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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.
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…
Perusing the Black Cat Gin range is certainly thirsty work! Luckily you can taste a tipple or two…
Discover North View B&B in Penrith, offering French elegance, homemade breakfasts, and stunning…
Our 100-seat ground-floor café is a relaxed dining space where you can brunch with friends, enjoy a…
Rag Rugging is a traditional craft, in this case creating beautiful rugs out of pure wool blanket…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House,…
After Dark’s Criminal Cabaret Murder Mysteries are an evening of comedy, music, high energy and…
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
A lovely and relaxing watercolour workshop for beginners, inspired by dried flowers and their…
With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this…
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our…
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking…
Lakes For All: luxury self-catering, wheelchair accessible holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Housed in a building of architectural merit, Rheged is home to 7 individual shops, selling…


Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm

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Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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 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…
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.
Penrith
Beautifully converted 17thC farm buildings. Gallery, vegetarian restaurant, gift shop and 128 seat puppet theatre.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 133 spaces. Cars, bikes and light goods vehicles allowed up to 168 consecutive hours (7 days).
Motorhomes, caravans and coaches up to 24 consecutive hours.
Public toilets located nearby in Little Dockray.
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
Pay and display multip-storey car park on Ullswater road, with 11 spaces.
Open 7 days a weel. Height restriction: 2.10m.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 40 spaces.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 128 spaces. Cars, bikes and light goods vehicles allowed up to 168 consecutive hours (7 days).
Motorhomes, caravans and coaches up to 24 consecutive hours.
Public toilets are located adjacent to the car park.
Penrith
Penrith Players Theatre is the only permanent, member-run Theatre in Penrith, thriving on the commitment of our audiences and volunteers. The Playhouse is the building, The Players are the people!
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 104 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Parking charges apply between 8am and 6pm every day.
PENRITH
Penrith (North Lakes) railway station is a station on the West Coast mainline, which serves as a major stop for people visiting the North Lakes area of Cumbria.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 37 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Charges apply every day from 8am to 8pm.
Middlegate, Penrith
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display material reflecting the history and culture of the Penrith and Eden district.
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