Spotlight on Penrith
Spotlight on Penrith – Where to start with this absolute peach of a town, so much to say and so much to see. A town filled with friendly folk, fantastic businesses and a long and fascinating history, it is definitely worth a visit.
As soon as you enter into the town from the West the history of the area instantly becomes apparent, you cannot miss the 14th-century Castle which draws the eye, a new-build as such when you consider the timeline of happenings in the area.
As for the here and now, if you haven’t visited Penrith in some time then now is the perfect time to go. It’s a haven of bustling independents everywhere you look, a bubbling lovely market town where each corner that you turn gives way to yet more brilliant little shops and cafes.
There are many nooks, crannies and alleyways to explore, each leading you to yet more quaint little businesses!
At the very heart of Penrith are two notable businesses situated in buildings that are quite simply stunning, you could be mistaken for thinking you had stumbled upon a period drama movie set.
Those that know Penrith well will know that I am referring to N. Arnison & Sons and J & J Grahams. Arnisons, as it is more familiarly known, is situated in a Grade 11 listed building that is beautifully preserved. The shop has stood since 1742 and was opened by the grandparents of the world-renowned and much-loved poet William Wordsworth.
Owned by brothers Nigel & Tim, they describe the shop as a family-run clothing retailer, however, most people will tell you that they sell everything. It would seem that they do, from menswear – shoes – shirts – suits to ladies’ retail, fashion and accessories not forgetting their underground bunker where you can also find a range of linen, sheets, and so much more.
It hasn’t changed much though it did get a refit in the early 1900s due to a couple of gents searching for a gas leak with errrr, a lit match, that didn’t end well as you can well imagine.
Step back in time and take in the fixtures and fittings, one American tourist described his visit to Arnisons as “ It’s like a museum but you get to buy the items on display” This Sums it up perfectly we think.
Across the way from Arnisons is the ever-present J&J Grahams Grocers, another outlandishly beautiful building which has been serving the community since 1793.
Penrith has many businesses that have stood the test of time and passed from one generation to the next. Independent is the key here and I for one think this is the blueprint for all towns come the future, the national retailers and big-name brands didn’t get their claws into the the very heart of the town, therefore when the demise of the nationals came and they disappeared across towns and cities across the UK, here in Penrith no massive gaping holes were left to stand empty and drag down the town.
It just goes to show that local, local, local is the way forward and Penrith is a testament to that, they even have their own bank! Penrith Building Society stands as a relic and reminder of times gone by – when you deal with people more than machines!
There isn’t much you cannot source in the town courtesy of the many independents and as such you are guaranteed to find something that is a little bit different and a little bit special.
If you are a coffee aficionado and just love great food, then you are in for a real treat. The town is packed with many awesome little cafes, tea rooms and restaurants serving up dishes from across the globe. There are over 70 cafes- bars & restaurants to choose from, ensuring however many times you visit Penrith you will enjoy a new experience each and every time.
There are so many little alleys to explore and enjoy that our advice would be to stay over and make a weekend of it as there is so much to take in. There is plenty of accommodation in and around Penrith and the train station is a short walk from the heart of the town centre.
Devonshire Arcade is worth popping into, a bustling market vibe with lots of units all bringing something different to the table. Originally sited on what was the Butter Market, it is another gem well worth visiting and the bakery, oh my, pasties to die for.
If you are interested in history then a visit to the local museum is a must. Brilliantly laid out with an array of artefacts spanning from the Neolithic era until the modern day and everything in between, each giving us an insight into the vast history of the area. The exhibits themselves are presented in a stylish and contemporary manner, in an interestingly unique way.
Penrith Museum also doubles up as a Tourist Information Centre and is a fantastic asset to the town. The building itself dates back to the 1670s when it was a school building.
There are many buildings of interest dotted around the town, The Board and Elbow formerly the Black Bull dates back to 1624 and across the road stands the Grade 1 listed building – Dockray Hall, now closed but was until recently a thriving pub-restaurant.
The hall itself has a rich history being the temporary home of the much-maligned or possibly misrepresented, Richard 111 (well they do say that the victors write their version of history and so it would seem in this case some argue) Dockray Hall was the home for Richard as he oversaw extensive work at Penrith Castle in the 1470s.
Dockray Hall itself was built by Richard’s grandfather, Ralph de Neville at the beginning of the 1400s. A well-connected gentleman who married well it would seem having betrothed the granddaughter of Edward 111, this alone stood him in good stead to take up the mantle as the first Earl of Westmorland.
As well as Dockray Hall, Ralph was also responsible for the majority of the building of Penrith Castle. It is said that both buildings are connected by a secret tunnel, we do hear of secret tunnels all the time, however, when you consider that they are a mere 300 yards apart, it wouldn’t be a surprise considering the times.
Penrith has one of the oldest Market Charters in the county having been granted such by Henry 111 in 1223, this means that Penrith’s Market will celebrate their 800th year next year – so keep your eyes open for updates and information on the upcoming celebrations.
Picture by Stephen Murphy
Back to the here and now, Christmas is just around the corner and Penrith always puts on a grand show.
This year on Saturday 19th November, Penrith’s town centre will come alive with music and laughter and LIGHTS, lots of Lights!
Plans are brewing which include a collection of street performers, live music, singers, dancers, Santa, crafts, a lantern parade and much more. From 2 pm onwards, Market Square and Cornmarket will be a hub of activity for those enjoying an afternoon shopping.
From 12noon until 4 pm there is a free decoration and lantern workshop in the Devonshire arcade which hopefully inspires the children to join the parade which starts at the Town Hall at 5.30 pm. Then the grand illumination is at 6 pm followed by more entertainment.
Who is pressing the plunger for the actual lights switch on? Follow @discoverpenrith Facebook page for updates.
Penrith is a brilliant, buzzing, bustling town which is definitely worth re-discovering or exploring if you haven’t visited before. There is so much more we could write about and explore, but the only way you can fully appreciate the joy of this town is to visit it for yourself.
If you are looking for somewhere laden with unique independent businesses, a vast and varied choice of food and drink, steeped in history and beautiful architecture, and of course full of friendly, welcoming and happy people, then head to Penrith.
For more information about Penrith and the surrounding area including Hutton-in-the-Forest – Askham Hall – Penrith Museum – Mayburgh Henge – Little Salkeld Watermill – Lowther Castle & Gardens – Dalemain House & Gardens – Little Meg Stone Circle – King Arthur’s Table – Penrith Castle – Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle – The Rheged Centre – Little Salkeld Glassonby Stone Circle or Ullswater Steamers and more… ( See, I told you there was loads more ) then go to @discoverpenrith, www.discoverpenrith.co.uk and www.visiteden.co.uk
All Penrith Images courtesy of Visit Eden unless otherwise stated.
