Lowther Castle ruins and gardens, Penrith, Cumbria
Northern Lakes · Gateway to Ullswater

Things to do in Penrith, Lake District

Lowther Castle, Rheged and one of Britain's largest stone circles. Penrith is the northern gateway to the Lakes — and better than it looks from the M6.

Plan your Penrith day What the Fell newsletter
18,000
Monthly searches for Lowther Castle
1806
Year Lowther Castle was built (unroofed 1957)
Free
Penrith Castle & Long Meg stone circle
16 mi
Penrith to Ullswater
Travel styles Lowther Castle Rheged Long Meg & unusual Walks Parking Eat & drink FAQ

The northern gateway

Plan your perfect day out in Penrith, Lake District

Penrith sits just outside the National Park boundary on the M6 — direct trains from London Euston (3 hours 15 minutes) and Manchester Piccadilly (1 hour 30 minutes), Junction 40 two miles from the town centre, and the northern gateway to Ullswater (16 miles) and Keswick (25 miles). The town itself is a serious market town with a Tuesday and Saturday market, a network of medieval yards and the surviving ruins of Penrith Castle in a park behind the train station.

Is Penrith worth visiting? Yes — and underrated. Lowther Castle alone is worth the detour: the most-searched single attraction in Cumbria, with 18,000 monthly searches. The Victorian Gothic castle was deliberately unroofed in 1957 to avoid paying rates on the building; the romantic ruin that remains sits surrounded by restored gardens, the famous Jungle Gym adventure playground and one of the best family days out in the north of England. Rheged — Europe's largest grass-roofed building just off Junction 40 — houses the Giant Screen cinema, a food hall, arts and crafts and the answer to every "what to do when it rains" question in the eastern Lakes.

A classic Penrith day: Lowther Castle in the morning (allow a full 3 hours), lunch at the Rheged food hall, afternoon at Penrith Castle and the town centre yards, evening at Rheged's Giant Screen cinema or the George Hotel bar. The Eden Valley south of the town is one of the most beautiful and least-visited valleys in northern England — drive it if you have an extra hour. The free Lakes Planner times it all around the weather and the Lowther opening hours.

Live conditions

Plan around the weather, not against it

Penrith is drier than the central Lakes — and Rheged covers any rainy hour you've got.

Penrith weather right now

12°C
Partly cloudy · feels like 10°C · wind 9mph

Tomorrow

11°

Tue

14°

Wed

10°

Live data via OpenWeatherMap · refreshes hourly

Live traffic — Penrith & M6 J40

M6 Junction 40 is the main entry — slows on Friday afternoons. The A66 west to Keswick can queue at the Threlkeld junction at peak times.

4 miles south of Penrith · CA10 2HH · 18,000 searches/month

Lowther Castle

The single biggest attraction in Cumbria by search volume — and the answer to a surprising number of "what to do" questions across northern England. Below: the unroofing story, the gardens, Christmas, prices, who owns it, and how to get there.

What is Lowther Castle?

A ruined Gothic castle 4 miles south of Penrith, surrounded by extraordinary restored gardens and adventure playgrounds. Built 1806–1814 for the Earls of Lonsdale. Deliberately unroofed in 1957 to avoid paying rates on the building — the 5th Earl simply had the roof removed and walked away. The shell stood as an atmospheric ruin for 50 years. Since 2008, the Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust (a charity) has restored the gardens and created what is now one of the best family days out in northern England.

Lowther Castle gardens

The walled garden, restored kitchen garden, woodland trails and the extraordinary Jungle Gym adventure playground built around the castle ruins. The gardens have won multiple awards since restoration. Seasonal highlights: spring bulbs, summer borders, autumn colour, Christmas illuminations. Allow at least 2 hours for the gardens and playground combined.

Lowther Castle Christmas

The Christmas experience at Lowther is one of the most popular events in Cumbria — illuminated trails through the ruins and gardens, usually running from late November through December. Sells out weeks in advance every year. Book as early as possible at lowther.co.uk. Worth a separate trip if you can't fit it into a summer visit.

November–December · book ahead

How much does Lowther Castle cost?

  • Adults~£14–16
  • Children~£10–12
  • Under 3sFree
  • National Railcard2-for-1 selected dates
  • ParkingFree on site

Check lowther.co.uk for current prices and any discount codes.

Who owns Lowther Castle?

The Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust, a registered charity established to restore and manage the estate. The Lowther family (Earls of Lonsdale) owned the castle for centuries — the 5th Earl was famous for his yellow livery, which gave rise to the term "yellow jersey" in cycling. The charitable trust has managed the property since 2008 and led the restoration of the gardens and adventure playgrounds.

Lowther Castle directions and parking

Postcode: CA10 2HH. 4 miles south of Penrith on the B5320. Free parking on site. From the M6: Junction 40, follow signs to Lowther village. Approximately 10 minutes from Penrith town centre. From the Lakes: A66 east, then south on the B5320. Sat-nav reliable.

