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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.
Did you know?
A stunning grade I listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Grade 2 listed former Carriage House set within Blencowe Hall's grounds. 3 double ensuite bedrooms,…
Shop, bar, restaurant, pony trekking, lake access, play areas. Open mid March to mid November
National Route 7 goes from Penrith to Inverness. Part of the Lochs and Glens (South) route.
Use traditional hand carving and whittling skills to create a beautiful hand carved bird on this…
Barn Cottage is 17thC barn conversion with great character with lots of exposed beams and stonework…
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute…
Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison Try your hand at "line and…
A Beautifully appointed tea room in continuous service since 1904 ,with a garden room and tea…
The Blue Swallow is a family run Guest House in the heart of Cumbria, offering a range of…
Welcome to the world of glamping! We have four heated self-catering Glamping Pods for hire.
Cycle your way steadily westwards, marvelling at the increasingly dramatic views of high Lakeland…
Design & make 'three Silver rings' with Sterling Silver and Semi-Precious Stones with Melinda…
Pedal southwards, rising gradually to the open limestone farmland between Cumbria’s High Fells and…
Askham Hall's beautifully remodelled dining area is made up of three exquisite rooms and overseen…
Since July 2020 our lovely, listed & spacious 'Covid-secure' new teaching studio, the 'Swallow…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
An introduction to Pattern Cutting with Dr Maggi Toner-Edgar.
Traditional, luxury sandstone longhouse with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. 2 Log burners in living…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
A relatively easy 112 miles cycle route through the beautiful scenery of the Eden Valley. The route…
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of…
Join Alister Neville, learn & carve a design for a decorative plaque, bowl or house sign. Arriving…
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
Number of results: 104
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Penrith
A stunning grade I listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique & contemporary stylish retreat. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home awaits.
Cumbria
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 bestfriend! We also produce our own hand made fudge in store and its is free to sample!
Penrith
Grade 2 listed former Carriage House set within Blencowe Hall's grounds. 3 double ensuite bedrooms, 1 downstairs. Open plan kitchen dining and log burning stove in sitting room with beautiful views. Private parking and garden with Weber BBQ
Penrith
Shop, bar, restaurant, pony trekking, lake access, play areas. Open mid March to mid November
National Route 7 goes from Penrith to Inverness. Part of the Lochs and Glens (South) route.
Penrith
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.
Penrith
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute walk from Askham Hall.
Penrith
A Beautifully appointed tea room in continuous service since 1904 ,with a garden room and tea garden terraces by the River Eamont at the foot of Ullswater.
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.
Penrith
Welcome to the world of glamping! We have four heated self-catering Glamping Pods for hire.
Cycle your way steadily westwards, marvelling at the increasingly dramatic views of high Lakeland fells which rise up steeply behind the villages of Mosedale and Mungrisdale.
Pedal 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.
Penrith
Askham Hall's beautifully remodelled dining area is made up of three exquisite rooms and overseen by renowned head chef Richard Swale.
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…
Near Penrith
Traditional, luxury sandstone longhouse with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
2 Log burners in living room and main hall. 4 oven Aga, electric oven, BBQ and garden furniture in enclosed garden.
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
A relatively easy 112 miles cycle route through the beautiful scenery of the Eden Valley. The route passes through; Carlisle, Brampton, Kirkoswald, Langwathby, Dufton, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Penrith, and Dalston.
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
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.
Penrith
At North Lakes Hotel our exciting new restaurant; FYR is now open.
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