Top Things to do in Penrith
The 10 Best Things to do in Penrith, England
Discover the best top things to do in Penrith, United Kingdom including Upfront Puppet Theatre, Hallin Fell, Long Meg and her Daughters, Aira Force, Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre, Lowther Castle and Gardens, Hutton in the Forest, Larch Cottage Nurseries, Centre Parcs Whinfell Forest, The Rheged Centre.
Restaurants in Penrith
1. Upfront Puppet Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 68 reviews
Unique as one of only four puppet theatres constructed in England, with puppeteers bridges for marionettes and a pit for working rod puppets from below. The site lines are great for children, with all the rows of seats on a steep rake, allowing children to see over adults. All of our productions are written, designed and produced in our own on site workshops,staged with full lighting and musical scores and appeal to all ages. The theatre has an on site cafe and also an on site free entry art gallery with shop. Tables can be reserved in the cafe for groups visiting the puppet theatre and a children's menu is offered. We were awarded the Readers Choice Culture Award from Cumbria Life Magazine this year for our venue and last year won the "Sustainable Tourism Award" from Cumbria Tourist board for our"Eco" buildings and sound green business ethic. Many of our audience members have returned year after year to see our performances and after show meet the puppet sessions for photographs.
Reviewed By GrahamR753 - Geneva, Switzerland
We saw Puss in Boots with our 6 year old. She was enthralled through. Wonderful production, and it's great that the children can ask questions and see the puppets at the end. Would highly recommend.
2. Hallin Fell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By paulsymonds - Haverhill, United Kingdom
Only my second Lakeland fell climb to date to me to Hallin Fell. We accessed the climb from the car park at St Peters church in Martindale. The little road that passes a few camp sites is driven from near Pooley bridge. Beware at busy times bank holidays being the main, the road is extremely difficult to navigate due volume of traffic and on one occasion a full sized coach manoeuvred along when we exited. Back to the climb, it is a very steep grassy track accessed on the opposite side of the road. With average fitness and resting you should make the summit in around half an hour. Believe me the views are magnificent in all directions. I loved it and I'm sure you will too, it's worth all the effort!
3. Long Meg and her Daughters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Dating from the Bronze Age, this is England's third largest stone circle that consists of a huge ring (the Daughters) of more than 60 stones and Long Meg, a 12-foot-high block of red sandstone.
Reviewed By juliethetraveller123 - Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Impressive, especially Long Meg with the stone carved cup and rings on the red sandstone whilst her daughters making up the stone circle are granite boulders. We set off from Little Salkeld intending to do the five-mile walk which includes Lacy's Caves however the footpath on the banks of the Eden was closed due to flood erosion so we walked directly to see the circle.
4. Aira Force
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,229 reviews
For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Yet, Aira Force is much more than an impressive waterfall. A network of trails weaves its way from Ullswater lakeshore to Gowbarrow summit, passing towering Himalayan firs, rare red squirrels, woodland glades, picnic spots and views out across Ullswater. You can start your day in Glenridding and arrive by boat, taking in the sights of Ullswater Valley along the way, then stroll back to Glenridding through Glencoyne Park and along the lakeshore. Ullswater valley is truly breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells. The epic scenery and relative underdevelopment compared to other areas of the Lake District gives Ullswater a secluded and tranquil feel.
Reviewed By stevesQ9601RS - County Durham, United Kingdom
Been here before, called again on a lovely Sunday afternoon, very busy, not many spaces in the car park. Free entry and car parking as National Trust members, a lovely 2 or 3 mile walk, different options, the various waterfalls were magnificent as is the local scenery and with spring blooming and the sun shining, a great way to spend an hour or so. Will return again on our next visit to Ullswater.
5. Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
A large collection of birds of prey - hawks, eagles, vultures, owls, falcons and buzzards, set in a Walled Garden. Flying demonstrations daily from 2 pm to 4pm. Visitors get the opportunity to fly a bird at the display. On site vintage tea room and local crafts.
Reviewed By Christian_Briddon - Sheffield, United Kingdom
My daughter and I visited the Bird of Prey centre in late October and we were extremely impressed. It was freezing cold but there was a nice warm cafe. The birds are in cages around a large field and there are a good few of them to look at. Very interesting to see them up so close. The main attraction though is the flying display. Falcon and Hawks flying around your head and landing right next to you, all accompanied by an extremely entertaining commentry. Hightly recommended if you have any interest in birds of prey.
