Appleby's main industry is tourism, due to its history, remote location, scenery and closeness to the Lake District, the North Pennines, Swaledale and Howgill Fells.
As of the 2008-2009 school year, Thornton is part of the West Fork Schools, along with students from then neighboring towns of Thornton, Sheffield, Chapin, Rockwell, Swaledale, and the surrounding area.
As of the 2008-2009 school year, Thornton is part of West Fork Schools, along with students from then neighboring towns of Meservey, Sheffield, Chapin, Rockwell, Swaledale, and the surrounding area.
However, since 1912 it has become the tradition for the Duke of Devonshire to select a Swaledale Ram from his Chatsworth Park flock and present it to the regiment.