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 (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.
Did you know?
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
Join Lizzy Hippisley-Cox for a one day Stained Glass 'taster' ... Design and make a beautiful…
The Wendy Crossbody bag is a cute, zipped bag in 2 sizes, utilising webbing for the detachable…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
Peaceful rural park in a woodland setting featuring luxury holiday lodges with hot tubs.
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Learn a new skill and enjoy the freedom to get creative while making your own glass bowl to take…
The Spa at the North Lakes Hotel is the perfect destination to unwind and have some well-deserved…
Design & make 'three Silver rings' with Sterling Silver and some Semi-Precious Stones with Melinda…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Welcome to The Queen's Head, a unique and delightful 17th-century village pub nestled in the heart…
Our hand-picked selection of indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison Try your hand at "line and…
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the…
Create your own beautiful jewellery with Sterling Silver, Pearls and Semi-Precious Stones On this…
A beautiful period house with a large terraced garden giving fabulous views to the Lakeland fells.…
Join Victoria for this creative class where you will learn how to embroider, embellish, and add…
A lovely day with Cumbria's Willow master Phil Bradley creating life size Sculptures : Hares, Hens…
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country…
Botanical Art for the Terrified! How to paint beautiful flowers using watercolours, even if you're…
+/or PM workshop Porcelain Jug 1.30pm - 3.30pm Choose either the morning or…
Presented by Speakers from the Edge: There is no mountain in the world that strikes fear into…
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
Number of results: 109
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
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.
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.
Flusco, Penrith
Peaceful rural park in a woodland setting featuring luxury holiday lodges with hot tubs.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
117 reviewsPooley 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
The Spa at the North Lakes Hotel is the perfect destination to unwind and have some well-deserved 'me time'
Penrith
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated with concentric circle - late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c2000 or earlier).
Penrith
Welcome to The Queen's Head, a unique and delightful 17th-century village pub nestled in the heart of Askham, a picturesque village in the Lake District. As part of the esteemed Askham Collection, our pub offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere, along…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviewsNewbiggin, 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.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
Penrith
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
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
244 reviewsPenrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
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 reviewsPenrith
A stunning grade I listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique & contemporary stylish retreat. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home awaits.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
218 reviewsNewbiggin, Penrith
Our hand-picked selection of holiday homes and lodges are stylishly furnished to the highest specification and feature every modern convenience you could ever need, plus a few added Leisure Resorts luxuries.
Penrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
Penrith
Highgate is a characterful and comfortable property with 5 bedrooms, all of which have their own bath or shower room. It is situated in the North Lakes near to Penrith and a few miles from Ullswater.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL