What makes Penrith famous?

Penrith is a market town teeming with landmarks and history including Roman forts, medieval castles and Neolithic sites. The towns close proximity to the Lake District, Eden Valley and the Pennines has made the area popular with walkers and tourists over the years alongside the introduction of the railway, with Penrith becoming a stop on the West Coast Main Line in 1846.

  • Historic Landmarks

Penrith is home to a number of historic landmarks including St Andrew’s Church, Penrith Castle, Beacon Tower and the Musgrave Monument.

  • Musgrave Monument

Located in Penrith’s Market Square, The Musgrave Monument (also known as the Clock Tower) was erected in 1861 and stands as a memorial to Philip Musgrave Esquire; the son of Sir George and Lady Musgrave who died aged 26. The monument is inscribed with the story, stating the monument was a tribute from the town. The tower is a Grade II listed and was renovated by Eden District Council in 1978.

  • St Andrew’s Church

Described as ‘the stateliest church of its time in the country’, St Andrew’s Church dates back to the 12th century boasting a medieval tower and Georgian nave. The churchyard is home to two historical monuments known as Giant’s Grave and Giants Thumb, which both date back to 10th century. The Grade I listed building is still in use today.

  • Penrith Castle

A medieval 14th century ruin, Penrith Castle sits in the centre of Penrith beside the railway station and is owned by English Heritage. The castle was built by warden of the West March, Ralph Neville to defend the Scottish border and placed beside the site of an old Roman fort. Today, the castle walls have survived and can be seen at their original, full height.

  • Beacon Tower

Standing tall upon Beacon Hill, the Penrith Beacon is a monument dating back to 1719, which has been lit throughout history during times of war and emergency since the time of Henry VIII. Today, you can walk up to the beacon to enjoy stunning views across the Eden Valley and towards the mountains of the Lake District. 

  • Railway

The construction of the railways in the mid-19th century contributed to the increase in tourists to many Lake District towns with Penrith being one of the most accessible via the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway line which opened in 1861. Penrith station was built by the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway and opened in 1846; the station is still in use today and is Grade II listed building.

  • Famous connections 

Penrith has a number of connections to notable people throughout history, including Kings and famous poets…

  • Richard Duke of Gloucester  King Richard III) was granted the manor of Penrith and lived at Penrith Castle between 1471 and 1483, before becoming King of England is 1483. 

  • Famous poet William Wordsworth lived in Penrith for a portion of his childhood with his mother and attended a school in the Tudor house near St Andrew’s Church where he met his future wife Mary Hutchinson.