Europe's largest grass-roofed building · M6 Junction 40 · CA11 0DQ

Rheged, Penrith

The answer we keep giving for "what to do when it rains" across every other town in the project — Rheged is the definitive wet-weather destination in northern Cumbria. Named after the ancient Celtic kingdom that covered this part of northern England. Built into a hillside just off the M6.

Rheged Cinema — the Giant Screen

The Giant Screen shows mainstream and independent films on a screen that fills your entire field of vision — genuinely IMAX-scale, unlike a standard cinema. The scale is extraordinary. Best for visual films — landscape documentaries, big-budget action, animation. Check rheged.com for what's on; weekend evenings sell out.

ScreenIMAX-scale
Book atrheged.com

Rheged for rainy days

This is the answer every other town in the project points to for rainy day options. Indoor, covered, warm, good food, Giant Screen, arts and crafts, local food hall. Free to enter the building. Easily fills three hours regardless of the weather outside — and the grass-roofed setting is genuinely beautiful on a sunny day too.

Order of attack: coffee at the café, browse the food hall, lunch in the restaurant, afternoon film on the Giant Screen.

Address

Redhills · CA11 0DQ

Parking

Free on site

Entry

Free · cinema extra

Book at

rheged.com

Bronze Age · prehistoric · genuinely odd

Unusual things to do near Penrith

Long Meg and Her Daughters

One of Britain's largest stone circles, 6 miles northeast of Penrith near Little Salkeld. Bronze Age, approximately 3,500 years old. 59 stones in a 300-metre oval — Long Meg herself is a 3.6-metre standing stone outside the circle, decorated with spirals and cup marks. Free entry, always open. Park on the farm lane near Little Salkeld.

FreeCA10 1JN

Penrith Castle

Free ruins of a medieval castle in a park opposite Penrith train station. 14th-century origins, Richard III stayed here before becoming king. Atmospheric rather than spectacular but very free. CA11 7HX.

Brougham Castle

English Heritage medieval ruins 1.5 miles from Penrith on the River Eamont. Standing keep, gatehouse, atmospheric setting. Free for EH members; non-members pay. CA10 2AA.

Dacre Castle

Privately owned medieval pele tower, viewable from the road. 5 miles southwest of Penrith. One of the best-preserved 14th-century tower houses in Cumbria. Free to view from outside.

Eden Valley drive

Drive the B6260 south of Penrith through Appleby-in-Westmorland and the limestone country. One of the most beautiful and least-visited valleys in northern England. Half a day if you stop properly.

Penrith Beacon

Fell walk above the town with the beacon monument on the summit. Views north to the Scottish borders on a clear day. 3 miles circular, 1.5 hours. Free.

Travel styles

Things to do in Penrith — for every kind of day

Things to do in Penrith with kids

Lowther Castle Jungle Gym

Adventure playground built around the ruined castle. The single best family attraction in northern Cumbria. CA10 2HH.

Visit website
~£14 adult / £10 childCA10 2HH

Rheged Giant Screen

Family films on an IMAX-scale screen. Free entry to the building, cinema tickets extra. CA11 0DQ.

Visit website
Cinema from £8CA11 0DQ

Penrith Castle

Free, open ruins in a park opposite the train station. Good for running around. CA11 7HX.

Visit website
FreeCA11 7HX

Rheged food hall

Kids love the local producers and ice cream. Free entry, casual lunch stop after the playground.

Visit website
Free entryCA11 0DQ

Brougham Castle

English Heritage ruins on the River Eamont. Castle keep to climb, picnic spots. CA10 2AA.

Visit website
EH free · others payCA10 2AA

Want a timed itinerary built around your group?

Tell the planner your budget, transport and weather — it'll do the rest.

Plan your Penrith day

On foot

Penrith walks

Three walks — the town beacon, the Lowther estate, and the Long Meg circular through the Eden Valley.

Penrith Beacon

The town classic

Moderate

Distance

3 mi

Time

1.5 hrs

Ascent

170 m

Fell walk above the town with the beacon monument on the summit. Views north to the Scottish borders and south into the Lake District fells.

Start: Beacon Edge · CA11 8SS

Lowther Castle estate walk

Included with admission

Easy

Distance

2 mi

Time

1 hr

Ascent

Flat

Through the estate, riverside and walled gardens. Included with Lowther admission. Pair with the playgrounds for a full family day.

Start: Lowther car park · CA10 2HH

Long Meg from Little Salkeld

Stone circle · River Eden

Easy

Distance

3 mi

Time

1.5 hrs

Ascent

Flat

To the stone circle and back via the River Eden. Flat, peaceful, extraordinary. The complete Eden Valley experience in a single hour and a half.

