoor children’s play areas.
Waters’ Edge boasts an amazing events calendar with activities such as pottery workshops, craft fairs and lots more. You can download a copy of our events programme by clicking on Leaflets and Brochures at the top right of this page. In the Visitor Centre you will find the gift shop which stocks a variety of locally crafted gifts from jewellery, toys and games, handbags, scarves, books, stationery and wildlife surveillance equipment.
Enjoy quality coffee and food, whilst taking in the spectacular views over the Humber Estuary at Honey Pot Café located within the centre, with outside decked seating area in the summer (open till 3.30pm daily). The Honey Pot Café is a privately owned and managed café within the Visitor Centre.
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Humber Bridge
Highlight • Monument
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Barton Old Cement Works Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
The Site Layout
As you enter the site today (the main western entrance) you are walking down what was the original railway line through the site to the jetty (which has all-but washed away now). This line linked the cement plant with the New Cliff chalk quarry just to the south-west of the site and the clay pits which were behind the site. This railway line was a three-foot gauge and the first locomotive used was named Adamant, after the cement brand (it was originally called Isabella). To the west of this path are the remains of what was probably the cement storage area, passing from the main kiln structure to the east. To the north of the site is the remains of the wharf, where the sloops would have been loaded to deliver the cement. Behind this are the remains of the cement bins. Behind the cement bins well hidden in the undergrowth lie more ruins which may well have been to do with slurry preparation. Halfway along the path you came in on is the entrance to the main body of the site. You will immediately notice four large brick structures with a fifth smaller one just to the north. The four large brick structures (the furthest two looking like a brick Stonehenge structure) are the piers which would have supported the rotary kiln, and somewhere round here should be the remains of chimney stack. The largest one in the centre would have accommodated both a support tyre and the kiln's drive gear. The smaller pier to the north carried the main drive-shaft of the kiln which would have connected with the motor which is probably the ruins to the east of this structure. Following the path to the south east you will come across a little well, where the water for the cement manufacturing process came from. Next you will find another brick structure. Just behind this brick structure is another rather long brick structure, probably over 180 foot long, and mostly hidden. This would have been a row of kilns, with arches underneath acting as "draw-holes", spaced around 18 foot apart. There would have been about ten of these. These would have linked to the four pier structures you have just passed and the chimney base were you first entered. There are more ruins dotted around the site which are still a mystery.
cementkilns.co.uk/cement_kiln_barton.html
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Julian's Bower Turf Maze
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
Bridge closed completely, April 2025. To cross the river you need to go to South Ferriby.
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The River Ancholme is a tributary of the Humber. It rises at Ancholme Head, a spring just north of the village of Ingham and west of the Roman Road, Ermine Street. It flows east and then north to Bishopbridge, west of Market Rasen, where it is joined by the Rase.
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Horkstow Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Ancholme near the village of Horkstow in North Lincolnshire. It was designed by Sir John Rennie as part of the River Ancholme Drainage Scheme, completed in 1836, and is a Grade II* listed building.
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Julian Bower is a great example of a well preserved turf maze with its sunken form demonstrating its great age. It is thought that the maze was cut by Spalding Priory before 1220. It is one of few surviving turf mazed believed to be from the medieval period.
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Great walks around the Humber bridge area and a great cafe on the South side of the bridge! However, this is not a landmark of HULL!!! It is a landmark of the Humber estuary and the surrounding area.
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Julian's Bower is a name which was given to turf mazes in several different parts of England. Only one of this name still exists, here at Alkborough in North Lincolnshire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I visit in Appleby?
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.
Are there any natural attractions or scenic spots near Appleby?
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.
What cultural events or unique points of interest are there in Appleby?
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.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near 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.
Are there family-friendly attractions in 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.
Where can I find local produce or unique shopping experiences in Appleby?
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.
What are some notable architectural features in Appleby?
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.
Can I find good viewpoints or scenic vistas near Appleby?
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.
What are the most popular attractions according to the komoot community?
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.
Are there any historical industrial sites to explore near Appleby?
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.
What is the best way to explore the Eden Valley around Appleby?
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.
What is the Appleby Hub and what does it offer?
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.
Most popular attractions around Appleby
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