heritage of penrith...
Penrith Millennium Trail
A series of interesting themed trails around Penrith town centre. Trail pack available from the Tourist Information Centre.
Richard III Trail
An interesting trail round the centre of Penrith looking at the town's associations with Richard III. Leaflet available from the Tourist Information Centre.
Access For All Walk
A trail around the centre of Penrith that is suitable for everyone including those with disabilities.
Penrith Castle
This once impressive castle was the residence of Richard, Duke of Gloucester in the 1470s (later Richard III).
Penrith Museum
The 300-year old Robinson's School (now the Penrith Museum) is named after its founder, William Robinson, a wealthy grocer who made his fortune in London. Today, the building is used as a museum (and Tourist Information Centre) with displays on the history, archaeology and geology of the area.
Town Hall
Penrith's grand town hall was created by the amalgamation of two 18th century Adam-style houses. One of these houses belonged to Captain John Wordsworth, the cousin of Lakeland poet, William Wordsworth.
Penrith Beacon
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.
Brougham Hall
Originally built in 1480. King George V and King Edward VII both stayed here whilst pursuing sporting interests in the local area. Now undergoing major restoration work, visitors are welcome to explore the completed sections, and visit the range of local workshops on site, producing jewellery, pottery and award-winning smoked meats. more details
Brougham Castle
The castle was built next to the Roman fort of Brocavum on the banks of the river Eamont. Later it became a medieval stronghold designed to repel invasion by the Scots. After a period of neglect, the castle was restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the 1650s, but within 100 years the castle was stripped of its lead, timber and furnishings and left in ruins. It is now under the protection of English Heritage who permit access to parts of the castle, including the top of the keep from where there are particularly fine views over the surrounding countryside.
St Ninian's Church
Secluded church (locally known as Ninekirks) standing isolated on a loop of the River Eamont, with box pews, a font dated 1662 and Jacobean panelling. The church was restored by Lady Anne Clifford in 1660 and has remained largely unaltered since then. more details
Mayburgh Henge
A large prehistoric stone henge with a massive outer bank built of river cobbles and turf. Originally 8 stones stood in the centre, but only one remains today. The henge is thought to date back to between 2000 and 1000 BC.
King Arthur's Round Table
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.
