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Penrith Eden Valley & North Pennines
Penrith Eden Valley & North Pennines

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Penrith

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.

Culture & Heritage

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.

Surrounding Areas

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?

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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Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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The Mews @ Roundthorn

Address

Roundthorn Country House, Roundthorn, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8SJ

Telephone
01768 863952

info@roundthorn.co.uk

Penrith

Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House, overlooking the Eden Valley and Lakeland Fells. Guests are welcome to enjoy the use of the hotel facilities on site.

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Flusco Wood Holiday Lodges

Address

Flusco Wood Holiday Lodges, Wardens Lodge Flusco Wood, Flusco, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JB

Telephone
017684 80020

info@fluscowood.co.uk

Flusco, Penrith

Self-catering hot tub lodges set in beautiful grounds with views of Blencathra. Flusco Wood has a range of lodge types with a mixture of dog friendly and pet free. We also have an enclosed dog walking area for all our guests to use.

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199 reviews
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The Queen's Head Askham - Food & Drink

Address

The Queen's Head Askham, Askham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PF

Telephone
01931 712 225

thequeenshead@askhamhall.co.uk

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. Part of the esteemed Askham Collection, The Queen’s Head is a cosy 17th century village pub with bedrooms ideally located in…

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33 reviews
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Allium at Askham Hall

Address

Askham Hall, Askham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PF

Telephone
01931712350

enquiries@askhamhall.co.uk

Penrith

A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…

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161 reviews
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Arragon's Cycle Hire - Delivery

Address

Arragon's Cycle Centre, 2 Brunswick Rd, Penrith, County (optional), CA11 7LU

Telephone
07525243159

arragonscycles@mac.com

Penrith

Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…

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136 reviews
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Fellrunner Buses

Address

Eden Valley, Cumbria

Telephone
01768 88232

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

The Fellrunner Buses are operated and driven by local volunteers for the benefit of the community.They serve most of the villages in the Penrith area with services to Penrith or Carlisle.

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Great Mell Fell & Little Mell Fell Cycle Loop

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.

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North Lakes Hotel & Spa

Address

Ullswater Road, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8QT

Telephone
01768 868111

reservations@northlakeshotel.co.uk

Penrith

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.

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Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Address

Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB

Telephone
017684 86450

houseopening@dalemain.com

Penrith

Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…

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Greystoke and back

Address

Penrith, CA11 7TP

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Our shortest route has no huge hills to tackle, but the lofty northern fells are an ever-present backdrop as you ride westwards along quiet country lanes to the pretty village of Greystoke and back.

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Hillcroft Park - Glamping

Address

Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LT

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.

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Tourism For All

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448 reviews
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Rose Cottage - Lakes For All

Address

11 Hawthorne Rise, Hackthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2FW

Telephone
07432002713

info@lakesforall.co.uk

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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Lodges at Ullswater Heights

Address

Ullswater Heights Holiday Home and Lodge Park, Silver Howe Flusco, Newbiggin, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JB

Telephone
01768 800 857

Newbiggin, Penrith

Our hand-picked selection of lodges, pods and indulgent glamping tents feature every modern convenience you could ever need, plus a few added Leisure Resorts luxuries.

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Cycling in Eden Valley - Route 3

Address

Penrith, CA11 7TP

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

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.

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Holiday Home Ownership at Ullswater Heights

Address

Ullswater Heights Holiday Home and Lodge Park, Silver Howe Flusco, Newbiggin, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JB

Telephone
01768 800 857

Newbiggin, Penrith

Our hand-picked selection of holiday homes and lodges are stylishly furnished to the highest specification and feature every modern convenience you could ever need, plus a few added Leisure Resorts luxuries.

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Center Parcs Whinfell Forest

Address

Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Whinfell Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DW

Telephone
01768 893 009

Penrith

Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the Lake District. Experience a range of activities, restaurants and traditional accommodation, all set around a beautiful lake.

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The Barn

Address

The Barn, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN

Telephone
017684 86444

Lowthermm@hotmail.com

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!

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Eden Arts

Address

Eden Arts, The Old Fire Station, Bridge Ln, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8HY

Telephone
01768 899444

info@edenarts.co.uk

Bridge Ln, Penrith

Based in Cumbria, Eden Arts are an artist led company dedicated to creating and facilitating change through culture and arts activities.

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The Queen's Head Askham

Address

The Queen’s Head Askham, Askham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PF

queenshead@askhamhall.co.uk

Penrith

Welcome to The Queen's Head, a unique and delightful 17th-century village pub nestled in the heart of Askham, a picturesque village in the Lake District. As part of the esteemed Askham Collection, our pub offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere, along…

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33 reviews
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Brougham Hall

Address

Brougham Avenue, Brougham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DE

Telephone
01768 868184

enquiries@broughamhall.co.uk

Penrith

Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
144 reviews
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Penrith

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

THE GIANT’S GRAVE

THE PLAGUE STONE

CLIFTON MOOR

PENRITH BEACON

KING ARTHUR'S ROUND TABLE

BROUGHAM CASTLE

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Tourism For All

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Tourism For All

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