Holiday rentals in Penrith

The historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith is the perfect base for exploring the Lake District. The town sits in Eden Valley on the River Eamont and has settlements dating back to Roman times, with several prehistoric stone circles nearby. Penrith’s location just a little over three miles from the edge of Lake District National Park means the biggest lakes and highest peaks in England are within easy reach. Adventure seekers can take the cycle routes to reach the Yorkshire Dales and Lakeland Fells. The monument of Penrith Beacon, which sits atop Beacon Hill, was used to spot danger approaching from Scotland and as a defensive point in the Napoleonic war. From the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of the area as far as the Pennines and North Lakes.

Farmers from the area once brought their wares to town via horse and cart using alleys that led to courtyards for stabling. Today, these alleys and courtyards are occupied by pubs, cafes, and restaurants that take advantage of the local produce. The town offers plenty of shopping opportunities, including market stalls, big-name high street brands, independent craft galleries, and boutiques.

Penrith enjoys the warm summers and cool winters typical of northwest England. Book your Penrith holiday cottage for May or June to take advantage of sunny springtime days and to see the local gardens in bloom. Visit the town in late August to experience the Wannasee Festival, a three-day family-friendly music festival that features tributes to the world’s greatest artists over the past seventy years.

Visit Penrith in late October for the Winter Droving, a magical three-day festival with street entertainment, rural traditions, vintage funfair, and a craft and food market. The highlight is the torchlit procession, which is led through the town by animal-shaped lanterns, fire torches, and drummers. Winters tend to be fairly quiet, with lower temperatures and higher rainfall and wind drawing fewer visitors.

Penrith Town Trails

Penrith has seven accessible town trails that allow you to take a self-guided tour of the entire city, each taking around 30 minutes to complete. The Castle walk takes you around the castle walls, across the moat, and to the ruins of Penrith Castle, first built in 1399. The Wordsworth walk follows in the footsteps of the poet, who was born and spent much of his life here. Other paths explore the story of Richard III and the town’s connection to the American War of Independence.

Acorn Bank

With lily ponds, orchards of heritage apples, and an extensive culinary and medicinal herb garden, the 17th-century Acorn Bank historic building is a National Trust property whose site has a connection to the Knights Templar dating back to the early 13th century. There are 180 acres of woodland, parks, and gardens to explore, as well as a restored water mill that produces flour.

King Arthur’s Round Table

This circular earthwork dates from the Neolithic era, much earlier than the king it takes its name from. The link to King Arthur is unclear, although the grassy area may have been used as a jousting arena. The Round Table is understood to be part of a larger ritual landscape, including the nearby Mayburgh Henge and Little Round Table Henge.