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?
Housed in a building of architectural merit, Rheged is home to 7 individual shops, selling…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
Mosaics - Feathers and Fins ~ with Helen Clues Spend a lovely and inspiring day with Helen creating…
Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating…
Try your hand at "line and wash" – the creation of a pen and ink sketch tinted with a wash of…
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking,…
Arragons Cycle Centre is run by Phil & Sarah with the help of a dedicated team of Sales Staff and…
A lovely day with Cumbria's Willow master Phil Bradley creating life size Sculptures : Hares, Hens…
Home Farm House, now completely modernised, was built in the mid-nineteenth century and is set in…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
The Walton Tote - 2 days Fri 24th & Sat 25th November 2023 or Fri 4th Sat 5th Oct 2024 10am…
The Blue Swallow is a family run Guest House in the heart of Cumbria, offering a range of…
From a variety of timbers you will learn how to choose, prepare and split timber and the various…
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…
Design and create your very own bespoke, warm and funky felt slippers from 100% merino wool, with…
Join Helen for a lovely day being guided through how to make this beautifully detailed garden…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
The Roundthorn is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion is set in its own landscaped grounds and…
Lacet is an idyllic Lakeland cottage, whilst being comfortable and modern. It has two bedrooms, one…
Introducing an ambitious new project, Epona-The Wild Pony of the North, this display showcases the…
Eycott Hill is a great place to take a short walk with amazing views across Lake District fells.…
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of…
A slight twist as we introduce a NEW foodie option in 2024. Our Pie, chips, and gravy evening…
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
Number of results: 109
, currently showing 101 to 109.
Penrith
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017 to create a local network to support and encourage local artists. The Gallery showcases 40 local artists work and acts as a doorway to meet members,…
PENRITH
Located in the Crown Hotel car park.
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Textiles at this site.
PENRITH
Male, female and accessible toilets.
Baby changing facilities.
PENRITH
Fresh water, waste water and toilet disposal.
PENRITH
Located at Lowther Village Hall, Hackthorpe.
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card, Plastics and Textiles at this site.
PENRITH
Free electric bike charging point, attached to the metal electric box.
PENRITH
Located at the Village Hall, Langwathby, Penrith CA10 1NQ
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Plastics at this site.
Cumbria
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 104 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Parking charges apply between 8am and 6pm every day.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL