Appleby tourist guide (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Appleby tourist guide

11:01am Tuesday 17th April 2007

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THE former county town of Westmorland is a traditional market town and a haven for visitors.

Appleby offers beautiful walks along the side of the River Eden.

For train enthusiasts, the Settle-to-Carlisle railway line also stops off at the town, where the traditional station has been kept in first class condition for the many visitors who arrive by the chartered steam trains as well as regular loco service.

The town is renowned around the world for the annual New Horse Fair in June when gypsies and travellers make their way to the historic Fair Hill, where they have traded and raced their horses for more than 300 years.

Appleby is steeped in history. The picturesque centre, with the Cloisters and St Lawrence's Parish Church at the bottom and Norman Castle at the top, has remained unchanged for generations. St Lawrence's has one of the oldest-surviving organs in the country.

The Grammar School was attended by the half brothers of George Washington, first President of the USA.

You can see the almhouses, originally built for 13 poor widows of the Castle Estate by Lady Anne Clifford.

Known as St Anne's Hospital, the almshouses are still maintained by the trust endowed by Lady Anne Clifford.

There are also other unique festivities, like the rushbearing services still held in the villages of Great Musgrave and Warcop, or the outstanding Jazz and Music Festival held every August.

Appleby remains a market town, with a small open-air market opposite the Cloisters every Saturday and indoor Friday market.

The Town Trail is now available with interactive, hand-held media, to guide you around the main attractions of the town centre, including St Anne's Hospital, Appleby Almshouses, the Moot Hall, St Lawrence's Church and Shire Halls.

Appleby Golf course provides magnificent scenery in which to play the game.

Appleby Exhibition centre in the Moot Hall has year-round exhibitions of local talent and interest.

Appleby War Memorial Swimming Pool, on the site of the old outdoor lido, features a new, modern pool and gym which were developed with money raised by local people.

Goldworthy Sheepfolds indoor exhibition is open at Appleby Heritage Centre, exploring the largest outdoor art project ever undertaken.

For more information...

Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby 017683 51177 or www.appleby.uk.net.