Roundthorn

In and around Penrith, Cumbria

The Roundthorn Country House Hotel, Penrith is fortunate to be located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Within easy access of, and overlooking, the Lake District, Eden Valley and the Pennines.

Situated at the heart of the Eden Valley, an unspoilt area of outstanding natural beauty, Roundthorn overlooks the busy market town of Penrith. Once the capital of Cumbria, Penrith is still important in its own right, being very much a gateway to the Lake District. Penrith is on the M6 route and London&-Glasgow West Coast Line and is actually on the Coast to Coast Cycle Route.

Penrith has a host of traditional, modern and specialist shops and boasts famous local produce such as Penrith Toffee and Fudge and Cumberland Sausage. The work of local artists and craftspeople can also be found. The town has plenty of recreational pursuits to offer the visitor.

At Castle Park:

  • tennis
  • bowls
  • crazy golf

At Penrith Leisure Centre:

  • indoor swimming pool
  • climbing wall
  • gymnasium
  • sauna
  • solarium

The area around Penrith is wonderful walking, cycling and touring country, and there are many quaint villages, such as Greystoke, Mungrisdale, Temple Sowerby and Langwathby (one of the stations on the Settle&-Carlisle Line) to explore.

The Eden Valley

The fertile Vale of Eden is a truly unspoilt area in the North Pennines, surrounded by the Lakeland Mountains, the Howgill Fells and Mallerstang – where the River Eden has its source. In Eden you will find alpine flowers, rolling fields and charming sandstone villages nestling in lush river valleys. This is the countryside that inspired William Wordsworth and it is easy to see why. Even today, Eden creates an impression of seclusion, though in fact it is convenient for the M6 motorway and easily accessible via rail and regional airports. This glorious area remains largely undiscovered by all but the discerning few.

The immediate area around Penrith itself is full of idyllic walks, which are detailed in our very own “Doorstep Guide” designed by Nurture Lakeland, which shows you which walks can begin right upon the Roundthorn’s doorstep. This can either be downloaded here, or a printed version can be picked up at the reception desk at the Roundthorn on arrival.

Mountains, Lakes, Castles & a wealth of History

The Northern Lakes are dominated by Ullswater &- only 20 minutes from the hotel &- and Haweswater, and this area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. There are so many lovely villages to see, such as Dacre, Watermillock and Patterdale. At Martindale, on Ullswater’s eastern shore, you may see the last herd of wild red deer in England. Or take a cruise on theUllswater Steamers from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding and enjoy the views of mountains reflected in the lake, with Helvellyn as an impressive backdrop. Brougham and Lowther Castles can both be seen from the Roundthorn and provide an interesting historic encounter, as does Hadrian’s Wall, a short journey to the north. The ruins of Pendragon Castle, by Mallerstang to the east, are connected to Arthurian legend. The castle was built by Uther Pendragon who was reputed to be the legendary King Arthur’s father. If Neolithic stone circles are more to your taste, Long Meg and her Daughters, near Little Salkeld, is one of England’s largest.

Market Towns

If you enjoy exploring traditional market towns, Eden has much to offer. The four principal market towns of Eden &- Penrith, Appleby, Alston and Kirkby Stephen &- provide a wide range of traditional small shops and a warm Cumbrian welcome.