To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Added: | |
---|---|
![]() | Eycott Hill Nature Reserve |
You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > 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 (...Read More
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read LessAt Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Sponsored walk around Ullswater Way, from Pooley Bridge, going in a clockwise direction, to…
Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the…
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking,…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Featuring an eye-catching bespoke open fire grill and a brand new menu to choose from, let our…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of…
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country…
The traditional The George Hotel, stands in the very centre of the bustling market town of Penrith…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Greystoke Castle, a 12th-century gem in the Cumbrian countryside, offers 800 years of history,…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Shelagh is widely known and highly respected throughout Cumbria's gardening fraternity. She has…
Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House,…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…
Presented by Speakers from the Edge From injured veteran to the world's first double above-knee…
We are delighted to welcome much acclaimed, professional watercolour artist Sarah Stokes, joining…
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Sponsored walk around Ullswater Way, from Pooley Bridge, going in a clockwise direction, to…
Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the…
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking,…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking,…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Featuring an eye-catching bespoke open fire grill and a brand new menu to choose from, let our…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of…
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country…
The traditional The George Hotel, stands in the very centre of the bustling market town of Penrith…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Greystoke Castle, a 12th-century gem in the Cumbrian countryside, offers 800 years of history,…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Shelagh is widely known and highly respected throughout Cumbria's gardening fraternity. She has…
Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House,…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…
Presented by Speakers from the Edge From injured veteran to the world's first double above-knee…
We are delighted to welcome much acclaimed, professional watercolour artist Sarah Stokes, joining…
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Sponsored walk around Ullswater Way, from Pooley Bridge, going in a clockwise direction, to…
Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the…
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
Number of results: 111
, currently showing 61 to 80.
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
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…
Penrith
Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of our gin making workshops with us. A warm Cumbrian welcome awaits as we embark on your distilling adventure.
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.
Penrith
Since 1910, The Toffee Shop has been making delicious Fudge and Toffee, using a carefully guarded secret recipe. Making and wrapping all our toffee and fudge by hand on the premises. - Even using the same brass pans!
Penrith
Eycott Hill is a great place to take a short walk with amazing views across Lake District fells. With no long walk-in to get up high, you can park on location and it is a suitable walk for all the family. Dogs on leads are welcome.
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!
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.
Penrith
Arragons Cycle Centre is run by Phil & Sarah with the help of a dedicated team of Sales Staff and Cycle Technicians. The business has been in the family for 50 years, with Sarah's parents owning the shop previously.
Pooley Bridge
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping field Angle Tarn is set amongst our Pods, so if some of you are traditional campers but perhaps other family members prefer something more substantial…
Penrith
A perfect location to explore the Lake District, there are seven dog-friendly, high-quality, tastefully decorated, family-friendly self-catering cottages. Located in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, Near Howe is an idyllic, quiet, and tranquil…
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.
Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Greystoke
Greystoke Castle, a 12th-century gem in the Cumbrian countryside, offers 800 years of history, including connections to Catherine Howard and Tarzan. Explore its grand halls, Tarzan Trails, and seasonal events, then relax at the Butler’s Pantry café.…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Penrith
The Cumbrian Food Hall offers Cranstons' famous butchery, deli, and local produce from over 100 suppliers. Visit for Cumberland sausages, pies, hot food, and Café Oswalds' delicious meals and cakes.
PENRITH
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time in the county’, rebuilt in 1720 on an ancient site
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
We are now retrieving your search results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds
Supporting the Destination
Quality Guarantee
We are now retrieving real time availability results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds.