scenic viewpoint
Ullswater
A graceful Z-shaped lake with steamers, the lakeside road and Glenridding making it the perfect Lakes touring base.
13 km · about 25 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Penrith works well as a base: 30 minutes from Shap, 15km from Aira Force.
Penrith is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 16,700, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Penrith sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Penrith to your route.
Penrith (, ) is a market town and civil parish in the Westmorland and Furness unitary authority area of Cumbria, England. It is less than 3 miles (5 km) outside the Lake District National Park and about 17 miles (27 km) south of Carlisle. It is between the Rivers Petteril and Eamont and just north of the RiverRead more
Lowther. It was historically part of Cumberland. The parish had a population of 16,987 at the 2021 census.
Penrith's history has been defined primarily by its strategic position on vital north–south and east–west communications routes. This was especially important in its early history, when the Romans established two forts nearby at Brocavum and at Voreda (Plumpton). It was also vital later on when Anglo-Scottish relations were fraught. Furthermore, Penrith was a Crown possession in its early phase, though often granted to favoured noble families. It did not become a chartered borough or a municipal corporation and had no representation in Parliament in any modern democratic sense until the 19th century. Other factors in its growth were from its proximity to the Inglewood Forest and to the fertile Eden valley. The town depended mostly upon agriculture, especially cattle rearing and droving. It lacked the resources to become an industrial hub, despite its road and rail infrastructure. Its proximity to the Lake District, the Eden valley, the North Pennines and to centres such as Carlisle encouraged tourism and commuting. As a result, the hospitality and retailing sectors became important.
The town is noted for its rich history and its connectivity. Also noteworthy are its sandstone buildings, its range of outlets catering to leisure and tourism interests, its independent shops as well as its numerous, larger, food stores.
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Penrith offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Penrith is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 54.6658 latitude, -2.7576 longitude.
Penrith has a population of approximately 16,700 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
A graceful Z-shaped lake with steamers, the lakeside road and Glenridding making it the perfect Lakes touring base.
13 km · about 25 min drive
waterfall
A 65-foot waterfall plunging through a wooded gorge near Ullswater, with stone bridges framing the cascade.
15 km · about 30 min drive
mountain pass
The A686's grand sweep over the North Pennines between Penrith and Alston, climbing to 580m through wide hairpins with views across the Eden Valley to the Lake District fells. A celebrated drivers' and bikers' road.
16 km · about 20 min drive
cafe
A remote hilltop cafe at 1,904 feet on the A686 in Cumbria, one of England's highest road cafes and a bucket-list stop for bikers.
22 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
England's third highest peak at 950m, famous for the knife-edge ridge of Striding Edge and sweeping views across the Lake District.
23 km · about 25 min drive
ancient ruins
A 5,000-year-old stone circle set on a fell with a 360-degree mountain panorama, free and roadside near Keswick.
23 km · about 25 min drive
mountain pass
The Lake District's highest motor road, topped by an ancient inn and sweeping views over Brothers Water.
25 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
A serene island-studded lake beside Keswick, perfect for a lakeside drive, launch cruise and the Surprise View overlook.
27 km · about 30 min drive
April to October
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