Summary
In Eden Valley, Cumbria, Penrith is situated slightly away from the northeastern edge of the Lake District. This location provides access to the stunning highland scenery of the National Park, along with the grand estates and castles nestled within the picturesque lower landscape to the west. Ullswater, often regarded as England’s most beautiful natural feature, is merely a short drive away and offers hiking trails, cruises on historic steamers, and Aira Force, the waterfall that inspired Wordsworth’s renowned poem, *Daffodils*.
Historically, Penrith was positioned on the contentious border with Scotland during the Medieval era, housing two castles of medieval significance linked to royalty. Visitors can explore remarkable Palladian country homes and one of the largest Neolithic stone circles in the country. Let’s delve into the top attractions in Penrith:
1. Brougham Castle
Set in a captivating location by the River Eamont, the well-preserved ruins of Brougham Castle provide a glimpse into the past. Abandoned for about 300 years, it gradually became a picturesque ruin, frequented by a young Wordsworth and sketched by J. M.W. Turner. Key structures such as the Tower of League, the keep, and the double gatehouse are preserved, making Brougham Castle an enjoyable site to explore with its intriguing passages and spiral stairways. Visitors tread the same paths as Edward I, as the castle served as a crucial military base for Robert de Clifford, the first Lord Warden of the Marches during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Edward resided here in 1300, while the castle was seized and destroyed by the Scots in 1388.
2. Penrith Castle
Located on the western side of the town, Penrith’s Grade I-listed castle faced a similar fate to many medieval fortifications in England, as it was dismantled in the 17th century following the Civil War. Constructed in the 14th century to defend against Scottish incursions, it later evolved into an opulent fortified residence. Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III), resided here for a time prior to ascending the throne. The ruins, situated within a public park, still exhibit substantial walls at their original height and are accessible via a footbridge crossing the moat. Observers can discern several window openings and the corbelling along the eastern elevation.
3. Ullswater
Ullswater, recognized as a stunning glacial ribbon lake, is frequently celebrated as the most picturesque lake in England due to its serpentine form and the prominent hills surrounding its shores, such as Place Fell and Hallin Fell. The lake’s enchanting beauty has drawn visitors since the 18th century, making it a favored destination for aristocrats into the 20th century. Traveling from Penrith, the first stop will be Pooley Bridge, where visitors can board one of the steamers that operate year-round on the lake. Boat excursions have been available at Ullswater since 1855, with the oldest vessel, the Lady of the Lake, launched in 1877. The steamers provide the most advantageous means to appreciate Ullswater, visiting Glenridding, Howtown, and Aira Force. Furthermore, a ten-minute walk from Pooley Bridge leads to Waterfoot Park, which offers various aquatic activities such as canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing.
4. Aira Force
Aira Force, the most esteemed waterfall in the Lake District, cascades 21 meters in a National Trust park located on the western side of Ullswater. Wordsworth referred to Aira Force in several of his poems and is believed to have drawn inspiration for *Daffodils* following a visit in 1802. While the natural terrain at Aira Beck has been altered, having been landscaped by the Howard family in the 19th century, they established an arboretum within the gorge featuring 200 cedar, spruce, pine, and fir trees, including a magnificent Sitka spruce that now exceeds 35 meters in height. The setting is almost enchanting, allowing visitors to appreciate the waterfall’s majesty from two stone bridges situated at either end.
5. Hallin Fell
The imposing 388-meter Hallin Fell, located on Ullswater’s opposite shore, commands attention as it rises above the lake on three sides. Fortunately, the ascent is suitable for individuals of all skill levels, as the path to the summit is relatively straightforward, typically achievable in about thirty minutes. Parking is available at the parish church of St Peter adjacent to the southern base, where hikers can enjoy views of the stunning Martindale fells en route. From the top, the vista encompasses a large expanse of the eastern Lake District, including High Street, Blencathra, and Helvellyn, along with Ullswater itself.
6. Cycling
Designated as Cumbria’s inaugural cycling hub, Penrith is strategically positioned along the Sea to Sea Cycle Route (C2C). This extensive route spans 140 miles across the Lake District and North Pennines, commencing from Workington or Whitehaven in Cumbria and concluding at Sunderland or Tynemouth on the North Sea coast. Nearly half of the cycle route consists of off-road paths along decommissioned railways and traffic-free trails. The tourist information center provides cycle storage lockers, and local companies, such as Inspiring Cycle, offer rentals of mountain, road, and e-bikes. A leaflet detailing five “do-in-a-day” circular rides, varying from 15 to 31 miles, is also available from the Eden Valley tourist board.
7. Lowther Castle & Gardens
The Lowther family resided at this estate for generations until financial challenges compelled their departure after World War II. During this period, the castle’s roof was removed, resulting in the gardens becoming overgrown and the Gothic Revival structure deteriorating until a conservation initiative commenced in the early 2000s. The castle has since become a notable visitor destination, offering views of its Gothic arches, elaborate crenellations, towers, vaulted galleries, and pinnacles, all designed by architect Robert Smirke, who was only 25 at the time. The grounds feature elegant avenues, terraces, and stone urns, including The Lost Castle—a newly constructed playground made from sustainably sourced timber, renowned as the largest wooden playground in the country.
