Appleby Castle has its roots in Roman times and is one of the few Norman castles in the UK to have been lived in continuously since its construction. The ramparts dug in 1095, the Keep, portcullis door, inner bailey walls, round tower and great hall of this motte and bailey all form the character of this relic from medieval England.
Where is Appleby Castle located?
Appleby Castle is situated at the foot of the Pennines in the county town of the ancient royal borough of Westmorland. 12 miles from junction 40 on the M6 and 28 miles from Scotch corner on the A1, Appleby is within an easy drive from Manchester or Newcastle.
What is the history of Appleby Castle to the present day?
The sites of Appleby Castle was a Roman fort or signal station. The first Norman Motte and Bailey Castle dates from 1092 with the wooden keep converted to stone in around 1110. In 1174 the King of Scotland captured Appleby: following its recapture the Keep was raised higher and a stone curtain wall replaced the wooden palisades of the first Castle. A gateway in this wall, guarded by a portcullis, stood near the stone Great Hall and may still be seen, as may a Round Tower built in around 1250 and overlooking the approach from the town. In the 1450s the eastern range of buildings was extended again, and much of this work, too, remains. Several Kings were also Lords of Appleby – Henry II, Richard I, John, and Edward IV among them. King Richard III, when Duke of Gloucester, held the whole Lordship of Westmorland in the 1470s. Other Lords of the Castle also featured in English history. Hugh de Morville was one of the four assassins of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. Robert, first Lord Clifford and former Earl Marshal and Lord High Admiral, was one of the English leaders who fell at Bannockburn.
What is there to see and do at Appleby Castle?
Visitors can stay in luxurious accommodation and experience living history in the peaceful and tranquil setting.
Dine by candle light in the 15th century dining room redecorated with oak panelling in the late 17th century. The chef has over thirty years experience cooking at various locations throughout the world.
The food is exquisite and selection of wines superb has something for everyones pallet.
Guided tours and conducted daily and last approximately one hour.
The grounds and gardens are open daily throughout the summer and are a fine example if Norman Military engineering.
Afternoon tea is available on Sunday afternoons.
Other Information
The beautiful scenery of Cumbria is just part of the allure here. Appleby Castle is on the edge of the beautiful English Lake District with a vast array of activities on offer nearby.
With some of the best walking in the UK (See High Cup Nick) Appleby Castle is the perfect retreat for rest and relaxation.
For keen golfers, Appleby Golf Course is over 100 years old with superb greens, often referred to as the Sunningdale of the North of England.
Other activities include fishing, horse riding falconry displays and much more, or for the more adventurous quad biking, paint-balling, gill scrambling or hot air ballooning.
