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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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Paul Kelly & Band

A charity night dance with Irish and Country music with Paul Kelly and Band

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Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

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Cycling in Eden Valley - Route 3

Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating…

St. Andrew's Church, Dacre

A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…

Leacet Stone Circle

Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century…

North View Bed & Breakfast

Discover North View B&B in Penrith, offering French elegance, homemade breakfasts, and stunning…

The Queen's Head Askham

Welcome to The Queen's Head, a unique and delightful 17th-century village pub nestled in the heart…

The Mews @ Roundthorn

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

Waterfoot Park - Touring

5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…

Spring Foraging event at Dalemain Mansion

The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…

Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…

Lake District Gyroplanes

A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking…

Lyvennet Valley

Pedal southwards, rising gradually to the open limestone farmland between Cumbria’s High Fells and…

The Rheged Centre

Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the…

Hillcroft Park - Lodges

A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…

Glamping at Ullswater Heights

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

PARADISE COMES TO LAZONBY - COLDPLAY TRIBUTE LIVE

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Eycott Hill Nature Reserve

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

Melmerby Hall

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

The Spa at North Lakes Hotel & Spa

The Spa at the North Lakes Hotel is the perfect destination to unwind and have some well-deserved…

Lakeland 100 Recce Day

Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for…

St. Andrew's Church, Penrith

According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…

Lowther Castle & Gardens

A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…

Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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Orchard Hideaways

Address

Orchard Hideaways, Redhills Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DT

Telephone
07483308007

info@orchard-hideaways.co.uk

Penrith

Orchard Hideaways is a cosy Camping Pod site nestled in the serene Eden Valley, just moments away from picturesque Ullswater in the Lake District. Perfect for adventurers, families, and furry friends alike, our site offers exclusive hire options for…

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1863 Restaurant with Rooms

Address

High Street, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NH

Telephone
017684 86334

info@1863ullswater.co.uk

Ullswater

1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.

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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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208 reviews
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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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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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Penrith Tourist Information Centre

Address

Robinson's School, Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7PT

Telephone
01768 867466

pen.tic@eden.gov.uk

Penrith

Gateway Tourist Information Centre providing an extensive range of information and services.

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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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Cranstons Cumbrian Food Hall

Address

Cranstons Cumbrian Foodhall & Café Oswald’s, Ullswater Rd, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7EH

Telephone
01768 862 113

enquiries@cranstons.net

Penrith

The Cumbrian Food Hall offers Cranstons' famous butchery, deli, and local produce from over 100 suppliers. Visit for Cumberland sausages, pies, hot food, and Café Oswalds' delicious meals and cakes.

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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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Booths Penrith

Address

Unit 1, Westgate House, Brunswick Road, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7JU

Telephone
01768 890666

penrith@booths.co.uk

Penrith

Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…

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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 - Touring

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.

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450 reviews
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The Rheged Centre

Address

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

Telephone
01768 868000

enquiries@rheged.com

Penrith

Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.

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George and Dragon, Clifton - Food & Drink

Address

Clifton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2ER

Telephone
01768 865381

enquiries@georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk

Penrith

At the George and Dragon, our commitment to exceptional food has garnered us numerous awards throughout the years. We attribute our success to our field-to-fork philosophy, where we prioritize home-grown ingredients and showcase the culinary…

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1076 reviews
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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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Lowther Castle & Gardens

Address

Lowther Castle & Gardens, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH

Telephone
01931 712192

info@lowthercastle.org

Penrith

A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…

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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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Troutbeck Head - Universally Accessible Glamping Pods

Address

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

Telephone
01342 777533

enquiries@experiencefreedom.co.uk

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…

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Black Cat Distillery

Address

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

Telephone
07854 944597

info@blackcatdistillery.co.uk

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.

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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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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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