The Best Things to Do in Appleby

Dating back to Roman times, Appleby has a rich history and is famously recognised for its annual horse fair which has been held since the 1600s. Viking settlers were drawn to the rich grazing lands around the river for the first settlements, where the Normans built the first castle at a high vantage point in the 11th century. The town's historical charm derives from Appleby castle which overlooks the town where once Lady Anne Clifford resided and where many battles, conflicts, and wars have taken place. 

Overlooked by the Pennine range with the Lake District Fells on the western horizon, Appleby is an alluring and historical town definitely worth exploring. ozing in history and fascinating facts, it may be difficult to decide what to do in the area. To guide you to the top attractions, we have created a list of our 5 favourites of 2024 to uncover Appleby’s hidden treasures. 

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Appleby Castle 

One of the few preserved Norman Keeps in the UK, Appleby Castle is one of the top attractions to visit in 2024. Having hosted various Kings and Queens in its time, the castle is most famously known as the home place of  Lady Anne Clifford who fought for her father’s estate. Lady Anne was a patron of literature and is known for her many letters. 

The castle is the gateway to Eden Valley and has luxurious accommodation that you can now spend a night in. With 12 stylish rooms and 3 cottages, you can relax like Lady Anne once did in her fascinating home, while using the castle facilities including the 1454 great hall, a games room, and beautiful gardens. Throughout the summer you can witness a history tour of the castle which is held daily, alongside watching the castle’s variety of special events. This includes its open-air theatre and battle reenactments, entertainment for the whole family. Exclusively, the castle owns fishing rights to both sides of the River Eden, a prime fishing territory for Salmon and Trout. Appleby Castle’s rich history, incredible architectural features, and notable past inhabitants make it a captivating destination for visitors of all ages. 

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Appleby Horse Fair

Considerably the most unique thing to do in the Lake District, the annual Appleby Horse Fair originates in the 1600s and has continued over the centuries to this day. Thought to be the biggest in Europe, the fair is commonly associated with the traveller community. However, the fair attracts a significant number of non-travellers who come to experience the vibrant atmosphere, equestrian events, and cultural exchange. The horses are gathered and washed in the river in the centre of town and trotted up and down the flashing lane. The fair also has an amazing market across the weekend selling a variety of goods including traditional and hand-crafted gifts associated with the fair. There are also plenty of traditional activities to watch, admire, and take part in, making it a great opportunity to do something you have never done before. 

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Appleby Hub

Run locally by a charity organisation, the Appleby Hub is a community centre in the heart of Appleby. The centre is a fantastic venture and is available for all interests, ages, and abilities with the main focus on creativity and individual wellbeing. It is the funkiest converted church in town with a plethora of activities and classes for everyone to partake in. Inside, the church features a climbing wall that holds open climbing sessions for everyone in the family. Every month the hub also holds a Hubcraft fair, with free entry. This is a vibrant showcase for local artists, food producers, creative craft-makers, and many others. Here you will enjoy a fun-filled day with so much to do and see with your family, in an amazing location. Arguably the best part about the place is the Hub cafe presenting hearty, wholesome artisan food based around local produce. The cafe has an extremely talented team who work to craft incredible daily specials as well as their famous delectable chutneys. It would be a shame to miss out on this creative, family-orientated hub. 

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Town Walk

A mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns, and sandstone villages, Appleby has many beautiful walking routes. When you are unsure what route to take, the Moot Hall in the town provides maps and walking leaflets to guide you to different locations and walks to plan your perfect, serene day. On some of the routes you can spot magnificent wildlife like red deer and woodland creatures. However, for a day of wholesome shopping and eating in a unique town, a recommended walk is through the streets of the town of Appleby. A town that has avoided almost all chain stores and mainstream shops, Appleby offers independent and quality cafes, restaurants, and shops selling all things locally produced. For Harry Potter fans, the Cupboard under the Stairs shop sells crafted Harry Potter items and is a great experience. The town also has an award-winning renowned Creamery which manufactures a variety of delicious cheeses which you will stumble across on your walk. A small town that beams with fascinating and independent shops where you will find items unique to Appleby is definitely worth visiting. 

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St Lawrence’s Church

Definitely worth a stop on your trip, St Lawrence’s Church is a grade 1 listed building of a late 12th-century foundation. The church is light and spacious with captivating architecture, spectacular stained glass windows, and magnificent memorials. The oldest part of the church is the lower part of the tower. One of the main fascinating draws to the church for musicians and historians in particular is the oldest working English organ in existence. The church is still an active Anglican parish church that holds services for everyone to attend. Lady Anne Clifford is also buried here. It is a beautifully constructed building illustrating the town’s rich heritage and a glimpse into Appleby’s development over the centuries. 

Appleby is a town complete with history and character, alongside peaceful, serene vibes ready to be soaked in. Offering unique cultural experiences, picturesque views hidden in the Eden Valley, and stories that captivate centuries of development and victory, Appleby is a must-visit location in 2024. Our list of top attractions and things to do in Appleby captures the quaint atmosphere, charismatic features, and charm of a wonderful Cumbrian town ready to be explored.