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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.
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.
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.
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A lovely day with Cumbria's Willow master Phil Bradley creating life size Sculptures : Hares, Hens…
Our 100-seat ground-floor café is a relaxed dining space where you can brunch with friends, enjoy a…
Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Spend a lovely day being guided through how to make this very popular native Sheep breed 'The…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
At Flusco Wood, you can choose your own lodge. Go for cosy comfort or sumptuous luxury; fit out…
A beautiful period house with a large terraced garden giving fabulous views to the Lakeland fells.…
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking,…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Brow Wood Cabin is a bespoke and luxurious L-shared cabin, situated next to an ancient wood. There…
Create your own beautiful jewellery with Sterling Silver, Pearls and Semi-Precious Stones On this…
Learn the skill of glass fusing and express your creativity by making a decorative freestanding…
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
Painting Seascapes and Water in Oil Pastels with Roy Simmons ... Beginners and intermediates…
The Spa at the North Lakes Hotel is the perfect destination to unwind and have some well-deserved…
An exciting workshop with this popular tutor, well known for her landscapes and depicting…
The Fellrunner Buses are operated and driven by local volunteers for the benefit of the community…
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light…
'Paint with Wool' and Needle Felt your own Herdwick Sheep ... The iconic breed of the Lake District…
Melmerby Hall sleeps 18 guests in 9 ensuite bedrooms. An English country manor house, it boasts…
Why not indulge in a bit of winter magic and take part in the Winter Droving Festival. Held…
Introducing an ambitious new project, Epona-The Wild Pony of the North, this display showcases the…
+/or PM workshop Porcelain Jug 1.30pm - 3.30pm Choose either the morning or…
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
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Penrith
Our 100-seat ground-floor café is a relaxed dining space where you can brunch with friends, enjoy a working lunch or catch up before a movie.
Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating valley of the River Eden to the edge of the North Pennines.
Troutbeck, Penrith
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
528 reviewsPenrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Flusco, Penrith
At Flusco Wood, you can choose your own lodge. Go for cosy comfort or sumptuous luxury; fit out your holiday home with lavish fittings, the newest technology or even put a hot tub on your deck. Alternatively, why not take your holiday lifestyle back…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
117 reviewsPenrith
A beautiful period house with a large terraced garden giving fabulous views to the Lakeland fells. A special place to stay with a warm and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a superb breakfast.
Penrith
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking, Textiles, Raku pottery, Wood /Stone carving, Willow & Wire, Ceramics, Glass, Silver and much much more.
Penrith
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
113 reviewsPenruddock, Penrith
Brow Wood Cabin is a bespoke and luxurious L-shared cabin, situated next to an ancient wood. There is a super king bed and shower room. The perfect place to escape to.
Penrith
The Spa at the North Lakes Hotel is the perfect destination to unwind and have some well-deserved 'me time'
Cumbria
The Fellrunner Buses are operated and driven by local volunteers for the benefit of the community.They serve most of the villages in the Penrith area with services to Penrith or Carlisle.
Troutbeck
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light pollution. Perfect for those wishing to experience a short break under Dark Skies and when conditions allow, a stunning Star Gazing experience.
Penrith
Melmerby Hall sleeps 18 guests in 9 ensuite bedrooms. An English country manor house, it boasts unbeatable relaxing and entertaining space. Breakfast in the orangery, BBQ overlooking fabulous gardens and woodland and cook in the 4 oven Aga.
Penrith
Askham Hall's beautifully remodelled dining area is made up of three exquisite rooms and overseen by renowned head chef Richard Swale.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
157 reviewsPenrith
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
91 reviewsPenrith
Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the Lake District. Experience a range of activities, restaurants and traditional accommodation, all set around a beautiful lake.
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
Penrith
Take a walking tour of the historic town of Penrith with a local Blue Badge Guide and discover the castle of the hunchback king, the grave of a giant and the birthplace of a soldier who survived the Charge of the Light Brigade.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
443 reviewsPenrith
Lacet is an idyllic Lakeland cottage, whilst being comfortable and modern. It has two bedrooms, one with a feature bath with a view. There are two shower rooms and a well equipped kitchen and cosy sitting room with log burner.
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