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Penrith Eden Valley & North Pennines
Penrith Eden Valley & North Pennines

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Penrith

Handsome, red-brick Penrith is the main gateway town for exploring the Eden Valley, while its easy road and rail links make Cumbria’s ancient capital a cinch to get in and out of.

Penrith’s location – at an important intersection of routes between Scotland and England and on the main route across the Pennines – is key to its historical status as a major market town. Even today, its distinctive red sandstone buildings are full of specialist, family-run shops, cosy pubs and atmospheric old pubs, while it’s Tuesday market still does a roaring trade.

The surrounding villages, the dramatic northern Lakes, the beautiful Eden Valley and the rolling Pennine hills are significant areas to explore whilst visiting this historic town. Two miles to the east is the Rheged Visitor Centre (named after an ancient Celtic kingdom) where you’ll find a retail hall and an IMAX cinema; just nearby is the sprawling Lowther country estate, which is slowly being restored to its former glory.

Culture & Heritage

Ancient sites including a circular earthenwork bounded by a ditch (nicknamed ‘King Arthur’s Round Table’) at Eamont Bridge and the nearby monolith at Mayburgh Henge indicate that this area was inhabited during prehistoric times. Always keen to exploit good transport routes, the Romans built the fort of Voreda about six miles north of Penrith and linked it to another at Brocavum, now Brougham Castle.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, Penrith was the capital of Cumbria – a semi-independent state that was part of the Strathclyde region of Scotland. In 1295 Edward I captured the town, and for the next 150 years it was subject to numerous border skirmishes between the Scots and the English. These relentless attacks led to the construction of a series of defensive pele towers which were developed into the castle you see today.

The castle was associated with some of the key figures of English medieval history. One of its main architects was Ralph Neville, the first earl of Westmoreland. His grandson Richard, the 16th Earl of Warwick, became a major player in the Wars of the Roses and was nicknamed the ‘Kingmaker’ for his part in the fortunes of two kings – including Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who based himself at Penrith Castle before finally becoming King Richard III.

Rowcliffe Lane, a street hardly noticed by people today, was once at the industrial heart of Penrith. Although only 8 feet wide in places, it was filled with tailors, coopers, saddlers, rope-makers and whitesmiths in the 17th century. Wagons and coaches would regularly travel up and down the narrow thoroughfare, and some signs of its industrial past are still evident today.
The Musgrave family owned Musgrave Hall on Middlegate (now occupied by the British Legion) - their coat of arms can be seen on the lintel over the doorway. A clock tower was erected in the centre of Penrith in memory of their eldest son, Philip, who died in Madrid in 1859 at the age of 26.

William Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, attended school in St Andrew's Place, and it was here that he first met Mary Hutchinson, his future wife. Wordsworth's grandparents owned the Moot Hall where his mother died in 1778. The Moot Hall was demolished in the 1830s and replaced by Arnison's drapery shop.

Surrounding Areas

Lazonby - Lazonby lays claim to the largest auction mart for grey-faced mules in the country.

Little Salkeld - Little Salkeld is home to a fully working corn mill and has one of the largest stone circles in the UK on its doorstep.

Eamont Bridge - A small village south of Penrith containing many historic houses and inns. Historically, the village was used by travellers as a crossing point of the River Eamont.

Middle Eden/Pennines End - Just to the southeast of the Carlisle area, the Middle River Eden gorges lie at the heart of this glacial sculptured, dry stone walled, sandstone cottage, sleepy traditional Cumbrian Village landscape.

Flanked by The Lake District National Park to the West and The Pennines to the East this area of natural beauty and quiet country lanes is one of Cumbria's hidden Gems.

Simmerson Hill high above Castle Carrock and The Kings Forest marks a spectacular end to the Pennine Chain, with views eastwards towards Hexham and Newcastle, Northwards to Hadrian's Wall, Border Reiver (the Debatable Lands) and Scotland, and Westward to the Solway Firth, The Isle of Man and The Lake District.

The Settle & Carlisle scenic railway runs through the area and stops at Armathwaite and Lazonby giving access to this diverse landscape.

