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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.

Highlights

Center Parcs Whinfell Forest

Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the…

Waterfoot Park - Glamping

Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…

Troutbeck Head - Glamping Pods

Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.

George and Dragon, Clifton

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country…

Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…

Pinocchio | Christmas Live Pantomime

It's puppet pandemonium in this magical pantomime! Join Pinocchio, Geppetto, and a cast of…

Eycott Hill Nature Reserve

Eycott Hill is a great place to take a short walk with amazing views across Lake District fells.…

Glamping at Ullswater Heights

Our hand-picked selection of indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern…

Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal…

Hillcroft Park - Glamping

Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…

Chestnut House

Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…

Rheged

A flexible space for getting together or enjoying time alone with a book or notepad; a place where…

Hillcroft Park - Camping

With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…

The Mews @ Roundthorn

Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House,…

Askham Fell

Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…

Near Howe Cottages

A perfect location to explore the Lake District, there are seven dog-friendly, high-quality,…

Ullswater's North Western Fells

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…

Gin Making Workshops at Black Cat Distillery

Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of…

Melmerby Hall

Melmerby Hall sleeps 18 guests in 9 ensuite bedrooms. An English country manor house, it boasts…

Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House

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Fellrunner Buses

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Gins from Black Cat Distillery

Perusing the Black Cat Gin range is certainly thirsty work! Luckily you can taste a tipple or two…

St Ninian, Brougham

A lovely church in a remote setting. Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a…

George and Dragon, Clifton - Food & Drink

At the George and Dragon, our commitment to exceptional food has garnered us numerous awards…

Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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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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Waterfoot Park - Glamping

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

Ullswater, Penrith

Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.

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590 reviews
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Troutbeck Head - Glamping Pods

Address

Troutbeck Head Experience Freedom Glamping, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SS

Telephone
01342 777533

enquiries@experiencefreedom.co.uk

Penrith

Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.

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George and Dragon, Clifton

Address

George and Dragon, Clifton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2ER

Telephone
01768 865381

enquiries@georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk

Penrith

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country inn that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Sink into our fabulous beds adorned with luxurious linens, and enjoy the convenience of en-suite…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
251 reviews
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Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

Ullswater, Penrith

Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the charming village of Pooley Bridge, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ pier, and Ullswater itself.

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590 reviews
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Eycott Hill Nature Reserve

Address

Berrier, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0XD

Telephone
01539 816300

mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Penrith

Eycott Hill is a great place to take a short walk with amazing views across Lake District fells. With no long walk-in to get up high, you can park on location and it is a suitable walk for all the family. Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Glamping 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 indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern convenience you could ever need, plus a few added Leisure Resorts luxuries.

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Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

Address

Pooley Bridge Inn, Finkle St, Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN

Telephone
017684 86215

info@pooleybridgeinn.co.uk

Ullswater, Pooley Bridge

The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal specials, fine cask ales, world wines, spirits, and cosy teas, coffees, or festive mulled wine.

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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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448 reviews
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Chestnut House

Address

Chestnut House, Finkle St, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NW

Telephone
017684 86444

sales@chestnuthouseonline.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.

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Rheged

Address

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

Telephone
01768 868000

enquiries@rheged.com

Penrith

A flexible space for getting together or enjoying time alone with a book or notepad; a place where stories are told, ideas are sparked and the Cumbrian landscape is a constant source of inspiration.

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Hillcroft Park - Camping

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping field Angle Tarn is set amongst our Pods, so if some of you are traditional campers but perhaps other family members prefer something more substantial…

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Tourism For All

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448 reviews
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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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Askham Fell

Address

Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7PT

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and valleys, miles of mature forest, endless lake and coastal shores, the landscape of Cumbria makes an amazing place to go cycling.

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Near Howe Cottages

Address

Near Howe, Mungrisdale, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SH

Telephone
01768 779678

enquiries@nearhowe.co.uk

Penrith

A perfect location to explore the Lake District, there are seven dog-friendly, high-quality, tastefully decorated, family-friendly self-catering cottages. Located in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, Near Howe is an idyllic, quiet, and tranquil…

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Tourism For All

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285 reviews
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Ullswater's North Western Fells

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this
quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads.

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Gin Making Workshops at Black Cat Distillery

Address

Black Cat Distillery, Brougham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DE

Telephone
07854 944597

info@blackcatdistillery.co.uk

Penrith

Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of our gin making workshops with us. A warm Cumbrian welcome awaits as we embark on your distilling adventure.

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Melmerby Hall

Address

Melmerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1HB

Telephone
07968 258234

info@therowleyestate.com

Penrith

Melmerby Hall sleeps 18 guests in 9 ensuite bedrooms. An English country manor house, it boasts unbeatable relaxing and entertaining space. Breakfast in the orangery, BBQ overlooking fabulous gardens and woodland and cook in the 4 oven Aga.

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Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House

Address

Hutton in the Forest, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TH

Telephone
017684 84449

info@hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
247 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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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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