Appleby Castle

Didn't stay at the hotel, just visited the Norman keep. Lovely old building has lots of information inside to tell it's tale. Can go all the way to the top of the keep, but beware of low ceilings and the spiral staircases. Moat walk is also lovely. Nice piece of history that is still accessible. No tearoom or toilets, but Appleby town centre is very close to the castle and there are plenty of amenities there. Just a quick note - to access the keep you need to go into the hotel reception and register your presence

Stayed here on spec, and looking forward to staying again. Great surroundings, great room, wonderful welcome and superb atmosphere. I strongly recommend dining here if you stay - splendid food. If you want average, pedestrian accommodation it's probably not for you. If you want highly atmospheric and unique lodging then by all means give it a whirl - you'll not be disappointed.

My husband arranged this as a much needed child free get away suprise. We arrived to not a soul in sight....not complaining ha ha,we had a leisurely stroll around the beautiful grounds until the lady of the house explained we were a little early to check in and recommended a lovely little pub for a drink. had a lovely chatter with her on the walk into Appleby. We booked to eat in said pub and took a stroll back up to the castle for check in. The gentleman who checked us in was lovely, very knowledgeable about our surroundings and showed us key areas, advised there would be a pianist on the evening during dinner. After settling in we decided that we would stay at the castle for dinner, after all where else can you experience this? The four poster bed was absolutly devine, we fell asleep and then needed to get up for dinner, whoops. The dinner, wow, did not disappointed, generous portions along with honesty and the pianist, was in fact our bar tender, server, receptionist and historian, and a very talented one at that. picture candlelit dinner, logs on the fire, hearty food and all accompanied by the piano. perfect. After dinner we settled in the room next door infront of another fire and just sat with our own thoughts until the fire went out, I could see me sitting there all day with a book but alas it was only one night stay for us. I slept like I have never slept before, awoke only just in time for our booked time for brekkie, this was served in the bigger hall and was a full English and every bit was lovely. There was no pressure to check out, we booked to go into the Norman keep and stood looking for miles around. we even had this pretty much to ourselves! There were hidden gems in every turn, I truly did not want to leave but we had to return back for our little ones. Would recommend to anyone, but be mindful it is a castle! Thank you for the experience.