natural environment of penrith...
Penrith is a perfect base for exploration of the dramatic Northern Lakes, the beautiful Eden Valley and the rolling Pennine Hills. As well as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the North Pennines is also a UNESCO European and Global Geopark in recognition of the area's stunning Earth heritage.
Rocks are the building blocks of the North Pennines landscape. Across the area, the rocks and landscapes have stories to tell, of moving continents and tropical seas, of molten rock and ice sheets and of minerals and the people who mined them.
Cowraik Quarry
Is an abandoned red sandstone quarry on Beacon Hill, well known by geologists for its classic exposures of cross-bedding. The sandstone from the quarry was used to build many of the Victorian houses in Penrith. Since quarrying ceased, nature has gradually reclaimed the site as a rich wildlife habitat. A way-marked trail describes many of the features of interest. Parking is on a lay-by at the bottom of the track leading to the reserve. Leaflet available from Penrith Tourist Information Centre.
Rheged
An award-winning attraction with plenty to keep the visitor occupied for several hours. Rheged has been specially designed to resemble a Lakeland Hill to blend in with its surrounding environment. Rheged was built in a disused limestone quarry and during construction, excavated materials were recycled, including soil for the roof and stone for the walls. You can watch one of 7 giant movies per day; visit the National Mountaineering Exhibition browse around 12 speciality shops, eat fresh Cumbrian food or let off steam in the creative workshops and indoor play area. more details
High Force in Upper Teesdale is the largest waterfall in England and the area is home to 40% of the UK's upland hay meadows and 60% of England's black grouse.
Winderwath Gardens
A plant lover's garden of herbaceous borders, alpine rockeries and mature specimens of Wellingtonia, cedar and beech trees. Walled kitchen garden growing a varied range of fruit and vegetables. Picnic area by the pond.
Larch Cottage Nurseries
An attractively landscaped garden of meandering paths, rose-covered pergolas and romantic ruins provides the theatrical backdrop for a huge array of rare and unusual cottage garden plants. Restaurant/café with terrace overlooking the nursery.
In the North Pennines, each season has its own character and for wildlife and nature enthusiasts it really is a stunning place to visit all year round.
