Penrith Castle

Penrith Castle stands beside the railway station in a public park, making its red stone walls an easy introduction to the town's medieval history. Ralph Neville began the castle at the end of the 14th century as part of the defence of the border region against the Scots. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later the future Richard III, subsequently turned it into a more comfortable residence. Sections of wall still rise to their full height, and information panels help make sense of the building's layout and changing purpose. Visitors value the combination of a compact historic ruin and the surrounding park, which gives families room to extend their visit. Arriving by train avoids the need to find town parking. The park has generally good paths and an accessible entrance from Ullswater Road, although steps restrict access to parts of the castle.