Penrith is an ideal meeting point for travellers heading from all around the UK. Family and friends converging in one of our Penrith Cottages can do so with ease using the town’s motorway, coach and railway connections to all over the UK.
While this market town lies just outside the Lake District in the Eden Valley, most of the holiday cottages Penrith has to offer are within the Lakes. They are ideal locations from which to exploit the vast range of transport links to elsewhere in Cumbria. There’s plenty to see and do from the doorstep of our Penrith holiday cottages. Castles, prehistoric henges and a museum are all within stone’s throws from the town centre.
Many of our cottages near Penrith located in villages outside the town centre. That way you don’t have to put up with the hustle and bustle of this major transport interchange to enjoy your own private oasis in the Lakes. By staying in self-catering Penrith accommodation, you can have your own slice of the Eden Valley. All while retaining access to all the trains, boats, coaches, bikes and buses that make this area one of the most accessible.
Our cottage bedrooms can be made up to your requirements, with the same top-quality linen that the town was famous for producing and, of course, extra sheets are available on request. Each cottage has state-of-the-art washing and drying utilities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible after a day on the fells.
Many of our Penrith self-catering cottages have separate wet and dry areas, which suit guests with four-legged friends. Check our dog friendly cottages section for the many ways we can cater for your pets, which can include underfloor heating. When the door to your new home opens, you’ll see how our exquisitely designed rooms work in harmony to make sure you can rest easy for the night, when you hang up your walking boots for the day.
History of Penrith and the Surrounding Area
Penrith is a town steeped in history. Mayburgh Henge is on the outskirts of the southernmost part of the town, a few minutes drive along the A6. It is believed to date back to the late Neolithic period and used to consist of seven stones. Now only one remains in the middle and rumour has it that the labourers who moved the stones were cursed. Nearby henge, King Arthur’s Round Table is thought to have been created later in 2,000 BC where Arthurian legend earmarked the area as a former jousting arena. Both are easily accessible on foot from Eamont Bridge Car Park.
Penrith Castle lies next to the railway station in the town park. It was built in the 14th century to defend England against the Scots. It was home to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III. The last recorded use of the site was during the 1648 Civil War before the castle finally fell into disrepair.
For relics unearthed at these places and more, pay a visit to Penrith and Eden Museum. This attraction contains fine art, geology and information about the local characters through history who have lived in Penrith and visited the area.
Getting to Penrith
Reaching this picturesque gateway to the Lakes is easy by rail or car. Travel to Junction 40 of the M6 by vehicle or take the train to Penrith North Lakes Railway Station on the West Coast Main Line. Fast trains from Glasgow to London make stops here. To connect to the rest of the Lakes, take one of the National Express coaches from the train station car park.
Electric and traditional pedal bikes are available for hire for single to several days from one of Penrith’s many cycle outlets. The area is popular for coast-to-coast rides. Make sure your seats and handlebars are adjusted to suit your specifications. Panniers, water bottle holders, helmets and locks are all available on request, as well as spare inner tubes and puncture repair kits.
Out and About Near Penrith
A short drive north of Penrith along the Salkeld Road is a stone circle dating back to 1500 BC. It has corners matching the four compass points. Long Meg and Her Daughters was so named after the legend of a local witch. She was believed to have been turned to stone with her offspring for dancing on the Sabbath. Poet William Wordsworth described the relic as the most notable aside from Stone Henge. A few minutes away by car is another collection of stones called Little Meg, owing to its much smaller arrangement.
A short drive south of the town leads to 13th century Brougham Castle on the banks of the River Eamont. While this fortification is a beautiful ruin, nearby 14th century Brougham Hall was rescued from demise in 1985. It is now a hub for local heritage industries, whose aim is to preserve skills that were in risk of dying out. This charity-run enterprise has now successfully trained many young people in the near-lost arts of stonemasonry and traditional metal work.
Wining and Dining in and Around Penrith
Set in a beautiful stone building on King Street, Four and Twenty in Penrith Town Centre offers a well-rated fine dining experience for dinners and lunches among the slew of restaurants serving international cuisine. Use the website to book plenty of time in advance or telephone to reserve a table within 48 hours.
The George & Dragon, in the Penrith village of Clifton, is ‘more than just a local pub’. We recommend eating at this sophisticated 18th century inn, as the food is all grown and reared on the nearby Askham Estate, where owner Charles Lowther grew up. From champagne breakfasts to hearty Sunday lunches, this is a dining experience you’ll want to savour.
For a country pub with a town feel, visit nearby restored Cross Keys Pub in Carleton Village. It serves Sunday lunches, sharing platters and a wide range of meat on the grill. Inside traditional whitewash walls visitors are invited to dine, drink or partake in darts or dominoes in line with owner Kyloes Inns’ philosophy: come in a customer, but leave a friend.
No matter what cottage getaway you’re looking for, Lakelovers excellent Customer Services are on hand to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Call us on 015394 88855 or email enquiries@lakelovers.co.uk.
