Living in Penrith

Penrith’s community spirit is a defining characteristic. The town is home to clubs, societies, and sports teams that bring together people of all ages. Regular events in the town centre—like Penrith Agricultural Show, May Day celebrations, and the Winter Droving festival—foster a gathering atmosphere and celebrate local traditions. Community centres and churches offer group activities, coffee mornings, and volunteer opportunities.

Green spaces are abundant, with parks such as Castle Park and Coronation Gardens providing spots for relaxation, play, or a lunchtime stroll. The wider Eden Valley offers scenic country walks, while the proximity to the Lake District means outdoor pursuits—from hiking to cycling—are always on the doorstep. Weekly markets and independent shops underline Penrith’s self-sufficient, community-driven ethos.

Penrith is generally perceived as a safe place to live, with lower levels of crime compared to large urban areas. The town’s policing is managed by Cumbria Constabulary, with a visible local presence and regular neighbourhood patrols. Most crimes reported in the area are low-level, such as minor antisocial behaviour or vehicle theft, rather than serious offences.

Many residents highlight the strong sense of community as a contributor to local safety. Initiatives such as neighbourhood watch schemes and community forums play a role in promoting vigilance and collaboration. Some regeneration in parts of town has also improved lighting, public spaces, and overall perceptions of safety.

Parking in Penrith is relatively straightforward compared to busier market towns. The town centre offers several car parks—such as Sandgate, Bluebell Lane, and Drovers Lane—all within easy walking distance of main amenities and the railway station. Short-stay and long-stay options are available, as are electric vehicle charging bays. On-street parking is found around residential roads, but some zones require resident or visitor permits, particularly close to the centre.

Road congestion is minimal except during market days or peak Lake District visitor season. Penrith is ideally placed for drivers, lying at the junction of the M6 and A66 routes. The M6 gives rapid access north to Scotland or south towards Lancashire, while the A66 connects to the Yorkshire Dales and Northeast England.

Key road links to regional towns and cities:

• Carlisle – approx. 30 minutes via M6 (19 miles)
• Kendal – approx. 40 minutes via M6 (29 miles)
• Keswick – approx. 25 minutes via A66 (18 miles)
• Newcastle – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via A66 (71 miles)

Penrith’s culinary scene reflects its market town heritage, with an array of traditional pubs, tearooms, and independent eateries. Pubs like The Dog Beck and The Agricultural Hotel are popular for local ales and hearty food, while cafes such as The Yard and Four & Twenty offer everything from light lunches to artisan coffee. Penrith’s restaurants serve a mix of cuisines, with Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean choices alongside classic British fare. The local food scene is also known for showcasing Cumbrian specialities like Cumberland sausage and sticky toffee pudding.

Takeaways are numerous and range from fish and chips to pizza and Chinese. Nightlife in Penrith is relaxed—several pubs offer live music or quiz nights, and The Warehouse provides a late-night option with occasional DJ events. For theatre and the arts, the Rheged Centre on the edge of town hosts live performances, cinema screenings, and food festivals throughout the year.

School Quality: Penrith offers highly regarded primary and secondary schools, with Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Ullswater Community College regularly praised for both academic and extracurricular achievements. Several primary options ensure families have a good choice of educational settings.

Parks and Open Space: Families benefit from well-kept green spaces like Castle Park and nearby Beacon Hill, as well as access to the Eden Valley and Lake District for outdoor activity and exploration.

Childcare: An array of nurseries and childminders support working parents, with services found both in town and neighbouring villages.

Safety: Low crime rates and active community schemes contribute to a sense of safety and security, making the area popular with parents of young children.

Family Activities: From the Penrith Leisure Centre’s swimming pool and sports facilities to family events at the Rheged Centre, there are year-round activities for all ages, indoors and out.

Penrith is extremely accommodating to pets, particularly dogs, thanks to its abundance of parks, riverside walks, and direct access to open countryside. Castle Park, The Beacon, and the footpaths along the River Eamont are all popular dog-walking locations. Keen walkers benefit from numerous trails into the Eden Valley and Lake District National Park right from the edge of town.

Several veterinary practices, pet shops, and dog grooming salons are found locally, including animal hospitals offering specialist care. Many pubs and cafes in Penrith welcome dogs, reflecting a widely pet-friendly approach in public spaces and housing rentals.

Penrith boasts excellent transport links that make it one of the Lake District’s most accessible towns. Positioned on the West Coast Main Line, Penrith (North Lakes) railway station offers direct trains to London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester. The town is also just minutes from junction 40 of the M6 motorway, giving quick access north or south, while the A66 provides a crucial east-west connection across northern England.

Public transport in Penrith includes regular bus services to local villages, the Lake District, and neighbouring towns. National Express and Stagecoach run coach and bus routes for longer and local journeys.

Typical commute times from Penrith:

• Carlisle – 20 minutes by train / 30 minutes by car
• Kendal – 55 minutes by car (via M6)/ 80 minutes by train
• Manchester – 1 hour 40 minutes by direct train
• Glasgow – 1 hour 40 minutes by direct train

Newcastle International Airport is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car, and Manchester Airport is reachable in just under 2 hours, both accessible via motorway.

Penrith is well-regarded for its selection of schools and educational facilities, attracting families from across the Eden Valley and beyond.

Primary Schools:
North Lakes School is a popular choice in Penrith, known for its creative curriculum, and received a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in 2020. Beaconside CofE Primary School is another reputable option, noted for its inclusive ethos and 'Good' Ofsted grading in 2022. St. Catherine’s Catholic Primary School also serves local families and is praised for its nurturing environment.

Secondary Schools:
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) is one of the most respected grammar schools in Cumbria, gaining a strong reputation for academic excellence and outstanding extracurricular provision. Ullswater Community College, the town’s largest secondary, offers both GCSE and A-level courses, with a diverse student body and extensive facilities – rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2019.

Colleges and Further Education:
Ullswater Community College Sixth Form offers post-16 education, with a mix of academic and vocational courses, while Newton Rigg College (just outside the town centre) specialises in land-based studies and apprenticeships, drawing students from across Cumbria and the wider county.

Universities:
Although Penrith does not have a university of its own, it is within reasonable commuting distance of Carlisle, where the University of Cumbria offers a wide range of higher education courses. Lancaster University is also accessible by rail for those considering further study.