Penrith
Appleby Manor Country House Hotel is located only a short drive from the quaint market town of Penrith. Penrith is a bustling town with specialist and traditional shops and shopping arcade - perfect for anyone who enjoys shopping. Each month there is the Cumbria Farmers' market selling a wide range of locally produced foods - which are fully traceable. The market is held in the historic setting of the market square.
The historic town of Penrith is rich in history and perhaps the best place to start a tour of Penrith would be at the Penrith Museum and Tourist Information Centre - prominent not only because of the information available regarding the history, geology and archaeology of the area and the tourist information relating to accommodation, attractions, transport etc but most notably because they are housed in the former Robinson's School; an Elizabethan building which was altered in 1670 and used as a school.
In the 9th and 10th Centuries Penrith became the capital of Cumbria. The ruined 14th century castle has a captivating history and is cared for by English Heritage. Above the town there is Beacon Hill tower - this is where warning fires were lit during the Border Wars, on a clear day one can enjoy spectacular views to the Lake District Fells and across the Eden valley.
Whilst walking around the town look out for the building which overlooks St Andrews Church (currently a restaurant) this was the Dame Anne Birkett School where William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Mary Hutchinson (who later became his wife) attended. The churchyard of St Anderw's has an ancient 'Giant's Grave' where Owen Caesarius the 10th Century Cumbrian ruler is supposedly buried. Also keep your eyes open for the two oldest streets; Burrowgate and Sandgate, which date from the 13th Century.
Following a busy days sightseeing and shopping around Penrith retreat back to the relaxing surroundings of Appleby Manor Country House Hotel. The hotel has its own leisure facilities, where you can take a swim in the plunge pool, enjoy the sauna and turkish steam rooms.
The hotel's comfortable lounge and bar offer the perfect place to relax and plan the next days activities in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales or one of the many nearby attractions, before enjoying a delicious meal in the hotel's award-winning restaurant.