Captains Cottage is located in the pretty village of Pooley Bridge and offers contemporary, quality accommodation only a short walk from the shores of Ullswater.
A few minutes' drive or a delightful walk from the shores of Ullswater, in the pretty village of Dacre, Boxtree is a beautifully restored, two bedroom, 18th century farmer's cottage. This delightful cottage is packed full of quality, charm and character.
Whitbarrow Village is located a short distance from Ullswater and Keswick and this self-contained holiday village offers quality accommodation, in an excellent location, with excellent facilities including swimming pool, gym, adventure play area, crazy golf, 9 hole putting green, residents bar and an a la carte restaurant.
Highgate is an imposing farmhouse that dates back to the 19th Century and has recently undergone a major refurbishment to create a fantastic holiday cottage ideal for extended families or friends. Located in the northern edge of the Lake District with easy access to Keswick, Grasmere and Ullswater and easy to reach from the motorway at Penrith, Highgate offers high quality accommodation ideal for all the family.
Set high on the hills above Matterdale, in the foothills of Helvellyn and offering beautiful views across the valley, High Brow is a superb property that benefits from a breath-taking location.
Felldale cottage is perfectly placed amongst some of the most stunning scenery in the Lake District, with every season offering a new picture postcard view.
Glen Bank is a striking 5 star Gold Award property situated in the centre of the charming village of Brampton in the picturesque rural Eden Valley area of Cumbria, with easy access and one mile from the market town of Appleby.
Situated in the unspoilt village of Uldale, The Grooms Cottage has been lovingly created as a cosy and romantic retreat for two and offers high quality accommodation nestled in the beautiful scenery of the north Lakes. The village of Uldale captures countryside life that has remained unchanged for years with a village pub and church, working farms, quaint cottages and a village green. This property has recently been featured in The Cumberland News and also the award winning Cumbria Life magazine, where you can find its highly complimented write ups.
Does this cottage have one of the best views of Ullswater? We think so! Wreay Barn is a delightful Lakeland end of terrace barn conversion which was part of the original Wreay Mansions estate in Watermillock, a former hunting lodge popular with the Duke of Norfolk. From its elevated position, it commands spectacular views of Ullswater and the dramatic fells beyond.
Overview
Home Farm House is a lovingly restored 19th century building set in the beautiful countryside of the north east Lake District just a few minutes' drive north of the shores of Ullswater. It was once a working farm but now has been converted into a charming holiday retreat. With an eye to detail and quality, the owner has created a highly desirable and luxurious holiday home that is now available for you to enjoy and to form the basis of many happy and fond holiday memories.
Located in the rolling countryside of the north east Lake District, just a few minutes from the shores of Ullswater, Lacet Cottage, a traditional 19th century cottage, has been lovingly refurbished by the owner to offer exceptional and high quality accommodation, finished to a very high standard for those seeking a beautiful Lakeland retreat.
This property is ideal for friends or family M.Y Raven offers contemporary, quality accommodation only a short walk from the shores of Ullswater.
Whitbarrow Village is located a short distance from Ullswater and Keswick and this self-contained holiday village offers quality accommodation, in an excellent location, with excellent facilities including swimming pool, gym, adventure play area, crazy golf, 9 hole putting green, residents bar and an a la carte restaurant.
Taking its name from a member of Ullswater Steamer's fleet of heritage vessels that have provided visitors for over a 100 years to enjoy this most picturesque of the Lake District's lakes, M.V. Western Belle offers quality accommodation and the ideal base from which to explore all the Lake District has to offer. This recently refurbished property has been finished to the very highest standard and is an ideal for couples or families alike.
Ideal for friends or family M.Y Raven is offers contemporary, quality accommodation only a short walk from the shores of Ullswater and is offered as a sleep eight cottage
Taking its name from the M.V. Lady Wakefield that was built in 1949 and is part of Ullswater Streamers fleet of heritage vessel, this contemporary Lake District Cottage is the ideal base for those wishing to explore the Lake District. This recently converted cottage is located on the popular Waterfoot Park.
Located on Waterfoot Park, M.Y. Lady of the Lake takes it names from the oldest of the Ullswater Steamers fleet, built in 1877 and originally a steam vessel, her namesake cottage offers a luxurious retreat whatever the season. The outstanding feature of this cottage is the large feature windows which allow both the light to flood and offer spectacular views across the grounds to the woodland beyond. There is an external door to the side of the windows leading to the patio. In the evening as the curtains are drawn the beautiful feature fireplace becomes the cosy focal point of the room.
Beautifully refurbished to a very high standard, this traditional, detached, stone built cottage is well appointed and has been beautifully finished by its current owner, an interior designer, who has set out to create a high quality retreat, with an emphasis on comfort using bespoke soft furnishings, that is suitable for couples, families or groups of friends.
The Great Barn exudes five star luxury and overlooks the serene waters of Ullswater in the Lake District National Park, arguably boasting some of the most enviable vistas imaginable anywhere in the world. This quintessential 17th century converted barn, has seductively leapt into the 21st century with true flair and sophistication, providing outstanding quality and luxury.
