Penrith Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Penrith is a small town in Cumbria near the Lake District. It's proximity to the lakes makes it a popular getaway area, especially during the summer. While the town is small, there is plenty to enjoy in Penrith. There are many fine pubs as well as other sights. Penrith Castle, which dates back to the 14th century, is a popular attraction. At one time it served as a fortress for the Richard, Duke of Gloucester before he was crowned King Richard III. Another popular attraction is St. Andrew's churchyard, where a Norse cross dating back to the first century resides. Known as the Giant's Thumb, the cross was constructed as a memorial to the father of the King of Cumbria.

Penrith is located in Cumbria in the Eden Valley just to the east of the Lake District. It is home to the imposing ruins of Penrith castle, which was built in the 1400's to defend the town against raids from Scotland. The castle is open for exploration throughout the year and can be found opposite the town's railway station. A couple of miles outside the town is the more substantial Brougham castle. At one time, the town was the capital of Cumbria and it still attracts many visitors for the historic buildings as well for its role as a major shopping centre in the area.

Penrith has plenty of places to eat and drink and at one time the town had four breweries which gave rise to the many small traditional English pubs that can still be found in the town.

The poet William Wordsworth spent some of his childhood in the town and the local moors and scenery influenced his writing. Penrith museum is housed in an Elizabethan building and explores the history of the town with exhibits from Roman times onwards.

The Penrith Beacon is a monument that was built in 1719 and overlooks the town as well as the Eden Valley and the Lake District. Emergency beacons have been lit on this spot since the time of Henry VIII.