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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.
For the first time in 9 years, Myles and Jo Thompson are inviting the local community to their…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light…
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Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for…
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At the George and Dragon, our commitment to exceptional food has garnered us numerous awards…
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The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
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Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute…
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From 24 October 2025 to 28 February 2026 (excluding Christmas and New Year), guests booking a…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Fundraisers of Alzheimer's Society will take on on an incredible 13 or 26 mile trek. The 26 mile…
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Number of results: 96
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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.
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.
Penrith
Café Oswald's offers dishes made from Cranstons' meat and local ingredients, along with a selection of hot drinks and delicious baked in-house cakes.
Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
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…
Penrith
Discover North View B&B in Penrith, offering French elegance, homemade breakfasts, and stunning Lake District views. Multilingual hospitality ensures a warm stay!
Bridge Ln, Penrith
Based in Cumbria, Eden Arts are an artist led company dedicated to creating and facilitating change through culture and arts activities.
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…
Penrith
Housed in a building of architectural merit, Rheged is home to 7 individual shops, selling clothing, home and lifestyle products that stand out for their beauty and quality.
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.
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.
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
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated with concentric circle - late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c2000 or earlier).
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,…
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…
Penrith
Gateway Tourist Information Centre providing an extensive range of information and services.
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…
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.
Penrith
Since 1910, The Toffee Shop has been making delicious Fudge and Toffee, using a carefully guarded secret recipe. Making and wrapping all our toffee and fudge by hand on the premises. - Even using the same brass pans!
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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