The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.2 / 5 · 523 reports TICKETED

Appleby Castle

Cumbria, England


Appleby Castle
Appleby Castle, further view Appleby Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Appleby Castle Hotel (private)
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed
Stays
Overnight accommodation available

Pinpoint

Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6XH

Telephone 017683 30318

Website www.applebycastle.org

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 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.

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 · 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.

Castle hotel plus daily keep/grounds tours

“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

Further reading

Look Inside a Castle cover book
Look Inside a Castle

Conrad Mason

Find it on Amazon
model-kit
UGears - Hogwarts Castle mechanical wooden model (340pc)

Currently-sold mechanical wooden 3D model kit, 340 parts.

Find it on Amazon
book
See Inside Castles

Katie Daynes & David Hancock

Find it on Amazon