The Tour of Britain cycle route and ancient Scottish cattle droving lanes and paths criss cross the area, while grouse fells, salmon & trout fishing, horse ridding and country pursuits can be enjoyed by visitors throughout Middle Eden.

Did you know?

THE GIANT’S GRAVE

In St Andrew’s churchyard lies the Giant’s Grave, possible resting place of Owen, King of Cumbria in the 10th century. It comprises two pre-Norman crosses and four Norse ‘hogback’ tombstones. Legend also associates the grave with Sir Owen Caesarius, a mythical giant who supposedly lived in a cave by the River Eamont.

THE PLAGUE STONE

This is in the forecourt of the Greengarth home for the elderly in Bridge Lane. Its hollowed out centre would have held vinegar or some other disinfecting agent and here the townsfolk would place their money in exchange for food brought in by farmers from outside the town.

CLIFTON MOOR

The moor was the site of the last battle on English soil between Scottish and English armies on the 18 December 1745. The dead are buried in the village of Clifton – the Scots under an oak tree (known as the Rebel Tree) at the end of Town End Croft (a plaque marks the spot); the English in the churchyard.

PENRITH BEACON

Beacon Hill provides a dramatic wooded backdrop to the town of Penrith. On the summit stands Beacon Pike, a stone tower dating back to 1719 that marks the spot where bonfires were lit during times of conflict to spread the word quickly to other parts of the county.

KING ARTHUR'S ROUND TABLE

A smaller henge approximately 400 metres away, dating back to around 2000 BC. A flat central platform is surrounded by a circular ditch and an earth bank.

BROUGHAM CASTLE

Built next to the Roman fort of Brocavum, on the banks of the river Eamont, the castle became a medieval stronghold designed to repel invasion by the Scots. It was restored in the 1650s. Within 100 years the castle was stripped and left in ruins. It is now under the protection of English Heritage who permit access to parts of the castle.

Highlights

Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…

Penrith Castle

The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…

Waterfoot Park - Holiday Homes For Sale

Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…

Rheged

A flexible space for getting together or enjoying time alone with a book or notepad; a place where…

Shops at Rheged

Housed in a building of architectural merit, Rheged is home to 7 individual shops, selling…

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…

The Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle

Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…

George and Dragon, Clifton

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country…

Lake District Gyroplanes

A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking…

The Barn

The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…

Black Cat Distillery

Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our…

North View Bed & Breakfast

Discover North View B&B in Penrith, offering French elegance, homemade breakfasts, and stunning…

Orchard Hideaways

Orchard Hideaways is a cosy Camping Pod site nestled in the serene Eden Valley, just moments away…

Askham Fell

Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…

Gins from Black Cat Distillery

Perusing the Black Cat Gin range is certainly thirsty work! Luckily you can taste a tipple or two…

Greystoke and back

Our shortest route has no huge hills to tackle, but the lofty northern fells are an ever-present…

Glamping at Ullswater Heights

Our hand-picked selection of indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern…

Ullswater's North Western Fells

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…

The Rheged Centre

Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the…

Long Meg and her Daughters

Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…

Booths Penrith

Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…

Allium at Askham Hall

A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been…

Oli France: Adventures in the World's Wildest Places

From war zones to volcanoes, continental crossings to Siberian ice, Oli France has spent much of…

Lyvennet Valley

Pedal southwards, rising gradually to the open limestone farmland between Cumbria’s High Fells and…

Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

Ullswater, Penrith

Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the charming village of Pooley Bridge, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ pier, and Ullswater itself.

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590 reviews
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Penrith Castle

Address

Castlegate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7HX

Telephone
0191 2691200

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Penrith

The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.

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Waterfoot Park - Holiday Homes For Sale

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

info@waterfootpark.co.uk

Ullswater, Penrith

Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay a little while longer, why not consider purchasing your own private holiday home? At Waterfoot Park, we have a range of lodges available, all of…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
590 reviews
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Rheged

Address

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

Telephone
01768 868000

enquiries@rheged.com

Penrith

A flexible space for getting together or enjoying time alone with a book or notepad; a place where stories are told, ideas are sparked and the Cumbrian landscape is a constant source of inspiration.

