Welcome to Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria

Appleby-in-Westmorland lies in a loop of the river Eden and is overlooked by the Pennine range with the Lake District Fells showing on the western horizon, just a few miles away . Appleby is also only 2 miles  from the Western Dales extension in the Yorkshire Dales National park so is an ideal base for a touring holiday. 

The town is the starting point for many dozens of walks over the surrounding fell countryside and along the river eden.

It has kept its old world charm and the people of Appleby are amongst the friendliest you can find. With Castle and Keep at the brow of the main street and the town at its foot, it seems as if time has stood still. A walk up Boroughgate can transport you back into Medieval England, while the charm of the riverside walk provides an opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the countryside within five minutes of the town centre.

Appleby has not been swamped by tourism so visitors will find that all the town’s facilities are available to them.

Everyone is welcome here and all the hotels and guest houses do their utmost to make one’s stay as enjoyable as possible.

There are also a lot of pleasant countryside around and about, ideal for a few hours walk or an evening stroll. You can find more information our walking page – or you can just pick up a map and get going.

Appleby developed as the market town of Westmorland after the Norman Conquest, having a strategic position in the Eden valley. It is a picturesque market town with a great deal of interest and charm.

Appleby’s uncommonly wide main street, Boroughgate, has been described as one of the finest in England. It runs from the north end, by the cloisters which were designed by Sir Robert Smirke in 1811, to the south end, by the Castle entrance.

At the north end is the Moot Hall, with a plaque above the door dated 1596. The Moot Hall is the home of the Town Council where the Town Clerk’s office is situated on the first floor next to the ancient meeting chamber where the Council still holds its meetings. On the ground floor is the Tourist Information Centre and exhibition room. The beginning and end of Boroughgate is marked by the ‘Low Cross’ and the ‘High Cross’.  The High Cross bears the inscription ‘Retain your loyalty, preserve your rights’, and dates from the 17th Century. The Low Cross is an 18th Century copy. The avenue of mature lime trees, planted in the 1870’s is flanked by well-kept properties dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

In 2020 Appleby In Westmorland was recognised as an Honorary Quidditch Town as the home of Appleby Arrows , in celebration of the new Illustrated Edition of JK Rowlings Quidditch throughout the ages , an essential companion to the Harry Potter series and guide on the wizards favourite sport.  Harry Potter fans will find the banner presented to the town outside the Tourist Information Centre.

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