View from on top of the Keep
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Appleby Castle

4.2
·489 reviews·, United Kingdom

A 900-year-old castle hotel offering a magical stay, rich history, and stunning views of the Eden Valley.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy the views before crowds

CrowdLow
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View from on top of the Keep

Appleby Castle

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy the views before crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 900-year-old castle hotel offering a magical stay, rich history, and stunning views of the Eden Valley.

4.2
(489 reviews)

"My family and I had the incredible opportunity to spend a night in the State Suite at Appleby Castle, and it was truly an unforgettable experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🏰 Authentic Castle Experience

Stay in the main castle for a truly authentic experience; some cottages may need maintenance.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Eden Valley

Hike trails in the Eden Valley, just a short drive from the castle.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 489 reviews

Type

Hotel

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Norman Keep

The Norman Keep

Norman Centre

One of the country's only intact Norman Keeps, offering incredible views of the Eden Valley.

Lady Anne Clifford's Legacy

Lady Anne Clifford's Legacy

Throughout the Castle

Explore the castle rebuilt by Lady Anne Clifford, a testament to her resilience and fight for inheritance.

Fairytale Castle Stays

Fairytale Castle Stays

Castle Hotel

Experience a unique stay in a 12th-century castle, offering an authentic and memorable escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for the Best Experience

While Appleby Castle offers a magical stay, some reviews mention issues with maintenance in certain areas. Booking a tour or a stay in the main castle suites is recommended for a more polished experience. Consider checking recent reviews for updates on any ongoing renovations.

Embrace the History, Skip the TV

Many rooms at Appleby Castle don't have TVs, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the 900-year history. If you're a history buff, this is a huge plus! For those who need connectivity, confirm amenities when booking.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy the views before crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer visitors, more history
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings for dinner
Why
Live music & great food
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Appleby Castle, westmorland #castles #tictok #english #drone #fyp #photography #travel #dji
@south_wales_drones
31 likes • 593 views

🏰 Authentic Castle Experience

Stay in the main castle for a truly authentic experience; some cottages may need maintenance. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Eden Valley

Hike trails in the Eden Valley, just a short drive from the castle. TikTok

Appleby Castle has stood for 900 years, but its greatest story is Lady Anne Clifford. Against custom, courts and kings, she fought for her inheritance — and won. She rebuilt Appleby as her home and her monument, a fortress of stone and resilience. #HistoryTok #ApplebyCastle #Historytime #HiddenHistory #BritishHistory
@the.history.fox
127 likes • 1.8K views
This castle could be yours for only £250,000 a 2 bedroom apartment in a scenic tranquil area ⛰️🏡🍃 #applebywestmoreland #lakedistrict #thelakes #forsale #luxuryhomes #luxuryapartment #ukhomes #homedecor #homerenovation #realestate #rentalproperty #housetour #housesforsaleuk #luxuryrealestate #apartmenttour #interiordesion
@ruby.estates
147 likes • 5.6K views

👑 Meet the Owner

The owner's personal touch can make stays feel extra special and welcoming. Reddit

🍽️ Dinner is Worth It

Enjoy enjoyable dinners, with live music adding to the atmosphere. Reddit

Come with us our stay at Appleby castle 🥾🏰🌲#fyp #fypageシ #explore #adventure #f
@worththewalk0
15 likes • 322 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🏰 Authentic Castle Experience

Stay in the main castle for a truly authentic experience; some cottages may need maintenance. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Eden Valley

Hike trails in the Eden Valley, just a short drive from the castle. TikTok

👑 Meet the Owner

The owner's personal touch can make stays feel extra special and welcoming. Reddit

🍽️ Dinner is Worth It

Enjoy enjoyable dinners, with live music adding to the atmosphere. Reddit

🚫 No TV in Rooms

Embrace the history; rooms often lack TVs, encouraging a digital detox. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(489 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Appleby Castle offers a magical and authentic historical experience, with many praising its rich history, friendly staff, and enjoyable dining. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies in maintenance and cleanliness in certain areas, particularly in cottages, which can detract from the overall stay.

"We had a magically stay for 2-nights. Lovely team running the castle - friendly, helpful, and caring for the property they run. Breakfast and dinner were very enjoyable - worth a vist for dinner alone, with live music.
The history of the castle is clear, great to walk down the corridors and up the stairs. History all around. The keep was great to visit and the view is worth it up top. Good clear history of the castle available to learn about in the keep.
The room - the bedroom was lovely and had everything. No tv, but not needed. The bathroom wasn't great. It let down the experience. It felt like it could have some with some maintenance. Shower gels were empty. No housekeeping but we only stayed two-nights so not too bothered.
Would stay again but not more than 2-nights. For history loves - just go for it and book!"

Charles Bailey

"Great location and building, but the cottage was very very run down and not very clean. The place was absolutely full of spiders, at least 20 in the front room alone which was terrifying. The sound on the TV didn’t work, no proper pans to cook with and we were kept up all night by the noisy cottage next door. I wouldn’t stay again, shame for such a beautiful building!"

