iKnow Lake District
- Alston
- Appleby in Westmorland
- Carlisle
- Hadrians Wall
- Kirkby Stephen
- Near Carlisle
- Near Penrith
- Around Shap
Appleby in Westmorland Accommodation
St Lawrence Church, Appleby. Home of the oldest organ!
The Oldest Organ in England, in St Lawrences, Appleby
Appleby Main Street, lined with superb inns and pubsAppleby in Westmoreland Cumbria Tourist Information
Two words come to mind on a visit to ancient market town Appleby, idyllic and charming, and real ale pubs supreme, fantastic. Appleby was once the County Town of Westmorland, and has many buildings of historic interest. This Eden Valley beauty spot is also conveniently a stop on the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, so easily accessible both by rail and just a quick hop over from the M6.
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)
