Appleby Golf Club is a classic moorland where at least some of the greenkeeping is carried out by the sheep who call the course their home.
The course is set remotely on glorious expansive moorland from where there are panoramic views of Lakeland Fells. The cleverest thing about Appleby is that it is so natural, so minimalistic, that you almost can’t see it from the road.
History
Appleby Golf Club was founded in 1894, and was originally based on Minsceugh Moor, around four miles to the west of its current location.
The club made the move to its current location, on Brackenber Moor, less than a decade later. Willie Fernie – winner of the Open Championship in 1883 – was the man behind the design of the course.
Fernie left just a handful of bunkers on this minimalist design, which winds its way across the moors. The course has played host to the Cumbrian County Championship on several occasions.
Soon after opening, the course was described by the Manchester Guardian as “a champion’s course” and “The Sunningdale of the North.
What makes Appleby Golf Club special?
You have to embrace the minimalist nature of 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie’s design. It’s very clever and there’s way more going on than you might first think as you survey the surrounding moorland.
At first glance, it seems that there is not much danger around at Appleby. However, the open nature of the layout means you are at the mercy of the winds coming across Brackenber Moor. If the wind is gusting, then playing to your handicap is a very good score!
And then of course, there are the sheep. They roam about the fairways, much like at Brora in the Highlands, another course like Appleby that has electric wiring around the greens to protect them!
Where does it rank?
3rd in Cumbria, 14th in England Value
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Where is Appleby Golf Club?
Appleby Golf Club is situated in Appleby-in-Westmorland in the north of England. The club sits just of the A66, the main road that runs from Penrith in the west (M6) to Scotch Corner in the east (M1). It is in the county of Cumbria, and just south of the North Pennines National Landscape. The nearest cities to Appleby are Carlisle and Middlesbrough. The latter is just over an hour to the east, while Carlisle is slightly closer, to the northwest. The nearest major international airport is Newcastle Airport, which is around 65 miles to the northeast of Appleby. Manchester Airport – the busiest airport in the United Kingdom outside of London – is just over 100 miles south, down the M6.
Get in touch with Appleby Golf Club
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01768 351432.
You can play at Appleby on the NCG Top 100s Tour this year!
- Book your spot to play at Appleby on the NCG Top 100s Tour on September 16th, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Seascale and Furness Old Links in our Cumbria Swing – check that out here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Appleby Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
