Penrith

Located at an intersection of routes between Scotland and England and a cross-Pennines road, Penrith has reaped the benefits of good communication routes for centuries.

Today, with easy access from the M6, A66 and with a mainline railway service, the town is a perfect base for exploring the northern Lakes, beautiful Eden Valley and rolling Pennine hills. This distinctive red sandstone town, with its popular markets and specialist, family-run shops, has become the regional centre for trade, industry and services in the Eden Valley.

Penrith Castle

Some Oddities

Pubs galore

In 1829, Penrith had 57 pubs for its population of 5,383 - one for every 94 residents.

Giant's grave

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.

Giant's thumb

The Giants Thumb, a badly worn Norse cross in St Andrew's churchyard, is thought to date from the 10th century.

A guide to Penrith Cumbria (click Here)

Accommodation

Elm House Guest House - Award winning Four Star guest house in Pooley Bridge, near Penrith.