Penrith, in the Eden Valley a few miles north of Ullswater, is known as the 'Gateway to the Northern Lakes'.
In the 9th and 10th century Penrith was the capital of the Cumbria, a semi-independent state which formed part of the Scottish Kingdom of Strathclyde.
The ancient settlement lay on the main north-south road between England and Scotland and during the 14th century was attacked and burned many times by Scottish border raiders.
Penrith Castle was built in 1399 to protect the town against these incursions. The red sandstone fortress, now ruined, was later a stronghold of the Duke of Gloucester before he became King Richard III.
Henry III granted the town a market charter in the 13th century and by the 18th century it had become an important cattle market. A series of market places: Castle Mart, the Corn Market, Dockray, Market Hall, Market Place and Sandgate form the heart of the town.
Penrith's oldest streets. Sandgate and Burrowgate, date from the 13th century.
The hub of the Eden Valley, Penrith is still a thriving market town with many shops and services located along its narrow winding streets.
Local specialities are fudge, toffee, gingerbread and Cumberland sausages.
The town is dominated by Beacon Fell, a dark red sandstone outcrop. Penrith Beacon on the top of this hill marks the spot where beacons have been lit in times of war and emergency since the days of Henry III. From here there are wonderful views across the Eden Valley to the hills of the Lake District.
Many of the Penrith's buildings are constructed from local red sandstone, which contrasts strongly with the grey stone used in the towns and villages of southern lakeland.
Penrith has associations with the Romantic poet William Wordsworth. The town was the home of Wordsworth's parents and William and Dorothy, and William's future wife Mary, all attended the Dame Anne Birkett School overlooking St Andrew's Churchyard.
This historic graveyard is the final resting place of the legendary giant 5th century giant Ewan Caesarius, King of All Cumbria.
The town hall, dating from the late 18th century was once two houses designed by Robert Adam. William Wordsworth's brother John lived in one of these houses.
The local Tourist Information Centre and Museum is located in the historic Robinson's School, dating from 1671.
Brougham Castle, Penrith CA10 2AA
Built around 1170 on the banks of the Eamont. Added to mainly in the 17th century, becoming the property of Anne Clifford, Countess of Dorset, Pembroke and Montgomery. The castle is now in ruins although the great tower is still impressive. Brougham Castle information
Dalemain Dalemain Estate, Dalemain, Penrith CA11 0HB
Set in peaceful countryside near the foot of Allswater, a mix of medieval, Tudor and early-Georgian architecture. The house contains a fine collection of china, furniture and portraits. The gardens date back to a medieval herb garden. Features include a k Dalemain information
Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith CA11 9TH
6 miles north-west of Penrith on B5305 a romantic irregular pink sandstone house,. Hutton-in-the-Forest has outstanding grounds and gardens. Hutton-in-the-Forest information
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Ullswater Road Penrith CA11 8QT MAP Boasting an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and modern rooms, this 4-star luxury hotel is located just off the M6 motorway. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and locally sourced cuisine, while Penrith centre is a 15-minute walk away. Stylishly furnished, each... More Information and Book ... |
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Shap Penrith CA10 3QU MAP On the edge of the Lake District, Shap Wells offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, many with countryside views. The games room has a small gym and snooker table. Riverside Lounge and Bar offers light meals and Birkbeck Restaurant has river views. The Fe... More Information and Book ... |
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Temple Sowerby Penrith CA10 1RZ MAP This delightfully peaceful country house hotel is situated in the centre of a conservation village in the Eden Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty between the Lake District and the Pennines. The Temple Sowerby Bypass opened in October 2007, ret... More Information and Book ... |
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Culgaith Penrith Penrith ca10 1qw MAP This traditional 17th-century Cumbrian inn is set in the Eden Valley, between the old market towns of Appleby and Penrith. It has a cosy bar with a log fire, and has free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. Each room at Black Swann has a carpeted floor and w... More Information and Book ... |
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Tymparon Hall Newbiggin Penrith Penrith CA11 0HS MAP A grand, 18th-century manor house set in the rural beauty of the northern Lake District, Tymparon Hall is just 10 minutes’ drive from Lake Ullswater. Guests can enjoy home-cooked farmhouse breakfasts and leafy gardens. Light and cosily furnished, the r... More Information and Book ... |
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Troutbeck Inn Penrith CA11 0SJ MAP Situated in the north of the Lake District, this inn is set in the charming hamlet of Troutbeck. It offers bed and breakfast accommodation, free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking. Some of the rooms at Troutbeck Inn have scenic mountain views. Each also has ... More Information and Book ... |
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Low Dyke Catterlen Penrith CA11 0BQ Tel: 01768890789 Email: linda@theginneycatterlen.co.uk Converted from a byre Daisy & Buttercup offer luxurious one bedroomed self catering accommodation in contemporary boutique style, oozing charm and character. With ample parking, patios and rural views, set in a peaceful village location close to the Lake District.... More Information and Book ... |
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Ullswater near Penrith MAP This charmingly furnished property enjoys a wonderful lakeside setting in 2 acres of beautiful gardens which sweep down to the shores of Lake Ullswater, with breathtaking views. Adjoining the owners' home, visi... Sleeps 2... More Information and Book ... |
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Penrith CA10 3AL MAP Rock Cottage is a detached sandstone cottage in the hamlet of Cliburn just five miles from Penrith on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Sleeps up to 8 in 3 bedrooms. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 245.00-578.00... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Penrith To Visit - straight line distance:
Appleby-in-Westmorland Tourist Information (12.17 miles) Alston Tourist Information (16.14 miles) Carlisle Tourist Information (17.47 miles) Ambleside Tourist Information (18.12 miles)