Appleby-in-Westmorland Cottages

This little sandstone town in Cumbria’s Eden Valley, Appleby centres on the historic Boroughgate, an ancient street full of history. The surrounding Eden Valley is snuggled between the Lake District Fells and the hardy Pennine moorlands. Much quieter than the Lake District, you’ll enjoy spellbinding landscapes and solitude. From here you can explore waterfalls, historic sandstone villages and natural wonders like High Cup Nick, an epic U-shaped valley. 

Interesting fact: The River Eden is the only one in England to flow northwards. It is also tracked by the world-famous Settle-Carlisle Railway – a great place to visit for the day and take a steam train in beautiful surroundings. Why not catch a train south towards Settle and just enjoy the scenery as you cross the magnificent Ribblehead viaduct, 400 metres long and 30 metres high.

The prettiest and most historic street – Boroughgate, runs parallel to the Eden, with High Cross at the top of the hill, sloping down to Low Cross at the bottom to the gateway to St Lawrence’s Church. Here you’ll find cosy pubs, shops and cafes to wander around and enjoy all found in ancient buildings, some dating back to the 16^th Century.

Nearby is Appleby Castle - a 12th-century keep and mansion, which is now a hotel and wedding venue and serves afternoon teas and fine dining evenings. Once home to Lady Anne Clifford, handmaid to Queen Elizabeth 1.

Appleby sits on various national walking routes, including the 268-mile National Trail, and the Pennine Way. You’re also close to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rutter Force and High Cup Nick are both natural wonders and worth a visit and you may see red squirrels too. Appleby is also on various cycleways: Pennine Cycleway (North Pennines), 150 miles to Berwick-upon-Tweed, winding through the Eden Valley, the North Pennines and the Northumberland National Park.

The Sea-to-Sea Cycle Route (C2C) is 140 miles from the North West to the North East coast, and meanders along the Eden Valley on the way to Alston in the North Pennines.

Many of the quiet country lanes are on the National Cycle Network, where you can enjoy quaint old villages with welcoming pubs and local shops.

Book one of these delightful Appleby Cottages today with Lakelovers.