Appleby Castle & The Norman Centre

Appleby Castle is a unique 4-star castle hotel on the edge of the Lake District, set in the peaceful Eden Valley in Cumbria. Just a short drive from Ullswater in the northern Lake District, the Castle offers the perfect base for exploring the Lakes while enjoying space, tranquillity and a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Guests stay in one of 12 individually styled period bedrooms within the Castle or in three self-contained cottages in the Inner Bailey, combining historic character with comfort and privacy.

After a day walking, sightseeing or exploring the Lake District, return to relax in the 15th-century dining room and enjoy dinner in a setting steeped in history, often accompanied by live piano to create a warm and memorable atmosphere. The restaurant also welcomes non-resident guests, subject to availability.

Appleby Castle offers a rare experience — the opportunity to stay, dine and unwind within a historic castle while enjoying the comfort and personal hospitality of a small, distinctive hotel.

Appleby Castle is more than a historic hotel — it is a living historic estate shaped by nearly a thousand years of recorded history and set within the natural landscape of the Eden Valley, where red squirrels, hedgehogs and a rich variety of wildlife are regularly seen. Founded as a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress, the Castle shows the evolution of Norman military engineering from an early timber Keep rebuilt in stone to the defensive walls, ramparts and baileys that survive today. The Keep, now home to The Norman Centre, is one of only three complete and intact Norman keeps in the country.

Visitors, school groups and organised tours can explore the grounds and Norman Keep throughout the year, with guided tours often including a traditional afternoon tea. Dining is available for residents and day visitors, and the River Eden runs through the estate where the Castle holds private fishing rights. Seasonal events and heritage experiences take place year-round — please see our Events page for details. Together, these experiences offer a rare opportunity to explore a nationally significant historic site that continues to be lived in and enjoyed today.