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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

The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards & Festival

Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…

The Rheged Centre

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

Askham Hall

With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this…

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…

Hillcroft Park - Glamping

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

Arragon's Cycle Hire - Delivery

Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…

Booths Penrith

Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…

Cycling in Eden Valley - Route 3

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

Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

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

FYR Restaurant at North Lakes Hotel

Featuring an eye-catching bespoke open fire grill and a brand new menu to choose from, let our…

Adventure Triple Challenge

Join Rainbow Trust's Adventure Triple Challenge! A transformative day of cycling, paddling and…

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…

1863 Restaurant with Rooms

1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…

Hillcroft Park - Lodges

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

Rheged Café

Our 100-seat ground-floor café is a relaxed dining space where you can brunch with friends, enjoy a…

Eycott Hill Nature Reserve

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

Skelton Show

130th Anniversary Skelton Show will be a great family day out in a picturesque location. The show…

Moor Divock and Askham Fell

Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…

Hillcroft Park - Self Catering

A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…

Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

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

Chef's Dinner

Step into an intimate dinner, hosted by one of our talented brigade, as they create a 5 course…

Lodges at Ullswater Heights

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

Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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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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The Toffee Shop Limited

Address

The Toffee Shop, 7 Brunswick Rd, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7LU

Telephone
01768862008

sales@thetoffeeshop.co.uk

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!

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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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146 reviews
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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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The Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle

Address

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

Telephone
01931 712192

info@lowthercastle.org

Penrith

Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.

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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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FYR Restaurant at North Lakes Hotel

Address

Ullswater Road, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8QT

Telephone
01768 868111

reservations@northlakeshotel.co.uk

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.

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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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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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Beyonk Online Booking
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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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600 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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35 reviews
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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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450 reviews
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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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Troutbeck Head - Glamping Cabins

Address

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

Telephone
01342 777533

enquiries@experiencefreedom.co.uk

Penrith

Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.

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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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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
289 reviews
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Aqua Sana Forest Spa

Address

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

Telephone
03448 266205

Penrith

Unique, immersive spa on the edge of the Lake District with 14 nature‑inspired thermal experiences and indulgent treatments in a serene forest setting.

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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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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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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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251 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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