Penrith, the thriving market town and former capital of Cumbria, is perfectly situated between the Lake District, the Westmoorland Dales, and the North Pennines, making it an excellent base from which to explore the region. Penrith is known for its abundance of speciality shops, and its sandstone buildings conceal many charming cottages, gardens, and little shops in its many hidden yards, lanes, and alleyways. Penrith has a variety of great places to eat, stay, and be entertained, as well as a museum and Millennium Trails that wind through the city’s historic district. Rheged, an avant-garde visitor centre, is conveniently located near the city. It features shops, restaurants, exhibitions, and a massive movie screen where visitors can watch documentaries and other educational films. The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales are easily accessible, as is the historic city of Carlisle, and the nearby attractions of Brougham Castle, Brougham Hall (The Windsor of the North), Lowther Castle and Gardens, Long Meg and her daughters (the third largest stone circle in England).
