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Market Town to Mere - Penrith to Ullswater

Market Town to Mere - Penrith to Ullswater

Just off the West Coast Mainline, in the Eden Valley, nestles the very Cumbrian Market town of Penrith. Pair a stay here with a trip to the Ullswater Valley, where the mountains dip their toes into the lake, for a World Heritage Signature Experience.

Day 1

Morning

Hop on the train and head to Penrith Station. There are regular direct trains here from London to Glasgow/Edinburgh, calling at Crewe, Warrington, Wigan, Preston and Lancaster, plus easy connections from Manchester and Birmingham. From the Station the short walk into Penrith is clearly waymarked. Don’t forget to have a quick look at Penrith Castle en-route. Richard, Duke of Gloucester was given the Lordship of Penrith by his brother, Edward IV, and spent much time at Penrith Castle, adding a large banqueting hall, kitchens and other buildings.

Afternoon

Browse the range of quirky shops hiding down the town’s historical ginnels and alleys. During 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 the town was seized by Edward I of England, and for the next 15 years, Penrith was subject to numerous border skirmishes between the Scots and the English. The castle and the narrow streets and passageways evident in the town today were deliberately built as defences against border raids.

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.

If you are feeling adventurous head to the bus station (stand 3) to get the regular X5 bus to Rheged Discovery Centre.

Evening

The North Lakes Hotel and Spa offers luxury within walking distance of the town centre.

Day 2

Morning

From the Bus Station on Sandgate, just off the town centre, take the 508 bus from Stand 1 for the 40 minute ride to the Greenside Road Bus Shelter in Glenridding. If you aren’t sure where to get off just ask the driver to give you a shout when you are there. Spend the morning browsing the collection of shops, admiring the views and enjoying a brew in one of the local cafes or pubs.

Afternoon

From Glenridding walk down to Glenridding Pier, clearly signposted from the main road. From the pier you can cruise on one of the Ullswater Steamers to Aira Force Pier.

Escape the ordinary at Aira Force. Let your imagination run wild as you weave your way through woodland glades from the waters edge to fell top. You'll find champion trees, cheeky red squirrels, waterfalls, perfect picnic spots, a café, pebble beaches, beautiful views and much more.

Evening

 Retrace your steps and catch the bus back to Penrith. Stay another night exploring the eateries of this charming town or catch the train home.

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Penrith
2 Penrith Castle
3 The Rheged Centre
4 North Lakes Hotel & Spa
5 Glenridding
6 Ullswater Steamers
7 Aira Force
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Product Information

  1. Penrith

    Penrith

    Penrith is a bustling market town of sandstone buildings, renowned for its wealth of specialist shops offering an interesting choice of goods.

  2. Penrith Castle
    Penrith Castle

    Penrith Castle

    Penrith

    The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.

  3. The Rheged Centre
    The Rheged Centre
    The Rheged Centre
    The Rheged Centre
    The Rheged Centre

    The Rheged Centre

    Penrith

    There’s nowhere quite like Rheged, where the arts meet good food, family and fun under a green grass roof. It’s where we share every aspect of what we love about our place.

  4. North Lakes Hotel & Spa

    North Lakes Hotel & Spa

    Penrith

    Take a warm Cumbrian welcome, a team of people who love to look after you and fantastic facilities, a perfect combination at any time of the year. Public areas are spacious with log fires and deep, comfy sofas throughout.

  5. Glenridding

    Glenridding

    Glenridding can be found at the foot of the famous Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake and it is the main centre for the Ullswater area. The classic mountain Helvellyn at 3,116ft (950m) looks over the village and lake.

  6. Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Sail with confidence - Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Ullswater Steamers
    Sail with confidence - Ullswater Steamers

    Ullswater Steamers

    Penrith

    The ‘Steamers’ create the perfect opportunity to combine a cruise on a beautiful lake with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the Lake District. Operating an all year service with varying timetable connections. Cruise times vary from 20 - 120 minutes.

    The 'Steamers' operate a…

  7. Aira Force Waterfall © National Trust Images, John Malley
    Aira Force Waterfall © National Trust Images, John Malley
    Aira Force Waterfall © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Aira Force Tea Room © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    View From Gowbarrow Fell © National Trust Images, Georgia Fitzpatrick
    Aira Force Woods © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Aira Force Woods © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Aira Green © National Trust Images, Paul Harris
    Paddling in Ullswater © National Trust Images, Paul Harris
    Aira Force Waterfall © National Trust Images, John Malley
    Aira Force Waterfall © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Aira Force Tea Room © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    View From Gowbarrow Fell © National Trust Images, Georgia Fitzpatrick
    Aira Force Woods © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Aira Force Woods © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Aira Green © National Trust Images, Paul Harris
    Paddling in Ullswater © National Trust Images, Paul Harris

    Aira Force

    Penrith

    The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Penrith (54.66541,-2.75498)Penrith Castle (54.66271,-2.75493)0.27
Penrith Castle (54.66271,-2.75493)The Rheged Centre (54.64726,-2.78065)2.15
The Rheged Centre (54.64726,-2.78065)North Lakes Hotel & Spa (54.65596,-2.75713)1.62
North Lakes Hotel & Spa (54.65596,-2.75713)Glenridding (54.54444,-2.95834)16.16
Glenridding (54.54444,-2.95834)Ullswater Steamers (54.54367,-2.94441)0.81
Ullswater Steamers (54.54367,-2.94441)Aira Force (54.57454,-2.93075)3.19
Total Distance *24.2 miles
Estimated Journey Time47 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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