Penrith: gateway to the Lakes
Penrith, once the capital of Cumbria, is a bustling market town and a great base from which to explore the Lake District and the Eden Valley. This historic town, with its attractive red sandstone buildings, fascinating yards and lanes, is renowned for its wealth of specialist shops and offers a wide choice of excellent pubs, local and international restaurants, cafes, pleasant open spaces and good evening entertainment.
Population: 14,750
Located just outside the National Park and easy accessibility by road (M6, A6 and A66) and by rail have made Penrith a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Penrith Museum and the Tourist Information Centre are housed in the former 17th century Robinsons School and offers a fascinating insight into the local history, geology and archaeology.
Penrith Castle, dates back to 1399 and is set in an attractive public park with tennis courts, bowls, crazy golf, children's playground and paddling pool. Close by are Brougham Castle, Mayburgh Henge and King Arthur's Round Table.
Penrith Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, gym, indoor climbing wall, large sports hall and indoor bowls.
Penrith Farmers' Market with local produce, is held every third Tuesday in the Market Square.
Behind the town lies Beacon Hill with magnificent views over the town and the Lakeland fells beyond.
The area around Penrith is wonderful walking, cycling and touring country and there are many picturesque villages to explore.
The Northern Lake District is dominated by Ullswater, 5 miles from Penrith, M6 junction 40. Ullswater has the reputation as 'England's most beautiful lake' and is the perfect location for sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, climbing, mountain biking, pony trekking and camping.
Current Weather Conditions in Penrith|
What's on in Penrith|
Cumbria Tourist Board website listing events and attractions in Penrith.
Visit Cumbria: Penrith|
A guide to the many attractions and places of interest in Cumbria, The Lake District, England, including historic buildings, lakes, preserved railways, churches, the National Trust, walks, towns and villages, hundreds of aerial photographs, and famous people connected with Cumbria.
UpMyStreet|
UpMyStreet’s FindMyNearest… is the quick and easy way to find shopping, businesses and services in Penrith.
Wikipedia (Penrith)
|Penrith entry in the Wikipedia encyclopedia - a multilingual, Web-based, free content encyclopedia project.
Penrith|
Attractions, accommodation and events (Eden District Council site).
Sports and Leisure Facilities
Penrith Leisure Centre|
Penrith Skate Park|
North Lakes Hotel & Spa Facilities|
Paintball - Bravo4Zero|
Rookin House Farm Equestrian and Activity Centre|
Center Parcs|
Penrith Golf Club|
Penrith Golf Centre|
Eden Valley Circular Cycle Route|
Park Foot Pony Trekking|
Clubs and Societies
Penrith Rugby Union Football Club|
Penrith United FC|
Penrith United Ladies FC|
Archery - Beacon Archers|
Penrith Ramblers'|
Penrith Angling Association|
Ullswater Yacht Club|
Tourist Attractions
Rheged Discovery Centre|
Hutton-in-the-Forest|
Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill|
Brougham Hall|
Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre|
Eden Ostrich World|
Lowther Castle|
Brougham Castle|
The Alpaca Centre|
Silverband Falconry|
Potfest - International Pottery Festival|
Penrith Show|
Ullswater Steamers|
Aira Force|
Wetheriggs Country Pottery|
King Arthur's Round Table (prehistoric earthworks)|
Mayburgh Henge|
Moor Divock Stone Circles|
Gamelands Stone Circle|
Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle|
Upfront Gallery & Coffee Shop|
Red Barn Gallery|
Little Salkeld Watermill|
Local Facilities
Penrith Cinema|
Places to Eat|
Fellrunner Buses|
Local Bus Links from the Eden Valley to Penrith and Carlisle.
Local Taxi Firms|
Local Newspaper - Cumberland and Westmorland Herald|
Campsites|
Cycle Hire
CycleActive|
Arragon’s Cycle Centre|
Other Useful Information
Penrith & Eden Community Hospital
Bridge Lane, Penrith Tel. 01768 245300
[Back to Top]|
This page provides links to information provided by external organisations which are not in any
way under the control of the National School of Forestry. The University is not responsible for the content or accuracy of external pages. All links open in a new window.