B1234

"A Magical Night in History

My family and I had the incredible opportunity to spend a night in the State Suite at Appleby Castle, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the warm hospitality - meeting the owner personally made our stay feel even more special and welcoming.

The castle itself is absolutely stunning and impeccably maintained. Staying in the State Suite felt like stepping back in time, yet with all the modern comforts needed for a comfortable night’s rest. The historical atmosphere was perfectly preserved, giving our children an amazing chance to experience living history firsthand.

What made the experience even more memorable was exploring the castle grounds and wandering through the charming village nearby. The kids were fascinated by every corner, and as parents, we loved watching them discover and engage with the rich history surrounding us.

The attention to detail in maintaining both the castle and the rooms is evident throughout. It’s clear that great care is taken to preserve this magnificent piece of history while ensuring guests have a wonderful stay.

We’re incredibly grateful to the owner for this unique experience.

Thank you ☺️"

Hassan Aldarbesti

What People Like

Magical historical atmosphere
Friendly and caring staff
Enjoyable dining with music

What People Dislike

Inconsistent maintenance
Cleanliness issues in cottages
Some areas need updates

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Appleby Castle is located in Cumbria, England. It's approximately 20 minutes from the Lake District. While public transport options exist, many visitors find driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the Eden Valley and surrounding areas. TikTok

Parking information can be inconsistent. Some sources suggest it costs £5 for the day, while others indicate it might be free. It's advisable to check directly with the castle or look for signage upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Appleby Castle for tours and to explore the grounds. However, be aware that access to certain facilities like toilets might be restricted if there's a private event or shoot happening. Reddit

The nearest major transport hubs would likely be in larger cities like Carlisle or Penrith, from where you can arrange onward travel to Appleby. Consider train or bus services to Appleby town. TikTok

While the castle is a historical site, accessibility can be a concern. The Norman Keep, for example, involves stairs. It's best to contact the castle directly to inquire about specific accessibility for tours and accommodations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees can vary. Some visitors have reported being charged for entry to the grounds. It's recommended to check the official Appleby Castle website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing for tours and access. Reddit

Opening times for tours can vary, especially depending on private events or ongoing renovations. It's best to consult the official Appleby Castle website or call ahead to confirm tour availability and times. TikTok

Online booking is often available and recommended, especially during peak seasons. Some visitors have encountered issues with QR code bookings, so having a printed ticket or confirming via phone might be wise. Reddit

Following the castle's social media accounts, like @applebycastle on Instagram, might provide information on deals and news. Keep an eye out for special offers or packages. TikTok

Admission typically grants access to explore the historical parts of the castle, including the Norman Keep. However, specific inclusions can change, so it's wise to clarify what's covered when purchasing your ticket. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the historic Norman Keep with its stunning views, walk through corridors steeped in 900 years of history, and learn about Lady Anne Clifford's legacy. The castle grounds also offer opportunities for exploration. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, children can be fascinated by the castle's history and atmosphere. The grounds might offer a play area, and the experience of staying in a real castle is often a hit with younger visitors. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Appleby Castle operates as a hotel, offering stays in its historic rooms and suites. It's a unique opportunity for a fairytale getaway. TikTokReddit+1

Appleby Castle boasts a rich history spanning 900 years, with significant connections to Lady Anne Clifford, who fought to reclaim her inheritance and rebuilt the castle. It has endured battles and stands as a testament to resilience. TikTok+1

Guided tours are often available and highly recommended to fully appreciate the castle's history and stories. Check the castle's website or inquire upon arrival for tour schedules. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Appleby Castle offers dining experiences, including breakfast and dinner. The food is generally considered enjoyable, and dinner is particularly recommended, sometimes featuring live music. Reddit

Yes, the castle offers afternoon tea, providing a delightful way to experience its historic ambiance. It's a popular option for visitors looking for a more relaxed indulgence. TikTok

Lunch options might be limited or unavailable if there are private events. Some visitors have been directed to the town for lunch when facilities within the castle were closed. Reddit

While specific menu details aren't widely available, most dining establishments in the UK are increasingly catering to dietary needs. It's best to inquire directly with the castle's dining staff about available options. Reddit

Booking a table for dinner is highly recommended, especially if you wish to enjoy the live music. This ensures you secure a spot and can plan your evening accordingly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Norman Keep offers panoramic views of the Eden Valley, making it a prime photography location. Drone shots can capture the castle's grandeur from above. TikTok+1

Photography is generally permitted inside the castle, allowing you to capture the historic architecture and ambiance. However, always be mindful of any specific restrictions or private events. TikTok

The castle is beautiful year-round. Autumn offers stunning colors, while winter can provide a dramatic, atmospheric backdrop. Summer mornings offer good light for exploring the grounds. TikTok

While drone footage exists, it's crucial to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over private property like Appleby Castle. TikTok

Appleby Castle is ideal for historical photography, architectural shots, and landscape photography, especially from the Keep. It also offers a unique backdrop for portraiture. TikTok

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