Premier Inn Penrith

Yes, Penrith is definitely worth a visit. It’s a historic market town with a great location on the edge of the Lake District and close to the Eden Valley, making it ideal for exploring some of the best landscapes in Cumbria. The town itself has plenty of character, with interesting ruins, independent shops, local food spots, and easy access to lakes, castles and walking trails. 

Penrith isn’t technically inside the Lake District National Park, but it sits right on the edge of it. In fact, it’s one of the main gateways to the Lakes, especially the Ullswater area, which is just a short drive away. So, while it’s not within the park boundary, it’s very much connected to the Lake District experience and makes a great base if you want to explore both the Lakes and the quieter countryside of the Eden Valley.

Penrith is best known for its historic castle ruins, its role as a traditional market town and being a key stop on the route to the Lake District. It’s also famous for The Toffee Shop, a tiny spot that’s been making handmade fudge and toffee for decades and has a bit of a legendary status. 

Penrith is a medium-sized town – bigger than a village but smaller than a city. It has a busy feel in the town centre, especially on market days, but still easy to get around on foot. There are all the essentials you’d expect, including supermarkets, cafes, pubs and a mix of independent shops. It’s large enough to keep you entertained but not so big that it feels overwhelming.

Penrith has plenty to keep you busy! One of the top spots is Lowther Castle, with its fairytale-like ruins, gardens and huge adventure playground – great for both adults and kids. Just outside town, you can take a relaxing cruise on an Ullswater Steamer, one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning lake views. Back in Penrith, don’t miss The Toffee Shop, famous for what many call the best fudge and toffee around. For a step back in time, visit Dalemain Mansion, a beautiful 14th-century house that inspired Wordsworth. You can also explore the ruins of Penrith Castle, right near the station, or enjoy riverside walks and browsing the town’s independent shops and cafes. It’s a great base for exploring the Lake District and Eden Valley, with more than enough to fill a relaxed weekend break.

Yes, Penrith is a good spot for a relaxed browse. The town centre has a mix of independent shops, boutiques and well-known high street names. You’ll find everything from outdoor gear and gifts to antiques, local produce and books. There are also regular markets with local food, crafts and handmade items, which are always worth checking out if you're in town at the right time.

It does, and it’s easy to explore on foot. Penrith’s town centre has a nice mix of old and new, with narrow streets, historic buildings and a selection of shops, cafes and pubs. The layout is compact, so you can easily wander from the train station or car parks to the heart of town. There's also a market square and several spots to sit and enjoy a coffee or ice cream.

There are some lovely walking routes in and around Penrith. Penrith Castle and the nearby park are a good starting point for a short stroll. You can follow the River Eamont on peaceful paths, or head a little further out to explore Beacon Hill, which has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. For something longer, the nearby Ullswater Way or walks around Askham Fell are just a short drive away and give you access to the Lake District scenery without the crowds.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.