Start: Little Salkeld village · CA10 1JN

Where to park

Penrith parking

Sandgate

Most central · 3 min from market · CA11 7TP

Most central
£1–£3/hr

Gillan Way

Large surface car park · good value · CA11 7JE

Best value
£1–£2/hr

Bus Station

Central · near train station · CA11 8AU

£1.50/hr

Rheged

For Rheged visitors · 1 mi south of town · CA11 0DQ

FREE

Lowther Castle

For castle visitors · 4 mi south · CA10 2HH

FREE

Eat & drink

Places to eat in Penrith

George Hotel Penrith

Devonshire Street, CA11 7SU. A 300-year-old coaching inn. The best bar and restaurant in Penrith town centre — good food, proper atmosphere, worth booking for dinner. Sunday lunch is excellent.

Order this: a whisky from the back-bar shelf and the local beef. Sit near the fire.

Rheged food hall & café

CA11 0DQ. Local Cumbrian producers, good coffee, the restaurant does proper meals. One of the best places to eat in the Penrith area.

No. 15

Independent restaurant on Devonshire Street. Consistently good — the local pick for a proper evening out. Book ahead.

The Agricultural Hotel

Casual, lively, good pub food. Less formal than the George — the locals' Friday night pub.

Town centre cafés

A handful of independent cafés in the town centre yards — good for a quick lunch between Penrith Castle and the market. Costa and Caffè Nero in the centre for predictable quick stops.

Lowther Castle Café

On site at Lowther — proper café and a stall in the Jungle Gym area. Good lunch stop in the middle of a long visit. CA10 2HH.

Within reach

Day trips from Penrith

16 mi · 25 min

Glenridding / Ullswater

Ullswater Steamers, Aira Force, Helvellyn.

Things to do in Glenridding
25 mi · 30 min

Keswick

Derwentwater, Catbells, the Pencil Museum.

Things to do in Keswick
1.5 mi

Brougham Castle

English Heritage medieval ruins on the River Eamont. CA10 2AA.

EH free / pay
South · B6260

Eden Valley

Appleby-in-Westmorland, limestone country, very quiet. Half-day drive.

Free · drive

Plan your Penrith day out

Free, no sign-up. The planner times the day around Lowther's opening, Rheged's cinema and the weather.

Open the free Lakes Planner
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Common questions

Penrith questions, properly answered

Is Lowther Castle worth a visit?
Yes — the ruined castle, the extraordinary Jungle Gym adventure playground, the restored walled gardens and the seasonal events (especially the Christmas illuminated trail) make it one of the best days out in Cumbria. Allow a full 3 hours. The castle was deliberately unroofed in 1957 to avoid rates — the romantic shell that remains is unlike anything else in the country.
How much does Lowther Castle cost?
Adults approximately £14–16, children approximately £10–12, under 3s free. Check lowther.co.uk for current ticket prices and any seasonal events. National Railcard holders can get 2-for-1 on selected dates. Free on-site parking at CA10 2HH.
Who owns Lowther Castle?
The Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust, a registered charity. The Lowther family (Earls of Lonsdale) owned the castle for centuries — the 5th Earl was famous for his yellow livery, which gave rise to the term "yellow jersey" in cycling. The charitable trust has managed the property since 2008.
Is Lowther Castle 2 for 1?
National Railcard holders can get 2-for-1 entry on selected dates. Check lowther.co.uk and the National Rail 2-for-1 page for qualifying dates. The 2-for-1 typically applies on midweek visits during quieter months.
Is Penrith worth visiting?
Yes — and underrated. Lowther Castle alone is worth the detour. Plus it's the northern gateway to the Lakes — Ullswater is 16 miles, Keswick 25. Direct trains from London and Manchester, M6 Junction 40, and Rheged on the way in for cinema, food and exhibitions.
How to spend a day in Penrith?
Morning: Lowther Castle — gardens, ruins, adventure playground (allow 3 hours, CA10 2HH). Lunch: Rheged food hall or the on-site café. Afternoon: Penrith Castle and the town centre yards. Evening: Rheged's Giant Screen cinema or the George Hotel bar for whisky and a fire. The Lakes Planner builds the timed itinerary around the weather.
What to do in Penrith for adults?
Lowther Castle ruins and gardens, Long Meg stone circle, Rheged cinema, George Hotel, Brougham Castle, Eden Valley drive, Penrith Beacon walk. Plus an easy day trip to Ullswater 16 miles southwest.
What's fun to do in Penrith?
Lowther Castle adventure playground (for families), Rheged Giant Screen cinema, Long Meg stone circle, Penrith Castle (free), Brougham Castle for English Heritage ruins, and the Christmas illuminated trail at Lowther in November and December.

Explore more

Nearby Lake District hubs

Glenridding, Lake District

Things to do in Glenridding

Ullswater Steamers, Aira Force, Helvellyn.
Keswick, Lake District

Things to do in Keswick

Derwentwater, Catbells, the Pencil Museum.
Ambleside, Lake District

Things to do in Ambleside

Stock Ghyll Force, Loughrigg, Hayes Garden Centre.
Kendal, Lake District

Things to do in Kendal

Sizergh Castle, Mint Cake, Brewery Arts.