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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute…
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
Welcome to The Queen's Head, a unique and delightful 17th-century village pub nestled in the heart…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
We are charity event raising money for great north air ambulance, papyrus and yellow wellies, over…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
130th Anniversary Skelton Show will be a great family day out in a picturesque location. The show…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating…
Great British Motor Shows invite you to join us to celebrate classics from the Lake District,…
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…
Join us for an evening of Propriety, Pernicious Aunts, and Perfect Nonsense! P.G. Wodehouse's…
Apple Day at Hutton-in-the-Forest on 20 September celebrates traditional orchard fruit with apple…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
From 24 October 2025 to 28 February 2026 (excluding Christmas and New Year), guests booking a…
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…


Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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Penrith
With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this historic house, Askham Hall is somewhere you can kick off your wellies at the front door and relax in down to earth, comfortable surroundings.
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Penrith
Arragons Cycle Centre is run by Phil & Sarah with the help of a dedicated team of Sales Staff and Cycle Technicians. The business has been in the family for 50 years, with Sarah's parents owning the shop previously.
Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating valley of the River Eden to the edge of the North Pennines.
Penrith
Featuring an eye-catching bespoke open fire grill and a brand new menu to choose from, let our talented chefs delight you with juicy steaks, succulent burgers and signature FYR kebabs, all cooked on the open flames.
Penrith
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our gin is infused with the echoes of the past that permeate the very walls! We distill, fill and label our products on site.
Penrith
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.
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Penrith
Discover North View B&B in Penrith, offering French elegance, homemade breakfasts, and stunning Lake District views. Multilingual hospitality ensures a warm stay!
Penrith
A lovely church in a remote setting.
Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a long track, above a bend in the River Eamont and with views of the Pennines and the Lake District. It is worth finding both for its lovely setting and…
Pooley Bridge
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Penrith
The Shepherds Inn has been a part of Langwathby for as long as there has been a village. We keep tradition alive by serving up local favourites as well as stocking an almost endless, and ever-changing collection of local ales, beers & spirits.
Pooley Bridge
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 best friend! We also produce our own hand made fudge in store and its is free to sample!
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Cumbria
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor Divock and Askham Fell is criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways. For mountain bikes, the bridleways are a good introduction to real…
Penrith
The Spa at the North Lakes Hotel is the perfect destination to unwind and have some well-deserved 'me time'
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
Penrith
Lakes For All: luxury self-catering, wheelchair accessible holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria for people with physical disabilities and their families.
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