Appleby Castle
Cumbria, England
Photo: Stephen Craven, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Richard Nevell, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chris Hills from Preston, England, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Appleby Castle Hotel (private)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Appleby, 0.5 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Castle hotel plus daily keep/grounds tours
Pinpoint
Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6XH
Telephone 017683 30318
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
A 900-year-old castle in the Eden Valley, run as a small hotel by an owner reviewers describe as genuinely hands-on and knowledgeable about the building's history. Daily tours of the keep and grounds run alongside the overnight stays, so day visitors get a look too.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The keep and grounds tour, led in person by the owners - reviewers say the history comes from people who clearly know and love the place, not a recorded script.
Before you go
Reviewers who stayed note the owner and estate manager are happy to share the history in depth if you ask - it's worth engaging rather than just wandering, since much of the best information here is spoken, not on boards.
What visitors say
Appleby Castle reviews · 4.2 / 5 across 523 Google reviews
All the available reviews for Appleby Castle are highly positive, with guests praising the attentive, personable owner and staff, the quirky historic rooms, and the quality of the food, including live piano music during dinner.
The only mild criticism is that the grounds could use some further upkeep, though reviewers still felt the stay was worth every penny.
“What an amazing opportunity to stay in a 900 year old castle. Sally the owner was very attentive and informative and Peter the manager was on hand to help with any of our needs. We had booked to stay for 2 nights, bed…”- sharron hammett, visitor review
Weddings at Appleby Castle
Appleby Castle is on our wedding roll because Appleby Castle Hotel (private) mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in England, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
Ranulf le Meschin · early 12th century
Ranulf le Meschin founded Appleby Castle in the early 12th century, with its characteristic stone keep (Caesar's Tower) constructed around 1170. The Clifford family acquired it in 1264 and held it for nearly 400 years. After Parliamentarian forces partially dismantled it during the Civil War, Lady Anne Clifford undertook substantial restoration in 1651–53.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Common questions about Appleby Castle
Where is Appleby Castle?
Appleby Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6XH.
Do you need a ticket to visit Appleby Castle?
Yes - Appleby Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Appleby Castle Hotel (private). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Appleby Castle?
Yes - Appleby Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Appleby Castle?
The keep and grounds tour, led in person by the owners - reviewers say the history comes from people who clearly know and love the place, not a recorded script.
Is Appleby Castle a ruin or still intact?
Appleby Castle is largely intact - Castle hotel plus daily keep/grounds tours.
