Things to do in Penrith

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Penrith
Penrith
Penrith
Photo by Kathy Appleby
Photo by Kathy Appleby
Photo by Brian Thompson
Photo by Brian Thompson

Penrith Attractions

Smaller cities have an aura about them you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Take a note of all the fun and exciting things to do in Penrith before you head off so you can see as much as possible during your getaway. You'll soon learn that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

Discover the best sights in Penrith with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {59 fun activities in Penrith fun activities in Penrith}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation.

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Most popular activities in Penrith

Tours & day trips

See all 52 activities
Manchester: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

Manchester: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $115 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 23 activities
Ten Lakes Tour - Full Day - Up to 4 People

Ten Lakes Tour - Full Day - Up to 4 People

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $591 per traveler*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 8 activities
Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

Activity duration is 9 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $80 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 7 activities
Lake District Day Trip by Train with Lake Windermere Cruise & Cream Tea

Lake District Day Trip by Train with Lake Windermere Cruise & Cream Tea

Activity duration is 13 hours
5.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $439 per adult
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Water activities

See all 4 activities
Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside

Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside

Activity duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $25 per adult
Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and AmblesideOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Penrith

Number of things to do
59
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Northern Lake District: Self Guided Walking Tour of Keswick: $8
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Penrith

Free Things to Do in Penrith

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's possible to entertain yourself in Penrith without paying a penny.

Lowther Park - Make this among your first stops if you're looking for fun during your break.

Penrith Castle - If you're captivated by history, this is one stop you really should visit.

Mayburgh Henge - Widely known among those who live here, this site is worth a look.

St Andrew's Church - Gain a better understanding of local religious beliefs at this sacred site.

Lacy's Caves - Contemplate the stark contrast between city life and nature's beauty at this scenic location.

Lowther Park - If you relish nurturing your garden, this place will delight your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Penrith with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you wander in Penrith. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that are bound to make your vacation memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Penrith? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Penrith

Ullswater

Ullswater

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ullswater during your travels in Penrith. Stroll along the area's lakeside, or simply savor its lively bars.

Ullswater
Lowther Castle and Gardens

Lowther Castle and Gardens

You can learn about the history of Penrith with a trip to Lowther Castle and Gardens. Stroll along the lakeside in this relaxing area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Lowther Castle and Gardens
Red ruins of a Castle in the market town of Penrith. There's also a park with bandstand & cafe.

Penrith Castle

Penrith Castle is just one of the places to see in Penrith, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside and enjoy its lively bars.

Penrith Castle
Knocker on door with sanctuary ring

Brougham Hall

You can browse the exhibits at Brougham Hall, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Eamont Bridge. Amble around this relaxing area's lakeside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Brougham Hall
Druid stone circle, the second biggest in the UK after Stonehenge.

Long Meg and Her Daughters

You can find out about the history of Penrith with a visit to Long Meg and Her Daughters. Amble around this quaint area's lakeside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Long Meg and Her Daughters
One of the smaller lakes in The Lake District, it lies at the bottom of the Kirkstone Pass, with views over lovely Patterdale valley. There is a lakeside path and a pleasant level walk from Cow bridge car park, will lead you to a campsite and The brotherswater Inn. Both pet friendly.

Brotherswater

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Brotherswater during your travels in Hartsop. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Brotherswater
Atmospheric ruins under big skies.

Shap Abbey

Learn about the local history of Penrith when you take a trip to Shap Abbey. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Shap Abbey

Whinfell Forest

Explore the great outdoors at Whinfell Forest, a lovely green space in Penrith. Stroll along the lakeside in this relaxing area, or check out its lively bars.

Whinfell Forest

Aira Force

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Aira Force during your travels in Penrith. Amble around this relaxing area's lakeside and enjoy its lively bars.

Aira Force

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Penrith

Localised flooding. The water has not put the students off at all. They are walking a dog through the water.
Photo by John Holmes (CC BY-SA)

Newton Rigg

While Newton Rigg isn't home to many top sights, Rheged and Lowther Castle and Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.

Newton Rigg
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Penrith

Ambleside showing night scenes, a small town or village and street scenes

Ambleside

Keswick showing markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Keswick

Windermere showing heritage architecture, cafe scenes and signage

Windermere

Photo by Martin Whittle

Carlisle

Photo by Kathy Appleby

Glenridding

Kendal

Kendal

Photo by Rob B66

Alston

Appleby-in-Westmorland

Appleby-in-Westmorland

Frequently asked questions

Is Penrith worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and views, finding awesome things to do in Penrith is a cinch. Remember to add Lowther Castle and Gardens to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Penrith?
Begin your day with a visit to Lowther Castle and Gardens and Brougham Castle. Then, explore other areas of Penrith for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Penrith?
The top tourist attraction in Penrith is Lowther Castle and Gardens, so be sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Penrith?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Lowther Castle and Gardens, Brougham Castle and Penrith & Eden Museum with a three-day escape to Penrith. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Windermere.
Is Penrith a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Penrith, like Brougham Castle and Penrith & Eden Museum, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 miles from central Penrith is Tirril and Sockbridge and Tirril is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Penrith with kids?
Planning what to do in Penrith with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Penrith for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Penrith, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to High Cup Winery.
Are there free things to do in Penrith?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Penrith is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Lacy's Caves is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.