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Penrith
This distinctive red sandstone town, with its popular markets and abundance of specialist, family-run shops, has become the regional centre for trade, industry and services in the Eden Valley.
Make sure to visit Penrith Castle and immerce yourself its impressive history. In 1399, William Strickland, added a stone wall to the pele tower as a defence against the Scottish raids. The castle was added to over the next 70 years, eventually becoming the royal fortress of the Duke of Gloucester in 1483 before he became King Richard III.
There are also a series of interesting themed trails around Penrith town centre, including the Richard III trial which looks at the town's associations with the man himself.
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 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.
Places to stay
Find your perfect place to stay in this beautiful part of Eden...
Harrison House
Beautifully converted 18th Century barn. Three double bedrooms, walled garden, stunning fell views, private terraces, access to sauna.
Howscales
4 superbly well-equipped, cosy, comfortable cottages, set around a central cobbled courtyard and surrounded by gardens, within tranquil countryside. Resident owners. Ideal base to explore Eden Valley, Lakes and Pennines. SB available.
Bank House Bed and Breakfast
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.
EdenGate
@EdenGate is a family run Victorian guest house offering bed & breakfast accommodation situated ¼ mile from Penrith town centre. Within the 19th century exterior you will find quality cornicing and many more original features.
North Lakes Hotel & Spa
Take a warm Cumbrian welcome, a team of people who love to look after you and fantastic facilities, a perfect combination at any time of the year. Public areas are spacious with log fires and deep, comfy sofas throughout.
Salutation Yard
Salutation Yard is a tranquil haven comprising of 3 beautifully converted farm buildings nestled in the Eden Valley village of Skelton. It is a 2 minute walk to an Inn serving food and a 10 minute drive to the Lake District National Park.
Tottergill Farm
The award winning Tottergill Farm is a range of exclusive holiday cottages set in the tranquil Cumbrian countryside. Offering cosy wood-burning stoves, relaxing hot-tubs and breath-taking views.Tottergill Farm is a dog-friendly property.
George and Dragon
The George and Dragonis a beautifully restored 18thC coaching inn situated in a quiet village near Penrith. The restaurant and pub serves fresh, seasonal produce from the owners family estate as well as a range of excellent wines and ales.
Sampson's Cave
Superb 7 Bedroom 19th Century Sandstone house set on Private Rural Estate on the edge of the River Eden. Secluded, woodland setting and the perfect get away from it all retreat for friends and families. Sleeps 10.
Barn Owl Cottage, Cedrus & Larch Lodge
Barn Cottage is 17thC barn conversion with great character with lots of exposed beams and stonework. Cedrus Lodge is a unique design eco-lodge. Both properties are set within the grounds of Upfront Gallery.
Swallow's Nest
Visit England 4 Star Gold Award cottage just outside Penrith in the Eden Valley. Arranged "upside down" solid oak staircase leads to open-plan living area. Juliet balcony. Woodburning stove. Wi-Fi, towels and linen incl. Sleeps 4.
Roundthorn Country House
The Roundthorn is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion is set in its own landscaped grounds and enjoys panoramic views of the Eden Valley, the Pennines and Lakeland Fells.
The Heather Glen Country House
Heather Glen Country House, Restaurant and Rooms is set high on a hillside in 3 acres of gardens with new bedrooms. The Restaurant has a Trip Advisor 5 stars.
Whitrigg House
Cumbria Tourism B&B of the year 2016, Cumbria Tourism ‘Superior’ Award, Visit England 4 Star Gold & Breakfast award. A grade 2 listed property, beautifully decorated & furnished sits on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park.
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For events happening around the county, click below for our What's On page.
Kirkoswald
The attractive village of Kirkoswald is host to a fascinating church, ruined castle and cobbled market square.
Langwathby
The drovers' village of Langwathby is situated east of Penrith and is an idyllic village containing a large central green, a pub, farmhouses and cottages.
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.
Richard, Duke of Gloucester was given the Lordship of Penrith by his brother, Edward IV, and spent much time at Penrith Castle, adding a large banqueting hall, kitchens and other buildings.
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.
The Giant’s Grave
In St Andrew’s churchyard lies the Giant’s Grave, possible resting place of Owen, King of Cumbria in the 10th century. It comprises two pre-Norman crosses and four Norse ‘hogback’ tombstones. Legend also associates the grave with Sir Owen Caesarius, a mythical giant who supposedly lived in a cave by the River Eamont.
The Plague Stone
This is in the forecourt of the Greengarth home for the elderly in Bridge Lane. Its hollowed out centre would have held vinegar or some other disinfecting agent and here the townsfolk would place their money in exchange for food brought in by farmers from outside the town.
Clifton Moor
The moor was the site of the last battle on English soil between Scottish and English armies on the 18 December 1745. The dead are buried in the village of Clifton – the Scots under an oak tree (known as the Rebel Tree) at the end of Town End Croft (a plaque marks the spot); the English in the churchyard.
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.
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.
Brougham Castle
Built next to the Roman fort of Brocavum, on the banks of the river Eamont, the castle became a medieval stronghold designed to repel invasion by the Scots. It was restored in the 1650s. Within 100 years the castle was stripped and left in ruins. It is now under the protection of English Heritage who permit access to parts of the castle.
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