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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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An exciting workshop with this popular tutor, well known for her landscapes and skill at depicting…
Brow Wood Cabin is a bespoke and luxurious L-shared cabin, situated next to an ancient wood. There…
Join Alister Neville and learn to carve a design for a decorative plaque, board, bowl, house sign -…
Orchard Hideaways is a cosy Camping Pod site nestled in the serene Eden Valley, just moments away…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
In this artist-led class, you will make a 3D animal from the contents of your recycling bin. Mark…
Design and create your own beautiful Stained Glass panel on this 2 day workshop with Lizzy…
Pedal southwards, rising gradually to the open limestone farmland between Cumbria’s High Fells and…
New for our programme of creative classes, a chance to learn some sewing techniques with a takeaway…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
The Blue Swallow is a family run Guest House in the heart of Cumbria, offering a range of…
I don't know why she swallowed a fly...... But The People's Theatre Company do! And now you can…
Spend a lovely day being guided through how to make this beautifully detailed Wren using the needle…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Following on from my Nature Journal Workshops I am now turning my attention to the built…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Our hand-picked selection of indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating…
Introducing an ambitious new project, Epona-The Wild Pony of the North, this display showcases the…
Take a walking tour of the historic town of Penrith with a local Blue Badge Guide and discover the …
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
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Penruddock, 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
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 reviewsCumbria
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.
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.
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
443 reviewsPedal southwards, rising gradually to the open limestone farmland between Cumbria’s High Fells and the Eden Valley. Then freewheel down to the River Lyvennet and the charming limestone villages which mark its course.
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!
PENRITH
The Blue Swallow is a family run Guest House in the heart of Cumbria, offering a range of comfortable, spotlessly clean, good sized rooms and a hearty breakfast to start your day.
Bridge Ln, Penrith
Based in Cumbria, Eden Arts are an artist led company dedicated to creating and facilitating change through culture and arts activities.
Penrith
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
247 reviewsTroutbeck, 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
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 reviewsCumbria
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor Divock and Askham Fell is criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways. For mountain bikes, the bridleways are a good introduction to real…
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