Top Things to do in Penrith
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Things to do in Penrith, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Penrith, United Kingdom including Hallin Fell, Acorn Bank, Aira Force, Lakes & Dales Loop, Gray Crag, Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre, Lowther Castle and Gardens, Hutton in the Forest, Larch Cottage Nurseries, Lacy's Caves.
Restaurants in Penrith
1. Hallin Fell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By paulsymonds - Haverhill, United Kingdom
Only my second Lakeland fell climb to date to me to Hallin Fell. We accessed the climb from the car park at St Peters church in Martindale. The little road that passes a few camp sites is driven from near Pooley bridge. Beware at busy times bank holidays being the main, the road is extremely difficult to navigate due volume of traffic and on one occasion a full sized coach manoeuvred along when we exited. Back to the climb, it is a very steep grassy track accessed on the opposite side of the road. With average fitness and resting you should make the summit in around half an hour. Believe me the views are magnificent in all directions. I loved it and I'm sure you will too, it's worth all the effort!
2. Acorn Bank
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By X4006DOsueb - Pickering, United Kingdom
The staff were amongst the most friendly, well-informed and relaxed we’ve met at an National Trust property. The house renovation was not the usual pristine National Trust standard we've experienced in other places, it looks as though the National Trust need to invest a lot of money into the property. However the house is interesting, the working water mill is good to see, and riverside walk through woodland was delightful. Real efforts in child-friendliness have been made. It was lovely that apples grown in the orchards were available for a voluntary contribution. It was too wet to visit the gardens but they looked promising.
3. Aira Force
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,229 reviews
For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Yet, Aira Force is much more than an impressive waterfall. A network of trails weaves its way from Ullswater lakeshore to Gowbarrow summit, passing towering Himalayan firs, rare red squirrels, woodland glades, picnic spots and views out across Ullswater. You can start your day in Glenridding and arrive by boat, taking in the sights of Ullswater Valley along the way, then stroll back to Glenridding through Glencoyne Park and along the lakeshore. Ullswater valley is truly breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells. The epic scenery and relative underdevelopment compared to other areas of the Lake District gives Ullswater a secluded and tranquil feel.
Reviewed By stevesQ9601RS - County Durham, United Kingdom
Been here before, called again on a lovely Sunday afternoon, very busy, not many spaces in the car park. Free entry and car parking as National Trust members, a lovely 2 or 3 mile walk, different options, the various waterfalls were magnificent as is the local scenery and with spring blooming and the sun shining, a great way to spend an hour or so. Will return again on our next visit to Ullswater.
4. Lakes & Dales Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Lakes and Dales Loop is a 190 mile circular cycle route with 5,066 metres of ascent. The circular route offers an accessible, long distance challenge ride or tour for all cycling interests and abilities. The route takes in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Eden Valley, Morecambe Bay, and West Cumbria.
5. Gray Crag
6. Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
A large collection of birds of prey - hawks, eagles, vultures, owls, falcons and buzzards, set in a Walled Garden. Flying demonstrations daily from 2 pm to 4pm. Visitors get the opportunity to fly a bird at the display. On site vintage tea room and local crafts.
Reviewed By Christian_Briddon - Sheffield, United Kingdom
My daughter and I visited the Bird of Prey centre in late October and we were extremely impressed. It was freezing cold but there was a nice warm cafe. The birds are in cages around a large field and there are a good few of them to look at. Very interesting to see them up so close. The main attraction though is the flying display. Falcon and Hawks flying around your head and landing right next to you, all accompanied by an extremely entertaining commentry. Hightly recommended if you have any interest in birds of prey.
7. Lowther Castle and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,220 reviews
Lowther Castle sits on a majestic elevated spot a few miles south of Penrith. Surrounded by acres of woodland and ancient gardens, the ruined castle is a stunning place to visit for families of all sizes and ages. An adventure playground in the woods is amazing for the younger visitor; the gardens are a feast for the imagination; the café offers food for all palates; and the shop sells a range of delightful Lowther and other goodies. Dogs on leads very welcome.
Reviewed By P5649OCemilyd
Lovely gardens, different sections, e.g rose garden (still being developed), Japanese garden etc., gorgeous views from the edge and lots of little interesting things scattered around There is a HUGE children’s play castle at the back which me and my 26 year old boyfriend enjoyed playing on so it’s for the big kids as well :P We ate at the cafe, very nice tasty food, a little bit pricey but typical for similar places. Would visit again
8. Hutton in the Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen51 - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom
Even though we visited in October when the house was closed and the gardens past their best for the year, we had an amazing day at Hutton in the Forest. The location is gorgeous and the gardens, House and Dovecote beautiful. The house looked amazing from the outside so we are very much looking forward to visiting again when it is open so that we can see the inside too. So peaceful and beautifully landscaped it really is a must if you are in the area.
9. Larch Cottage Nurseries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By Oot-n-Aboot-Crafter - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
A must on any visit to the Lakes for us - great place to stock up on some of the harder to find varieties of plants and a fab coffee an cake stop. Would recommend to anyone (gardener or not).
10. Lacy's Caves
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By IanWil1978 - Newcastle and Gateshead, United Kingdom
Went with a walking friend today and enjoyed the walk. Think the warnings about it being precarious are really just people covering their backs. You’ve just got to watch your footing after the caves and be sensible. This must have been quite a place to escape to back in the day. Enjoy.
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