The idyllic and charming quintessential market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is nestled within the beautiful Eden Valley. Furthermore, its geographical location means that it is ideally situated for those with a penchant for walking holidays. The Cumberland Way, the Westmorland Way and the Pennine Way provide ample opportunity for those who wish to leave the car behind in search of fantastic scenery and fresh air midst the backdrop of the North Pennines. Needless to say, it wouldn’t be Cumbria if there was no mention of Wainwright, and for the more adventurous ramblers there is the challenge of the Coast to Coast walk, and Appleby provides an ideal stopping off point where thirsty walkers can take advantage of the town’s real ale pubs.
With ancient lime trees on the banks of the River Eden, the historic main street of Boroughgate is marked at one end by a Gothic arcade which leads to the 12th Century St Lawrence Church, and at the top of the hill by the Norman castle which takes its name from the town. The church boasts the oldest organ currently playing in the country and is the resting place of Lady Anne Clifford. Unfortunately, the castle which dates back to 1192, is not currently open to the public but it provides a superb backdrop to the town of Appleby. The age of the town is reflected by the various styles of architecture, ranging from Jacobean to Georgian to Victorian, which characterise the streets of Appleby.
In keeping with tradition, the nearby Fair Hill (formerly Gallows Hill for obvious reasons) hosts the annual horse fair which dates back to 1685. Held every June, the fair remains one of the largest in the world and as such is of international renown. Romany families from all over the world meet up for what is a week long spectacle of horse trading and racing along the banks of the Eden.
Of the more historically famous of the town’s inhabitants are former Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger and Earl Grey, the man whose tea still bears his name.