6. Lowther Castle and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,220 reviews
Lowther Castle sits on a majestic elevated spot a few miles south of Penrith. Surrounded by acres of woodland and ancient gardens, the ruined castle is a stunning place to visit for families of all sizes and ages. An adventure playground in the woods is amazing for the younger visitor; the gardens are a feast for the imagination; the café offers food for all palates; and the shop sells a range of delightful Lowther and other goodies. Dogs on leads very welcome.
Reviewed By P5649OCemilyd
Lovely gardens, different sections, e.g rose garden (still being developed), Japanese garden etc., gorgeous views from the edge and lots of little interesting things scattered around There is a HUGE children’s play castle at the back which me and my 26 year old boyfriend enjoyed playing on so it’s for the big kids as well :P We ate at the cafe, very nice tasty food, a little bit pricey but typical for similar places. Would visit again
7. Hutton in the Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen51 - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom
Even though we visited in October when the house was closed and the gardens past their best for the year, we had an amazing day at Hutton in the Forest. The location is gorgeous and the gardens, House and Dovecote beautiful. The house looked amazing from the outside so we are very much looking forward to visiting again when it is open so that we can see the inside too. So peaceful and beautifully landscaped it really is a must if you are in the area.
8. Larch Cottage Nurseries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By Oot-n-Aboot-Crafter - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
A must on any visit to the Lakes for us - great place to stock up on some of the harder to find varieties of plants and a fab coffee an cake stop. Would recommend to anyone (gardener or not).
9. Centre Parcs Whinfell Forest
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,602 reviews
Reviewed By brachyn123 - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Newbies to this outdoor forest style holiday, chose staycation due to covid..had a better than expected time as we usually do a Sun Sea sand holiday normally Tenerife, malaga type of thing and so forest outdoor activities holiday is something we would never of dreamt of, firstly super safe never worried once Every precaution was in place to keep every guest safe.. from arriving to leaving we had no complaints Staff always at hand throughout the park for questions / answers...restaurants superb, our favourite been ROUGE CAFE ( specially Ricardo ) Lakeside inn the service food outstanding, disabled friendly , easy access to every activity, baby activities mainly closed due to covid but still lots of parks and Sun aqua Tropical paradise swim pool was open FREE but limited 2 hours slots pre bookable entry only as is ALL THE ACTIVITIES AND RESTAURANTS.. Loved our lodge and made full use of sauna , fully equipped with everything you need for self catering, we had wine cooler, 3 ensuite bathrooms 1 having jet bath.. we did not use outdoor barbecue to damp but in spring summer we definitely would. We took park in lots of activities and our only regret was we were not allowed family day passes again covid restrictions as originally it was to have a family gathering for my hubby's 60th..Overall centre parks is much bigger than I anticipated and must highly recommend the sports village its huge and the activities are endless, crazy golf to segway, biking, ariel tree climbing ,zip wire, caving wall climbing, badminton to pool , list is endless...Overall we have family ranging from 2 years of age to teenagers, thru to 60 and there is something there for everyone..so overall we would return, though much more expensive than a holiday abroad it was a great holiday, fabulous lodge , full of fun memories cosy nights round log burner with chilled beers..FAB FAB FAB.....will return..
10. The Rheged Centre
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 896 reviews
Housed under a unique grass roof with a diverse programme of exhibitions, live streaming, film, family entertainment with a mix of shopping and dining experiences.
Reviewed By V2912MCericr - Carlisle, United Kingdom
This was a great way to spend a cold and wet January afternoon. Rheged is a huge visitor centre with lots of shopping opportunities.Outdoor clothing and accessories; food; beer; wines; pictures; souvenirs; and many other items produced locally. There are a number of restaurants spread over the three floors. Although we didn't eat, I did buy a tub of fresh ice cream, and thought it somewhat overpriced at £1.80 for one scoop of ice cream! There is a fascinating wall mounted pictorial historical feature, going back to the start of time! There is also a cinema, and we enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the huge art exhibition. Admission to the centre is free, as is parking, and there is a handy fuel service station on site. Great for a journey break, and within a mile of the M6. Outside, although closed when we visited, there is a huge play area for the kids. You can even buy a plaster cast model, and sit for an hour or so, transforming it into a work of art, with paint and brushes supplied by the shop. Overall a lovely afternoon, and one we will certainly repeat with our grandchildren when they next come to Cumbria.
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