Penrith is one of Cumbria’s most appealing market towns, a place where historic character meets modern convenience, and where the Lake District and the less well-known but equally beautiful Eden Valley sits right on your doorstep. With great transport links, strong schools, loads of amenities and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Penrith is increasingly popular with anyone seeking a high-quality lifestyle away from the grime and grind of city life. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Penrith?

Penrith is in north-east Cumbria, just outside the border of the Lake District National Park and close to the dramatic fells surrounding Ullswater, Blencathra, and Helvellyn. It acts as a gateway between the Lake District, the Eden Valley and the North Pennines, making it one of the best-placed towns in northern England for access to spectacular scenery. If you love outdoor adventure, Penrith is certainly worth a good look.

With a population of around 15,000 residents, Penrith is big enough to offer everything you need while maintaining a friendly, close-knit atmosphere. Its historic centre – filled with sandstone buildings, independent shops and traditional inns – adds charm and character, making the town both beautiful and practical.

Transport links

Penrith North Lakes station sits on the West Coast Main Line, offering direct trains to Manchester (these take around one hour 40 mins) and London (around three hours), plus fast links to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Carlisle, and Preston.

Penrith also sits right beside The M6 motorway (Junction 40) and the A66, giving fast east-west access to County Durham and the North East.

Schools

Penrith is well regarded for its strong educational options, with several primary schools, including Beaconside Church of England Primary, North Lakes School, Brunswick School and St. Catherine’s Catholic Primary School.

For secondary education Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) is a coeducational selective grammar school with just over 1,000 pupils, and Ullswater Community College (UCC) is large, well-supported secondary school known for its inclusive ethos, broad subject range and strong arts, sports and vocational options.

All Penrith’s schools have an Ofsted Good rating.

Amenities

The town centre offers a wide selection of independent boutiques, outdoor and lifestyle stores, local butchers, bakeries and farm-shop produce, plus a weekly market and seasonal craft events.

As this is one of Cumbria’s larger towns, there is a strong supermarket offering, including

Booths (of course), Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Aldi. The town is still small enough however that everything is close together, making errands simple.

You’ll find GP practices, dental surgeries, pharmacies and easy access to hospital care via Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, too.

Penrith has a vibrant mix of cafés, pubs, independent restaurants and cosy tearooms, ideal for relaxed weekend living and entertaining all those friends who will be determined to visit.

Leisure time

Penrith offers one of the richest lifestyles in Cumbria thanks to its blend of outdoor adventure, culture and community life.

The town is just nine miles away from Ullswater, where you can enjoy sailing, paddleboarding and lakeside walks. The Ullswater Steamers run from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding Pier, which is the gateway to Helvellyn, England’s third highest mountain. Park up, climb aboard the steamer and cruise the lake. You can climb off at Howton Pier, the start of the famous walk to Glenridding, or stay on board to take in the Aira Force waterfall (one of the Lake District’s most beautiful waterfalls) and, in season, Wordsworth’s famous daffodils on your way to Glenridding Pier, where you can enjoy an afternoon tea and have a stroll before taking a steamer home!

Helvellyn and Blencathra (also known as Saddleback) are iconic hiking routes with options to test even the most experienced hikers. For those less keen on mountains, the Eden Valley offers peaceful river walks and excellent cycling, meaning every weekend can be different.

In the town itself, you’ll find Penrith Leisure Centre (gym, pool, classes); Penrith Rugby Club;

Penrith AFC; and Penrith Golf Club.

For family adventure, there are two castles in Penrith: Penrith Castle was built in the 14th century to keep out the Scots and later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III – the infamous king who may (or may not) have murdered his nephews and heirs to the throne, the two princes held in the Tower of London; Brougham Castle, built in the 13th century alongside a Roman fort, Brocavum, which you can still see in the form of earthworks.

You can also enjoy Lowther Castle & Gardens, and the Rheged Centre with a cinema, exhibitions and shops.

Penrith blends natural beauty with great culture and community events, offering a lifestyle that suits all ages and is a great choice for those wanting to leave city life behind without sacrificing the amenities we appreciate so much.

Want to learn more about Penrith and your possible next home? Visit our friends at Hackney & Leigh for expert advice and sensible guidance.