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Asby

Top 6 Castles around Asby

Best castles around Asby are found in Westmorland and Furness, a region in Cumbria, England. This area is characterized by its scenic beauty, including the Eden Valley and the Vale of Mallerstang. The landscape features rolling hills and river valleys, providing a historical backdrop for its fortifications. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with several notable castle sites.

Best castles around Asby

  • The most popular castles is Pendragon Castle ruins, a castle and historical…

Last updated: October 16, 2026

Pendragon Castle ruins

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This romantic ruin, set amongst the Vale of Mallerstang’s scenic beauty, has a rich history and many associated legends. Said to have once been the fortress of Uther Pendragon of …

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Appleby-in-Westmorland

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Great base for climbing Great Dun Fell with great cafes for recovery after you have done the climb, picturesque little town as well.

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Ruins of Lammerside Castle

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These are the ruins of a 12th century building, which was subsequently rebuilt in the 14th century as a Pele tower (a small fortified tower) to protect against Scots raiders. …

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Wharton Hall

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This was a fortified house, built around 1415 by the Wharton family. The family extended the property in the mid-16th century. A deer park was established, requiring the relocation of …

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The Cumbrian market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is set in prime walker's country, nestled in the verdant Eden Valley. It is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Lake District only a …

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Popular around Asby

Tim Woodcock's Coast to Coast off-road route – Lakes, Dales and Moors

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Tim Woodcock's Coast to Coast off-road route – Lakes, Dales and Moors

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Paul W
August 12, 2024, Appleby-in-Westmorland

Nice place to take a break

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These are the ruins of a 12th century building, which was subsequently rebuilt in the 14th century as a Pele tower (a small fortified tower) to protect against Scots raiders. The castle was occupied by some of the Wharton family (there is Wharton Hall in the area, south-west of Kirkby Stephen), but abandoned in the 17th century. Myself, I always wonder about day-to-day life in the past in places such as these, now overtaken by grass and the natural world. Some say I am too sentimental...

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Wandering Cloud
December 10, 2023, Wharton Hall

This was a fortified house, built around 1415 by the Wharton family. The family extended the property in the mid-16th century. A deer park was established, requiring the relocation of an entire village nearby. This is a Grade-I protected building these days, as well as a scheduled monument. Appreciate from the outside: this is a private property (the north and west side of it is used nowadays as a farm; the rest is ruins).

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Pendragon castle ruins. These are the remains of a typical Norman defensive fort in a tactical location, now free to visit.

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Appleby in Westmorland is a small market town in the Eden valley. It's overlooked by the Pennine range to the east and there are views across to the Lake District in the west. The town has a good selection of shops and cafes. At the northern end of the wide main street is the Moot Hall dated at 1596. The Norman Appleby castle is a private home but is open to the public to visit, stay and eat. Check www.applebycastle.org for opening times, prices and events. It's a great stop or base on a bike ride around north-eastern Cumbria.

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Great base for climbing Great Dun Fell with great cafes for recovery after you have done the climb, picturesque little town as well.

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Pendragon Castle with Wild Boar Fell behind.

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This romantic ruin, set amongst the Vale of Mallerstang’s scenic beauty, has a rich history and many associated legends. Said to have once been the fortress of Uther Pendragon of Arthurian legend, the tale goes that Uther and 100 of his men were killed when Saxon invaders poisoned the well. Whether this is just fanciful fiction, we may never know. What we do know is that a castle was built here in the late 12th century and came into the stewardship of the Clifford family. Raids by the Scots and a couple of fires ruined the fortress during the 16th century. Lady Anne Clifford oversaw renovations during the 17th century, but the castle fell into disuse once more after her death.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of castles and historical sites can I explore around Asby?

Around Asby, you can explore a variety of historical fortifications, including ancient castle ruins with legendary connections, such as Pendragon Castle ruins, and well-preserved fortified homes like Wharton Hall. The area also features market towns with castles, such as Appleby-in-Westmorland, which has a Norman castle open to the public.

Are there any castles near Asby with connections to legends or famous stories?

Yes, Pendragon Castle ruins are famously associated with Arthurian legends. It is said to have been the fortress of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father. The ruins are set amidst the scenic beauty of the Vale of Mallerstang.

Can I visit Appleby Castle, and what can I expect there?

Yes, the Norman Appleby Castle, located in Appleby-in-Westmorland, is open to the public. While it is a private home, visitors can explore the castle. Appleby-in-Westmorland itself is a picturesque market town with shops and cafes, making it a great stop or base for exploring the Eden Valley.

Are there any fortified houses or less-known historical sites to see?

Absolutely. Wharton Hall is a notable fortified house built around 1415. It's a Grade-I protected building and a scheduled monument. While it is a private property and appreciated from the outside, its significant historical architecture makes it worth seeing. Additionally, the Ruins of Lammerside Castle, a 12th-century building rebuilt as a Pele tower, offer another glimpse into the region's past.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Asby?

The area around Asby offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and running. For example, there are challenging gravel biking routes like the 'Heart-Shaped Wood, Lune Valley – Shap Summit loop' and moderate mountain biking trails such as the 'Chocolate Factory Coffee House – Orton Scar Café loop'. You can explore more options on the Gravel biking around Asby, MTB Trails around Asby, and Running Trails around Asby guide pages.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near these castles?

Yes, the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is considered family-friendly, offering a pleasant environment to explore. The ruins of Pendragon Castle are also free to visit, providing an open space for families to explore historical ruins and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

What natural features or viewpoints can I find near the castles?

The castles around Asby are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Pendragon Castle ruins are located in the scenic Vale of Mallerstang. Appleby-in-Westmorland is situated in the verdant Eden Valley, with views across to the Lake District and overlooked by the Pennine range. These locations offer picturesque settings and opportunities to enjoy the rolling hills and river valleys.

What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Asby?

The region's natural beauty, including the Eden Valley and Vale of Mallerstang, is enjoyable throughout the warmer months for outdoor exploration. However, early June sees accommodation in short supply in places like Appleby-in-Westmorland due to the famous horse fair, which might affect planning. Visiting outside of this peak time could offer a more relaxed experience.

Are there any pubs or cafes near the castle sites?

Yes, Appleby-in-Westmorland is a market town with a good selection of shops and cafes, making it an excellent spot for refreshments after visiting the castle. It's also known as a great base for climbers with cafes for recovery.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Asby?

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The romantic ruins of Pendragon Castle, with its legends and scenic setting, are particularly popular. The picturesque town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, with its castle and amenities, is also highly regarded as a base for exploring the wider region.

Is there another prominent castle in England that sounds similar to 'Asby'?

Yes, there is a significant historical site known as Ashby de la Zouch Castle in Leicestershire, England, which sounds phonetically similar. This castle is famous for its 15th-century military Gothic architecture, its impressive Hastings Tower, and an underground passage. It was also a setting in Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Ivanhoe'. You can find more information about it on Crazy About Castles or Visit National Forest.

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