8. Long Meg and Her Daughters
Located conveniently across the Eden Valley, this Neolithic stone circle stands as the second largest in the UK, spanning more than 100 meters in diameter. The site contains 59 stones, 27 of which are upright, with the most significant being the sandstone monolith named Long Meg, adorned with megalithic artwork in the form of rings, spirals, and ovoids. Estimated to date back over 4,000 years, this site may have served as both a burial ground and a venue for ritualistic gatherings and trade. The name originates from a local legend that describes the circle as a coven of witches transformed into stone.
9. Hutton-in-the-Forest
Penrith is home to numerous stately homes, with the Gothic Revival Hutton-in-the-Forest being another notable site of interest. The building originated from a medieval pele tower, with each succeeding generation contributing to its enhancement. Since 1605, the Fletcher-Vane family has called Hutton-in-the-Forest home. The estate opens for visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays during the spring and summer months. Guests can embark on a historical journey through the mansion, appreciating the exquisite gallery from the 1630s and the hall constructed in 1680, centered around the splendid Cupid Staircase. Noteworthy is Lady Darlington’s Room, which exhibits Arts and Crafts-style decor from the turn of the century. Throughout the house, visitors will marvel at an array of tapestries, portraits, furniture, and fine ceramics. The gardens remain open throughout the season, excluding Saturdays, featuring 17th-century terraces and a walled garden dating back to the 1730s.
10. St Andrew’s Church
Pennith’s parish church showcases an unusual blend of Georgian and Gothic architectural styles, rendering it a Grade I-listed monument. The tower, the oldest component, is constructed of sandstone rubble and possibly served defensive purposes during the 11th and 12th centuries. The nave features a more refined ashlar sandstone, dating from the 1720s. The church’s interior exhibits classical design elements, including carved oak pews and galleries supported by painted Tuscan columns. At the eastern end, the chancel exhibits a stained glass window installed in 1870, framed by murals created by the local landscape painter Jacob Thompson. In the graveyard lies the enigmatic Giant’s Thumb, a Norse cross that was carved in 920 as a tribute to the King of Cumbria.
11. Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill
Situated near Temple Sowerby, not far from Penrith, lies a magnificent National Trust garden encompassing a working watermill. The mill was first documented in 1323 when it belonged to the Knights Hospitaller, though the current structure originates from the 1800s. In addition to producing flour, the mill also powered gypsum mines on the premises. Following years of neglect, restoration efforts commenced, leading to its public reopening in 1995. A highlight of the garden includes the herb garden, enclosed by 17th-century walls, which contains the National Trust’s most extensive collection of medicinal and culinary herbs, featuring over 300 varieties alongside more than 100 local apple tree species and an apiary with four beehives.
12. Dalemain Mansion and Historic Garden
Among the most attractive stately homes in Northwest England, Dalemain features a striking Palladian facade built in 1744, concealing an even older structure that incorporates elements from the 14th and 16th centuries linked through whimsical staircases and narrow passageways. The house is accessible from Sunday to Thursday between March and October and has largely retained its 18th-century charm. Within, visitors will find collections of fine ceramics, furniture, antique toys, dolls’ houses, and family portraits, along with the stunning hand-painted 18th-century wallpaper in the Chinese Room. The formal gardens are equally impressive, showcasing a Greek fir gifted in 1840 by the prominent botanist Joseph Banks. Notably, Dalemain hosts the international Marmalade Awards and Festival in March, which coincides with the Penrith Goes Orange festivities held the same weekend.
13. Penrith and Eden Museum
Housed within the historic 17th-century Robinson’s School building, this museum effectively documents the human and natural history of Penrith and the Eden Valley. Visitors will encounter a variety of intriguing artifacts, including Penrith’s medieval town seal and official measures, as well as a collection of 600 late-Roman bronze coins discovered nearby in Newby. Several interesting mementos relate to notable local figures, including the monocle of Percy Toplis, a notorious impostor killed in Penrith in 1920 while evading capture for murder and interred in an unmarked grave at Beacon Edge Cemetery. The museum also features a commendable assortment of fine art, including Dutch and Flemish landscapes, as well as works by the 19th-century landscape painter Jacob Thompson, who was born in Penrith.
14. Beacon Hill
Overlooking Penrith from the northeast, the 286-meter Beacon Hill offers an invigorating trek and rewarding views over both Penrith and the Eden Valley. The trail begins off Beacon Edge Road, facilitating a round trip of approximately one hour. From the summit, visitors can appreciate a panorama that includes several major peaks of the Lake District oriented to the southwest, while to the north, the sight extends across the Solway Firth into Scotland. Beacon Hill derives its name from a historical signal beacon, lit during wartime and other emergencies, first established during the reign of Henry VIII in the 16th century, with the current pyramidal sandstone monument dating from 1719.
15. Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre
Situated within a charming walled garden near the entrance of Lowther Castle, the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre is home to over 150 native and exotic birds, including hawks, owls, vultures, eagles, falcons, and buzzards. Visitors can observe these remarkable creatures in thoughtfully designed aviaries or during a captivating flight demonstration held for two hours each afternoon. This demonstration provides an opportunity to learn about the distinct characteristics of various species and encourages attendees to attempt handling a bird under the guidance of an experienced caretaker. The centre operates daily from April to November.