Penrith is an ideal meeting point for travellers heading from all around the UK. Family and friends converging in one of our Penrith Cottages can do so with ease using the town’s motorway, coach and railway connections to all over the UK.
While this market town lies just outside the Lake District in the Eden Valley, most of the holiday cottages Penrith has to offer are within the Lakes. They are ideal locations from which to exploit the vast range of transport links to elsewhere in Cumbria. There’s plenty to see and do from the doorstep of our Penrith holiday cottages. Castles, prehistoric henges and a museum are all within stone’s throws from the town centre.
Many of our cottages near Penrith located in villages outside the town centre. That way you don’t have to put up with the hustle and bustle of this major transport interchange to enjoy your own private oasis in the Lakes. By staying in self-catering Penrith accommodation, you can have your own slice of the Eden Valley. All while retaining access to all the trains, boats, coaches, bikes and buses that make this area one of the most accessible.
Our cottage bedrooms can be made up to your requirements, with the same top-quality linen that the town was famous for producing and, of course, extra sheets are available on request. Each cottage has state-of-the-art washing and drying utilities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible after a day on the fells.
Many of our Penrith self-catering cottages have separate wet and dry areas, which suit guests with four-legged friends. Check our dog friendly cottages section for the many ways we can cater for your pets, which can include underfloor heating. When the door to your new home opens, you’ll see how our exquisitely designed rooms work in harmony to make sure you can rest easy for the night, when you hang up your walking boots for the day.
History of Penrith and the Surrounding Area
Penrith is a town steeped in history. Mayburgh Henge is on the outskirts of the southernmost part of the town, a few minutes drive along the A6. It is believed to date back to the late Neolithic period and used to consist of seven stones. Now only one remains in the middle and rumour has it that the labourers who moved the stones were cursed. Nearby henge, King Arthur’s Round Table is thought to have been created later in 2,000 BC where Arthurian legend earmarked the area as a former jousting arena. Both are easily accessible on foot from Eamont Bridge Car Park.
Penrith Castle lies next to the railway station in the town park. It was built in the 14th century to defend England against the Scots. It was home to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III. The last recorded use of the site was during the 1648 Civil War before the castle finally fell into disrepair.
For relics unearthed at these places and more, pay a visit to Penrith and Eden Museum. This attraction contains fine art, geology and information about the local characters through history who have lived in Penrith and visited the area.
Getting to Penrith
Reaching this picturesque gateway to the Lakes is easy by rail or car. Travel to Junction 40 of the M6 by vehicle or take the train to Penrith North Lakes Railway Station on the West Coast Main Line. Fast trains from Glasgow to London make stops here. To connect to the rest of the Lakes, take one of the National Express coaches from the train station car park.
Electric and traditional pedal bikes are available for hire for single to several days from one of Penrith’s many cycle outlets. The area is popular for coast-to-coast rides. Make sure your seats and handlebars are adjusted to suit your specifications. Panniers, water bottle holders, helmets and locks are all available on request, as well as spare inner tubes and puncture repair kits.
Out and About Near Penrith
A short drive north of Penrith along the Salkeld Road is a stone circle dating back to 1500 BC. It has corners matching the four compass points. Long Meg and Her Daughters was so named after the legend of a local witch. She was believed to have been turned to stone with her offspring for dancing on the Sabbath. Poet William Wordsworth described the relic as the most notable aside from Stone Henge. A few minutes away by car is another collection of stones called Little Meg, owing to its much smaller arrangement.
A short drive south of the town leads to 13th century Brougham Castle on the banks of the River Eamont. While this fortification is a beautiful ruin, nearby 14th century Brougham Hall was rescued from demise in 1985. It is now a hub for local heritage industries, whose aim is to preserve skills that were in risk of dying out. This charity-run enterprise has now successfully trained many young people in the near-lost arts of stonemasonry and traditional metal work.
Wining and Dining in and Around Penrith
Set in a beautiful stone building on King Street, Four and Twenty in Penrith Town Centre offers a well-rated fine dining experience for dinners and lunches among the slew of restaurants serving international cuisine. Use the website to book plenty of time in advance or telephone to reserve a table within 48 hours.
The George & Dragon, in the Penrith village of Clifton, is ‘more than just a local pub’. We recommend eating at this sophisticated 18th century inn, as the food is all grown and reared on the nearby Askham Estate, where owner Charles Lowther grew up. From champagne breakfasts to hearty Sunday lunches, this is a dining experience you’ll want to savour.
For a country pub with a town feel, visit nearby restored Cross Keys Pub in Carleton Village. It serves Sunday lunches, sharing platters and a wide range of meat on the grill. Inside traditional whitewash walls visitors are invited to dine, drink or partake in darts or dominoes in line with owner Kyloes Inns’ philosophy: come in a customer, but leave a friend.
No matter what cottage getaway you’re looking for, Lakelovers excellent Customer Services are on hand to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Call us on 015394 88855 or email enquiries@lakelovers.co.uk.