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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.
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A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Join Michelle and create your own beautiful fused glass Flower Heart - suitable for all abilities…
Near Howe enjoys minimal light pollution and uninterrupted views of the stars on clear, dark nights…
Brow Wood Cabin is a bespoke and luxurious L-shared cabin, situated next to an ancient wood. There…
Pedal southwards, rising gradually to the open limestone farmland between Cumbria’s High Fells and…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking,…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
We are delighted to welcome back Sue Rowland, who will inspire you to create an original lino print…
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country…
Join Julie Evans for an exciting foray into the art of Mokuhanga, an ancient Japanese printing…
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
At Flusco Wood, you can choose your own lodge. Go for cosy comfort or sumptuous luxury; fit out…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
Dynamic Floral and Landscape Abstracts in Ink and Watercolour - capture your favourite flowers and…
Home Farm House, now completely modernised, was built in the mid-nineteenth century and is set in…
Our hand-picked selection of indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Our shortest route has no huge hills to tackle, but the lofty northern fells are an ever-present…
Our 100-seat ground-floor café is a relaxed dining space where you can brunch with friends, enjoy a…
The Forager is an outdoorsy, cross body bag that looks great made in oilskin and tweed. The bag has…
Learn the skill of glass fusing and express your creativity by making a decorative freestanding…
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute…
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
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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.
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.
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.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
441 reviewsUllswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
441 reviewsPenrith
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
112 reviewsPENRITH
Pay and display car park with 37 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Charges apply every day from 8am to 8pm.
PENRITH
Located in the Eden Bridge car park.
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Textiles at this site.
PENRITH
Free electric bike charging point, attached to the metal electric box.
PENRITH
Located at Lowther Village Hall, Hackthorpe.
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card, Plastics and Textiles at this site.
Cumbria
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford.
PENRITH
Located in the Crown Hotel car park.
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Textiles at this site.
Penrith
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017 to create a local network to support and encourage local artists. The Gallery showcases 40 local artists work and acts as a doorway to meet members,…
PENRITH
Located in the car park of Morrison's supermarket.
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card, Plastics, Plastic bags and Textiles at this site.
PENRITH
Located at the Village Hall in Melmerby.
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Textiles at this site.
PENRITH
Located at the Village Hall, Langwathby, Penrith CA10 1NQ
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Plastics at this site.
PENRITH
Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card, Plastics, Plastic bags and Textiles at this site.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 104 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Parking charges apply between 8am and 6pm every day.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 40 spaces.
PENRITH
Male, female and accessible toilets.
Baby changing facilities.
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