Penrith

Penrith was once the capital of Cumbria and wears the historic significance with pride. It is a pretty and bustling market town of sandstone buildings, warm welcomes and excellent shopping set in one of the most picturesque areas of England - The Lake District. For visitors, it is very accessible by road with the M6, A6 and A66 leading to it and good rail links. The sandstone buildings are interwoven by intriguing lanes and alleyways that lead to attractive cottages, gardens and small, privately owned shops offering a wealth of curiosities. There is a wide choice of excellent pubs, hotels, local and international restaurants and good evening entertainment.

The Penrith museum is the perfect starting point for exploring this wonderful town. In the museum you can discover the geology, archaeology and history of Penrith. The Millennium Trails uncover and explain fascinating facts about the architecture, history and characters of the town. Not far from Penrith are the delights of Brougham Castle, Mayburgh Henge and the atmospheric King Arthur's Round Table. Legend has it that the stone circle 'Long Meg and her daughters', close to the village of Little Salkeld is made of the daughters' lovers turned to stone.

Penrith is the chief northern town of the Vale of Eden and, for many centuries, was a gateway North and South, East and West. Theories for source of the name 'Penrith' vary, but the most common are that it may come from the Celtic "penn" and "rid" that mean "hill ford" or "chief ford", or "under the red hill" or even "Pen Rith" meaning "red town". The two fords at Eamont Bridge as well as the local red sandstone make the sources ring true.