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Shops at Rheged

Address

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

Telephone
01768 868000

enquiries@rheged.com

Penrith

Housed in a building of architectural merit, Rheged is home to 7 individual shops, selling clothing, home and lifestyle products that stand out for their beauty and quality.

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Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Address

Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB

Telephone
017684 86450

houseopening@dalemain.com

Penrith

Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…

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The Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle

Address

Lowther Castle & Gardens, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH

Telephone
01931 712192

info@lowthercastle.org

Penrith

Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.

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George and Dragon, Clifton

Address

George and Dragon, Clifton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2ER

Telephone
01768 865381

enquiries@georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk

Penrith

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country inn that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Sink into our fabulous beds adorned with luxurious linens, and enjoy the convenience of en-suite…

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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
251 reviews
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Lake District Gyroplanes

Address

Bank Barn, Berrier Airfield, Berrier, Cumbria, CA11 0XD

Telephone
07836 272033

Roger@lakedistrictgyroplanes.co.uk

Berrier

A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.

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The Barn

Address

The Barn, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN

Telephone
017684 86444

Lowthermm@hotmail.com

Pooley Bridge

The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor clothing and a "canine corner" so you can spoil your best friend! We also produce our own hand made fudge in store and its is free to sample!

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Black Cat Distillery

Address

Black Cat Distillery, Brougham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DE

Telephone
07854 944597

info@blackcatdistillery.co.uk

Penrith

Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our gin is infused with the echoes of the past that permeate the very walls! We distill, fill and label our products on site.

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Flusco Wood Holiday Lodges

Address

Flusco Wood Holiday Lodges, Wardens Lodge Flusco Wood, Flusco, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JB

Telephone
017684 80020

info@fluscowood.co.uk

Flusco, Penrith

Self-catering hot tub lodges set in beautiful grounds with views of Blencathra. Flusco Wood has a range of lodge types with a mixture of dog friendly and pet free. We also have an enclosed dog walking area for all our guests to use.

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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
199 reviews
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North View Bed & Breakfast

Address

North View Adventure Ltd, 43 Wordsworth St, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7QY

Telephone
07375351222

hello@northviewadventure.co.uk

Penrith

Discover North View B&B in Penrith, offering French elegance, homemade breakfasts, and stunning Lake District views. Multilingual hospitality ensures a warm stay!

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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
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Orchard Hideaways

Address

Orchard Hideaways, Redhills Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DT

Telephone
07483308007

info@orchard-hideaways.co.uk

Penrith

Orchard Hideaways is a cosy Camping Pod site nestled in the serene Eden Valley, just moments away from picturesque Ullswater in the Lake District. Perfect for adventurers, families, and furry friends alike, our site offers exclusive hire options for…

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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
101 reviews
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Askham Fell

Address

Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7PT

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and valleys, miles of mature forest, endless lake and coastal shores, the landscape of Cumbria makes an amazing place to go cycling.

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Gins from Black Cat Distillery

Address

Black Cat Distillery, Brougham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DE

Telephone
07854 944597

info@blackcatdistillery.co.uk

Penrith

Perusing the Black Cat Gin range is certainly thirsty work! Luckily you can taste a tipple or two of our juniper-based ambrosia to help the process along. I already know that you will find your new favourite gin from our award winning range! We have…

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Tourism For All

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Greystoke and back

Address

Penrith, CA11 7TP

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Our shortest route has no huge hills to tackle, but the lofty northern fells are an ever-present backdrop as you ride westwards along quiet country lanes to the pretty village of Greystoke and back.

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Glamping at Ullswater Heights

Address

Ullswater Heights Holiday Home and Lodge Park, Silver Howe Flusco, Newbiggin, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JB

Telephone
01768 800 857

Newbiggin, Penrith

Our hand-picked selection of indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern convenience you could ever need, plus a few added Leisure Resorts luxuries.

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Ullswater's North Western Fells

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this
quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads.

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The Rheged Centre

Address

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

Telephone
01768 868000

enquiries@rheged.com

Penrith

Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.

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Penrith

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

THE GIANT’S GRAVE

THE PLAGUE STONE

CLIFTON MOOR

PENRITH BEACON

KING ARTHUR'S ROUND TABLE

BROUGHAM CASTLE

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