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Penrith
Penrith although lying just outside and to the east of the Lake District National Park is nevertheless well worth a visit.
It was once the capital of Cumbria dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries and 2 streets in the town centre go back to the 14th century.
The town is the centre of the lovely Eden Valley and there are many traditional shops in a town centre with numerous old yard entrances with interesting inscriptions on the lintels.
Recent Market Town Inititive grants have seen many shops get a welcome facelift and there are further plans for pedestrianising parts of the town.
As you travel into the centre from junction 40 of the M6 you will see the ruins of Penrith castle where work commenced in 1399 and finished 70 years later (must have used my builders!).The castle was a royal fortress for Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
According to local folklore a legendary giant is said to be buried in the giant's grave in St Andrew's Churchyard. The four hogback stones circling the grave are reputed to represent a wild boar the giant killed in nearby Inglewood Forest.
Hotel Accommodation
The George Hotel : 3* centrally located hotel with 35 bedrooms
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