Touring and exploring Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria is a diverting and entertaining experience. This small town of about 2,500 people offers the best of classic village atmosphere available in northwest England. It is itself the county town of the historic county of Westmorland. Prior to 1974, the town was officially just “Appleby.” It sits near the River Eden, which flows through the metropolitan county Cumbria, of which the old historic county of Westmorland is now a part.
By far, the main industry in the town is tourism. Its history and remote location, especially, helps sightseers to visualize what old town life in bygone English days must have been like. The famous – and privately owned – Appleby Castle looks down upon the town. It is a mostly Norman era structure in construction. Its closure in the summertime months gives the town and its environs a peaceful solitude not normally seen in tourist type locales.
There is very little industry in the region, and most residents commute to jobs elsewhere. A notable event is an annual horse fair, held every June since the 18th century. It also attracts traveling gypsies from all over Britain. There is a picturesque railway station, quaintly named the Settle-Carlisle Line. In the near distance is the Pennine Range of hills and mountains.
Its proximity to the River Eden makes sightseeing by walking around a pleasant experience. It’s literally a five minute stroll from the center of the town. There are also several fine biking or cycling routes that wind in and around Appleby. The countryside is beautiful, which makes for a memorable experience.
Cumbria, the actual county in which Appleby sits, is the third largest metropolitan county in England. It has a population of around 475,000 people, and it is marked by the mostly rural nature of its countryside. Touring and exploring Appleby-in-Westmorland and Cumbria can be a peaceful and harmonious way to see the best of small town England.
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