Things To Do
Appleby offers tranquil river walks, many cafes and restaurants, some unique shops like the Colour Makers House and beautiful ancient architecture like the Courtyard Gallery.
Left is a full calendar of events for you to enjoy from live music to cricket matches including major events like Appleby Horse Fair and the Appleby Agricultural Show.
Use our Eden Valley events service for a wider view of what's on in Eden Valley.
Left is a full calendar of events for you to enjoy from live music to cricket matches including major events like Appleby Horse Fair and the Appleby Agricultural Show.
Use our Eden Valley events service for a wider view of what's on in Eden Valley.
General Markets
Appleby
Market, every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Held on Boroughgate between Low Cross and The Moot.
Cumbrian Castles
Appleby Castle: The history of Appleby Castle reaches back to Roman times when a fort existed on the site to protect the crossing over the River Eden. An excavation in the 1960’s revealed the remains of a Roman Well in the basement of the Castle. The Keep is one of the few intact Norman Keeps in Great Britain and at over 900 years old is the oldest part of Appleby Castle. Built by Ranulf Le Meschin, the Norman keep is now one of the only centres in the UK that is dedicated to educating on the Norman Age.
Family Fun
South Lakes Safari Zoo: The zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible to experience the amazing creatures with which we share our planet. Wander amongst kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Be amazed as free-flying macaws soar overhead. Participate in animal feeding experiences or be a zookeeper for a day.
Grizedale Forest: Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest. Adrenaline junkies should head to the Treetop Challenge or Zip Trekking Adventure if seriously high-level tree-top crossings and incredible zip wire flights get your pulse quickening.
Treetop Nets: Bounce, slide and explore your way along this unique adventure set high up in the trees of Windermere. Treetop Nets will see you enjoying 1-2 hours of bouncy fun, with ball parks, a crawl tunnel, super-fast slides and aerial walkways to get stuck into. This family-friendly activity under the tree canopy is the perfect option for mini-adventurers and parents who want a guaranteed early night.
Must See
St. Anne's Appleby: Through an arched stoned doorway is a cobbled courtyard surrounded by brightly coloured doorways of the quaint houses. When Lady Anne Clifford was living at Appleby Castle, during the 17th Century, she became concerned with the welfare of the poor widows of the town. So, she had these alms houses built in 1651. Enough for 12 Sisters and a Mother.
Appleby Cricket Grounds: There's nothing as British as the sight and sound of cricket being played on a warm summer's afternoon. You can watch matches from the many riverside benches or from the pavilion with a cool drink from its bar.
The Courtyard Gallery: Hidden down a passageway off Boroughgate is a cafe and art gallery which boasts one of the town's oldest buildings. A stone in the courtyard reads 1677. The cafe is a delightful place to relax between your adventures in Appleby.
Appleby Horse Fair: Held every year in early June the fair attracts visitors from all over Europe. It's a rare opportunity to see traditional horse drawn bowtops and horses being ridden and washed in the River Eden.
