Penrith Castle, Medieval castle in Penrith, England.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Penrith).
St Andrew's Church, Penrith
457 m
The George Hotel
402 m
Alhambra Cinema
430 m
The Elbow Room Public House
295 m
Two Lions public house and integral stables
325 m
Monument to railway contractors in St Andrew's churchyard on north side of church
482 m
The White Horse Public House
304 m
The Woolpack Inn
413 m
Penrith Boer War Memorial
154 m
The Dog And Duck Inn
460 m
The Giant's Grave
458 m
Gloucester Arms
264 m
Red Coach Restaurant
448 m
British Legion Musgrave Hall
440 m
Barclay's Bank
405 m
Lowther Arms
435 m
48-52, King Street
393 m
The Gathering
413 m
Strickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle
22 m
Clock Tower
380 m
23, Devonshire Street
407 m
8, Little Dockray
356 m
Tourist Information Centre
449 m
Former Grammar School
455 m
41 And 42, King Street
412 m
17 And 18, Devonshire Street
402 m
The Giant's Thumb
428 m
British Heart Foundation 53 King St
388 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes