Appleby in Westmoreland Cumbria Tourist Information

Appleby in Westmoreland

We'll get onto the castle in a moment!!, but why not start at St Lawrence Church. Parts of this church date from the 12th century, with mish-mash sections being rebuilt and restored through the 14th, 17th, 18th & 19th centuries.

Check out the superb organ which was a gift to Appleby town from Carlisle Cathedral in 1683. This organ is thought to be the oldest organ still being played in the country. Also inside the North Chapel is the Black Marble Monument of Lady Anne Clifford (she owned Appleby Castle for a time and restored it in the 17th century). Lady Anne's coffin lies in a vault under the large stone slab which has iron rings on it! It looks spooky, honest!

For recreation and outdoor activities Appleby has much to offer on the contemporary scene. There's a large gold course, a cricket pitch, a bowling green and playgrounds. Appleby is also close to the Cumberland Way, the Westmorland Way, the Pennine Way and Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk, so it's a perfect base for walkers wishing to explore this beautiful North Pennine backdrop.

Appleby Castle is still closed to the public and news of when and if it might be reopening has not been forthcoming unfortunately. Check with Appleby Tourist Information for the latest details. Roll on the day when this splendid castle dating from 1092 with it's superbly intact keep and 17th century dwelling house reopens, along with the 25 acres of idyllic parklands surrounds! Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby, Cumbria CA16 6XE, Tel: 017683 51177 Open every day through Spring to late Autumn and mornings plus 10am to 3pm Fri & Sat during Winter (not Sundays)

• Appleby-in-Westmorland Acommodation
• Hotels in Appleby in Westmorland
• Appleby in Westmorland B&B

The Fellsman Steam Railway, Settle to Carlisle Line

Great news for steam railway fans, particularly the historic 'Settle to Carlisle' line, is that from high summer 2009 steam trains will run every Wednesday along this famous railway route.

A variety of steam engines will be used for the return journey including the LMS Royal Scot Class 46115 'Scots Guardsman' and more good news is that pick ups now depart from Lancaster, Preston, Bamber Bridge, Blackburn and Clitheroe.

The all-inclusive return journey travels for 260 miles through some of Britain's most spectacular scenery, taking in the famous Victorian arched Ribblehead viaduct. Time is also available for sightseeing at either Carlisle or Appleby.

For more details on train times departing from Lancaster, Preston, Bamber Bridge, Blackburn and Clitheroe see the Fellsman website link right, which also gives more information on this famous railway line. Tickets are very reasonably priced and great value family tickets are also available. Discounts apply if you book online.