Penrith: More Than a Motorway Stop
Most people know Penrith as that town off junction 40 of the M6. They fill up with petrol, maybe grab a sandwich, and carry on to the Lakes. Their loss. Penrith and the surrounding Eden Valley have plenty to keep you busy for a week, let alone a weekend. Here are ten of our favourites.
1. Ullswater Steamers
The Ullswater Steamers have been running since 1859, making them among the oldest working passenger boats in the world. The full lake cruise takes about an hour each way, or you can hop off at Howtown and walk back along the lakeshore to Glenridding — one of the finest lakeside walks in England. About 20 minutes from our cottages in Great Strickland.
7. Pooley Bridge and Ullswater’s Northern Shore
The pretty village of Pooley Bridge sits at the top of Ullswater and is the starting point for the steamer cruises. The bridge itself was rebuilt after Storm Desmond and the village has good pubs, a small gallery, and kayak hire on the lake.
8. Hallin Fell
If you want a fell walk with maximum views for minimum effort, Hallin Fell is hard to beat. It’s a short, steep climb of about 45 minutes that rewards you with a panoramic view across Ullswater. Perfect for a morning outing before lunch at the pub.
9. Larch Cottage Nurseries
Not your average garden centre. Larch Cottage Nurseries has a remarkable collection of rare and unusual plants, plus a rather good restaurant. You can walk here from Great Strickland on a 40-minute footpath through the fields — a lovely way to arrive.
10. The Dog & Gun, Keswick
Technically a day trip from Penrith (about 30 minutes’ drive through beautiful scenery), the Dog & Gun in Keswick holds a Michelin star and serves food that’s genuinely worth the journey. Book well ahead.
Where to Stay
Our three cottages near Penrith put you right in the middle of all of this. Fern Cottage and Maple Cottage in Great Strickland are perfect for families and dog owners, while Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge suits couples after something a bit different — it’s a quirky riverside place with a pub three minutes’ walk away. Book direct with us for the best rates.