Things To Do
in Penrith
Penrith is a historic market town in Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District, offering a compact high street, castle remains and easy access to lakes and fells. It blends agricultural and market-town traditions with growing tourism and independent shops, cafés and historic inns. The town is a convenient base for exploring Ullswater, Helvellyn and the Eden Valley, with a railway station on the West Coast route.
Expect friendly locals, regular markets and a relaxed pace that balances countryside charm with practical services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Penrith and settle into your accommodation, taking a moment to soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Once refreshed, embark on a leisurely walk around the quaint town center, discovering charming shops and inviting cafés. Make sure to visit the historic Penrith Castle, a lovely spot to take photos and learn about local history.
After lunch at a local bistro, head to the stunning Askham Hall, where you can explore the beautiful gardens and possibly enjoy a tour of the impressive interiors. Spend your afternoon wandering the lush landscapes and soaking up the serene atmosphere that surrounds this historic venue. Climb to the nearby Beacon Hill for panoramic views of the Eden Valley and the majestic Lake District peaks.
As evening falls, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at one of Penrith’s renowned restaurants, sampling local dishes made from fresh ingredients. After dining, take a relaxed evening stroll along the River Eamont, where the pleasant sounds of nature create a peaceful backdrop. End your evening with a cozy nightcap at a nearby pub, immersing yourself in the warm and welcoming local culture.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a trip to the stunning Lake District National Park. Prepare for a day filled with hiking, taking in the breathtaking views at Ullswater, the second largest lake in the park. Spend the morning trekking along the scenic routes, absorbing the beauty of nature that surrounds you.
Pause for a leisurely lakeside picnic, enjoying the serene environment and perhaps even spotting some local wildlife. After lunch, explore the quaint village of Glenridding, where you can learn about the rich history of the area and discover some artisanal shops. Consider taking a boat cruise on Ullswater for a unique perspective of the scenic surroundings.
Return to Penrith for dinner at a local eatery, recounting your thrilling adventures over a delicious meal. After dinner, unwind at one of the local pubs or bars, enjoying a pint of traditional ale while mingling with the friendly locals. Wrap up your day with an evening walk around the town, appreciating the stars and quiet charm of Penrith.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint at a pub | $5-7 |
| 🚆Local train to Carlisle (single) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-170 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent base for exploring the eastern Lake District with good transport links
- Compact town with friendly pubs, local shops and regular markets
- Access to dramatic landscapes, lakes and classic fells within short drives
- Less crowded and more affordable than some Lake District hotspots
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer restaurant options than larger towns
- Weather can be unpredictable, impacting outdoor plans
- Public transport to some rural trailheads is infrequent, making a car useful
- Peak-season parking and busy roads around popular lakes
Places to Visit in Penrith
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque ruins and medieval streets offer atmospheric shots, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Extensive grounds, dramatic ruined façades and seasonal plantings make for varied landscape and architectural photography.
Lake vistas, wooded waterfalls and reflections are excellent for nature and long-exposure shots; steamer boats add compositional interest.
Riverside ruins framed by the Eden provide moody historical scenes with easy access from Penrith.
Panoramas over Penrith, the Eden Valley and distant Lake District fells — great for sunrise and sunset landscapes.
Food in Penrith
Penrith Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A coiled, peppery pork sausage famous in Cumbria — find it at local pubs, butchers and farmers' markets in Penrith.
Must-Try!
Lean, flavorful lamb from local hillsides served roasted or in hearty stews at village pubs and regional restaurants.
A sticky, spicy-sweet baked treat from nearby Grasmere — sold in local shops and tearooms around the Lake District.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local markets (check current schedule) sell seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, meats and baked goods — great for picnic supplies and tasting regional specialties.
A modern food area with café options, locally sourced dishes, and occasional street-food stalls at events; good for sampling local cakes and light lunches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be polite, queue patiently and say please/thank you — straightforward courtesy goes a long way in small towns.
Follow the Countryside Code: close gates, keep dogs under control around livestock, take litter home and stick to public rights of way.
For guided walks, boat departures and restaurant bookings, be on time — services in rural areas may run less frequently.
Safety
Tipping in Penrith
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — 10%–15% in restaurants if service is good, rounding up in pubs only for table service. Small tips for taxi drivers and hairdressers are common.
Contactless card payments and mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are widely accepted in shops, cafés and larger pubs; carry some cash for smaller vendors and rural pubs. ATMs are available in town and major nearby villages.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Lambing season, blooming woodland and fewer crowds make spring ideal for walks and photography; weather can be changeable with chilly mornings.
Warmer weather and long daylight hours bring peak visitor numbers, busy car parks and boat services on Ullswater — book accommodation in advance.
Crisp air and spectacular autumn colours on the fells and in parkland make this a popular time for walkers; some attractions reduce hours late in the season.
Colder temperatures, short daylight and occasional snow on higher fells; town services remain open but mountain routes can be hazardous without proper kit.
Penrith at Night
Hiking in Penrith
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A classic Lake District ridge walk with dramatic sections (Striding Edge) — challenging and exposed in places; only attempt with experience and proper weather checks.
A distinctive fell north of Penrith with steep ridges and excellent views — popular with experienced hillwalkers.
Gentler lakeside routes and paths to waterfalls; suitable for day walkers and families with scenic picnic spots.
Historic ridge walk following an ancient Roman road with expansive views into the Eden Valley; moderate distance and varied terrain.
Accessible parkland and woodland walks around the castle ruins, suitable for relaxed strolls and photography.
Airports
How to reach Penrith by plane.
About 1.5–2 hours by car from Penrith and well connected by road and some rail links — good for domestic and European flights.
Approximately 2.5–3 hours by car; larger international hub with frequent trains to Penrith (changing in Oxenholme or Carlisle), suitable for long-haul arrivals.
Small regional airport north of Penrith with limited scheduled flights and charter services; road transfer or taxi needed to reach town.
Around 2.5–3 hours drive; an alternative for some domestic and European routes with train links via Leeds and onward connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents working in agriculture, services and small businesses who form the community core.
A notable retiree population attracted by the quieter pace, countryside access and community amenities.
Visitors from the UK and abroad using Penrith as a base for Lake District activities, especially walkers and cyclists.
People working in nearby towns, hospitality and transport sectors — a mix of full-time and seasonal staff.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional and competitive sport in Cumbria with many local clubs and events on the fells around Penrith.
Community rugby and football clubs are popular — local teams draw weekend crowds and social support.
Village and town cricket thrive in summer months at local greens and community clubs.
Road and off-road cycling on quiet country lanes and forest trails is increasingly popular with visitors and locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Penrith.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and larger pubs; tell staff your needs and you'll find salads, vegetable mains and cheese-based dishes, but rural menus may still be meat-forward in smaller pubs.
More restaurants and cafés now offer vegan/gluten-free choices, but choices are fewer than in cities — call ahead for full menus, and bakeries may have limited gluten-free baked goods.
Staff are generally helpful; confirm details for dairy, nuts and wheat as regional dishes often include butter, cream and wheat-based items.