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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.
The Shepherds Inn has been a part of Langwathby for as long as there has been a village. We keep…
Gaddalands is a dry hire venue & is able to accommodate up to 120 people. The communal area is vast…
Lakes For All: luxury self-catering, wheelchair accessible holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria…
join us at Hillcroft park, Pooley bride for our pumpkin festival 2026. enjoy pumpkin picking and…
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Treat you and yours to a fabulously festive afternoon tea, handcrafted by our team of expert chefs…
A flexible space for getting together or enjoying time alone with a book or notepad; a place where…
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Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of…
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Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the…
The one hour family show features some of Britain's funniest clowns, traditional slapstick comedy,…
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Traditional Family Pantomime ideal start to your Christmas festivities
Perusing the Black Cat Gin range is certainly thirsty work! Luckily you can taste a tipple or two…
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At North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Santa Claus always comes to town. Enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Eden Valley and Penrith Astronomy Group have created an exhibition of Astrophotography for Rheged's…
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Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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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.
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
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
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
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!
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
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.
Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
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
Our 100-seat ground-floor café is a relaxed dining space where you can brunch with friends, enjoy a working lunch or catch up before a movie.
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.
Ullswater
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Penrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
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…
Little Salkeld, Penrith
Silva Treehouse offers cosy self catering accommodation in the heart of the Eden Valley. Sleeping 6 in 2 kings & 1 double bed, it also has 2 bathrooms, 1 on the ground floor, 1 on the second. The kitchen/sitting area has beautiful views in all…
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
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.
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
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL