Things to do in Penrith on a rainy day…

Luckily for both tourists and locals, Penrith is a large market town making it a great place to be both rain and shine, with the town offering an abundance of activities for all weathers!

Here’s a list of our favourite indoor activities in and around Penrith… 

Penrith and Eden Museum

Situated in the old Robinsons’ School building dating back to 1670, the Penrith and Eden Museum explores the history of the area displaying archaeology, art, social, cultural and natural history and geology of Penrith. Displays include fossils, artefacts from the Roman and Neolithic ages, art from Victorian painters and mementos from a local Crimean War hero. The museum is free to enter and is an ideal indoor family activity for rainy days.

  • The Rheged Centre

10-minutes away from Penirth town centre, the Rheged Centre is packed with indoor activities including a gallery, café, cinema and shops. The centre also hosts interactive events and exhibitions including arts and crafts classes. The independent cinema showcases new releases, family favourites and live-streams music and opera events. For art lovers, the centre gallery hosts a dynamic programme of art events brining together new and established artists inspired by the landscape and heritage of the area. After a day of exploring the centre, put your feet up in the café and enjoy a hot drink with a bite to eat.

  • Dalemain Mansion

Escape the rain by exploring the historic Dalemain Mansion, a country house dating back to the 12th century boasting a stunning Georgian façade of pink stone. The Staley home is open to explore and is filled with winding passages, quaint stairways and luxurious rooms. One of the most historic rooms is the Fretwork Room, which has a magnificent 16th century plaster ceiling and oak panelling. The Chinese Room is also an interesting part of the house, decorated with sheets of hand-painted wallpaper imported from China in 1757. Watch the rain fall on the Georgian windows from inside the houses Medieval Hall café whilst sampling the famous secret recipe scones with award winning marmalade!

  • St Andrew’s Church

Whether you attend mass or not, everyone is welcome to explore the historic building of St Andrew’s Church. Inside the church, you can see stunning religious paintings dating back to 17th century alongside 14th century monuments and ancient stained glass windows.

  • Aira Force

Although this isn’t an indoor activity, waterfall walks are even more impressive during rainfall, providing the opportunity to view the waterfall at its largest and most dramatic. One of the most famous waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force is a 70 feet high force falling below an arched stone footbridge. The land surrounding the waterfall was landscaped in 1970’s by the Howard family of Greystoke Castle creating a Victorian pleasure garden with waterfalls, an arboretum and rock scenery alongside establishing a network of tracks, footpaths and bridges throughout the area. The land is now owned by the National Trust who have provided viewing platforms for visitors to see the waterfall from its best angles.