How to get to Penrith Castle
Planning a trip to Penrith Castle? There are plenty of ways to arrive with ease, whatever your preferred method of travel.
The castle is adjacent to Penrith train station, so travelling by rail is a super simple way to get there. Not only is it within easy reach, but it cuts out the frustration of getting stuck in traffic.
Trains to Penrith run often from all over. Popular routes include Carlisle to Penrith, London to Penrith, Glasgow to Penrith and Preston to Penrith.
If you choose to travel by car you’ll find a few parking spaces at the park entrance, with more car parking available in and around the town.
There’s also convenient bus access from surrounding areas, with bus stations at Rail Station and Penrith (North Lakes).
What to do at Penrith Castle
The most obvious thing to do when visiting Penrith Castle is to take in the history and beauty of the site. Visitors can stroll the grounds, observe the fascinating site and learn about its interesting past. Make sure to bring along your camera to get some great shots.
Volunteers at the castle run 30-minute guided tours, which are the perfect opportunity to learn about the castle’s history from an expert. Keep an eye out for dates and times that these tours are happening to avoid missing out.
Surrounding the castle you will find Penrith Castle Park. The grounds are well taken care of, with beautiful flower beds, trees and grassed areas to enjoy. When visiting the castle, be sure to take a stroll through the scenic park to take in all of its beauty. An ideal spot for a picnic, why not make a day of it? Well-behaved dogs are also welcome to come along if they are on a lead.
You can also get involved with some outdoor activities whilst at Penrith Castle Park. There are tennis courts, a bowling green, putting golf and more on offer. Not forgetting little ones, there’s also a children’s play area, ideal for letting loose.
Don’t worry if you get peckish on your day out. Within the park grounds, there is a cafe, and during the summer months, you’ll find a kiosk open for food, drinks and delicious ice creams.
Located only around 2 miles from Penrith Castle, visitors may also want to make the most of their visit and see Brougham Castle whilst in the area.
About Penrith Castle
This red sandstone castle is a popular Penrith attraction, drawing in families, tourists and history lovers alike. Full of interesting history, its remains and foundations are speculated to sit on what was left of a Roman fort.
The castle itself was built by Ralph Neville, defender of the Scottish border, at the end of the 14th century. Neville began work on the castle after he was given the manor of Penrith in 1396.
It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III. There is a long history to discover when visiting the grounds, part of the castle’s appeal.
Penrith Castle's opening times are seasonal and in line with the surrounding parkland. Summer opening hours from 31st March to September are 7.30 am to 9 pm. Winter hours from October to 30th March are shorter, 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Ways to save on your train ticket to Penrith Castle
Travelling to Penrith by train can be simple and cost-effective. There are lots of different ways to save money on your rail tickets with Avanti West Coast.
One great way is to select trains that run at quieter times. This saves money and helps you to avoid crowds and busy carriages at peak travel times. All you need to do to save is to select an Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak ticket when booking your trip.
Purchasing a Railcard is another method for saving money on train travel. For a one-time fee, you’ll receive a discount for every valid journey. Railcard discounts help you to save 1/3 on your journey.
If you’re taking your family along with you, you can also save money with a Family Train Ticket. Tickets are suitable for families of one adult and one child to a maximum of two adults and three children. Travelling as a family on the train allows you to spend precious time together before arriving at your destination.
Get the app
Did you know that you can make train travel even simpler? By downloading the Avanti West Coast app, you can book tickets with ease and without any booking fees.
With the app, you can manage your journey whilst on the go. Whether you’re looking to change your journey time, date, or seat.
You can also stay in the know by tracking your train. See how busy your carriage is, find out your platform number and keep an eye on where the train is at any time.
