Thacka Beck Nature Reserve is within easy walking distance of Penrith town centre, offering a quick retreat for local residents. The wildlife here is abundant, given the rich and suitable environment, and walkers can delight in spotting the animation and life that springs up here constantly.

From defensive keep to family home, to characteristic ruin, Brougham Castle sits on the River Eamont in the Eden Valley, a proud reminder of strength in a turbulent bygone age. Brougham Castle is one of the area’s finest, where you can see defensive features such as the moat, the tracks for the portcullis, and the arrow loops to fire down on invaders.

Appleby is a small market town in the Eden Valley, characterised by its rural location and historic buildings. Appleby-in-Westmorland, pays tribute to the county it used to be a part of, before the modern-day county of Cumbria was formed. It’s a town that holds on to its traditions. You won’t find high street shops here, but instead a collection of smaller independent gift shops, groceries, cafes and businesses, which give Appleby its boutique feel.

Sleddale Hall is a farmhouse on the north side of the Wet Sleddale featured as “Crow Crag”, Uncle Monty’s Lake District country cottage in the cult film Withnail and I.

Seven miles east of Penrith, Acorn Bank nestles at the foot of the Pennines, with Cross Fell rising up behind it, and the lush green valley stretching out in front. Explore rich fragrant gardens, wander through the woodland, and sit back and relax with views right across the Eden Valley.

Appleby-in-Westmorland houses the beautiful Appleby Castle, a traditional motte-and-bailey castle with a Norman keep that’s almost a thousand years old. So whether you’re looking for a retreat from busy life, or a jumping-off-point to explore Appleby-in-Westmorland and the surrounding Eden Valley, Appleby Castle allows you to do it in luxury

Right in the heart of the town centre, J&J Graham is a Penrith icon. Even from the outside, J&J Graham promises as tasteful and sophisticated shopping experience, a far cry from the supermarket rush. Whether you’re looking for fresh, local meats and cheeses to put together a picnic, or more wide-ranging groceries for rustling up a gourmet meal, J&J Graham is the perfect place to start.