Penrith Castle

Penrith Castle is a medieval fortress reduced to ruins, built from red sandstone that still stands in the town center. The remains include a substantial south wall, an east tower, and underground tunnel vaults that once served the castle's defenders.

Construction began in 1399 to defend the town against Scottish raids during a time when the border was unstable. The fortress later served as a residence for important nobles and eventually lost its military importance as peace settled in the region.

The castle grounds are where local people walk and connect with their town's medieval past through the physical remains. The site serves as a backdrop for understanding how the landscape shaped life in this border region.

The site is open and free to visit at any time with no entrance fee required. Information panels placed around the ruins explain what you are looking at and help you understand the medieval structures.

Surprisingly, the structure includes stones originally taken from Raby Castle and transported there in the early 1400s with special permission. The Earl of Westmorland allowed stone from his other fortress to be reused in this new construction.

Location: Penrith

Inception: 1399

Made from material: New Red Sandstone

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/penrith-castle

GPS coordinates: 54.66210,-2.75730

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43