News Archives - Visit Appleby

Appleby’s Magna Carta

BBC News - Photo Lorin Granger/Harvard Law School A manuscript once considered an unofficial copy of Magna Carta is now believed to be a genuine version and ''one of the world's most valuable documents'', according to UK academics. Harvard Law School paid $27.50 (then about £7) for it in 1946 and for years it has remained tucked away in its library, its true identity unknown. The professors, who spent a year researching Harvard's document, believe it is from the town of Appleby, Cumbria. They think the trail from Appleby to Harvard involves the Lowth[...]

Official Opening of Appleby PLatinum Playground

The newly refurbished King George V playground was officially opened on Thursday, 20th June. Officiating at the event and cutting the ribbon was Councillor John Pape from Appleby Town Council and Alan McViety representing Appleby Rotary Club. Children from Shining Stars Nursery, Appleby Primary and Grammar Schools came to help celebrate the opening. Cllr John Pape said “Just is the result of 2 years of hardwork by the fundraising committee and with the support from the amazing local residents, organisations and businesses and the very genero[...]

Heritage Open Weekend 2023 Press Release

Appleby look part in this year’s Heritage Open Day Festival, with eight unique and fabulous venues open to the public over the weekend … and what a weekend it was … with both visitors and local residents flocking into town to explore some of our wonderful historical buildings, including three private residences that would not normally be open to the public. The visitor records for the eight venues recorded over 1,600 people through the doors, some from as far a field as Boston, Canada and Mumbai. Appleby Mayor, Pamela Davidson said “What a fabulous wee[...]

TIC Manager presented with Inspiring Eden Award

The manager of our Tourist Information Centre has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the local area. Nicola Elliot has been presented with a prestigious Inspiring Eden award for her contributions to Appleby. Chair of Eden District Council, Councillor Douglas Banks, said, “I was delighted to present the Inspiring Eden Award to Nicola as small token of our appreciation of her diligence and hard work.” Alongside championing Appleby as a place to visit, the local Tourist Information Centre – of which Nicola manages – serves as a valu[...]

MOOT HALL OPENING SUMMER 2022

On Wednesday 6th July 2022 we had the pleasure of officially opening our newly renovated Moot Hall. ‘It was great to see everyone together who have contributed towards the refurbishment of our historic Moot Hall building, including our special guests Charles Smith, Head of Investment North for Historic England and Virginia Taylor, Leader of Eden District Council, our main funders. We would also like to acknowledge the very generous donation from the Norben Charity.’ – Sue Gilbertson, Town Clerk ‘This is a significant milestone[...]

Appleby Castle Norman centre open during the summer season

An interactive experience explains the Norman occupation intertwined with the history of Appleby Castle. Visitors, families and schools can explore The Norman Centre’s 4 floors while enjoying an immersive audio experience and follow an interactive family trail. The museum will inform about the Keep’s Norman heritage and the Castle’s history dating back to Roman times. The museum features timelines, historical display boards, manikins and artefacts including limited edition reproductions of the Domesday Books. To book please visit Appleby Castle's webs[...]

Eden market town bucking national high street trend

WHILE traditional high streets across the UK are seeing shops closing and premises boarded up, a market town in the heart of the Eden Valley is experiencing a renaissance, with all independent traders opening new businesses. Local Data Company (LDC) research for accountancy firm PwC statistics show an average of 48 shops, restaurants and other leisure and hospitality venues closed permanently every day across England, Wales and Scotland last year, and only 21 opened. However, in Appleby-in-Westmorland every town centre retail unit is now occupied, with a new I[...]