Penrith Castle Park

Penrith Castle

Penrith Castle Park takes its name from Penrith Castle, which is a prominent feature of the park. It was built as an addition to the original Pele tower. This was over a 70 year period from 1399. It became a Royal fortress for Richard, Duke of Gloucester. English Heritage maintain Penrith castle and moat area.

Find out about the history of Penrith Castle on English Heritage's website.

War memorials

Other prominent features of the park are its war memorials. The War Memorial Gateway opened in 1923, is the main entrance to the park and is opposite Penrith Railway Station. And the Black Angel Memorial, which is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Boer War. It was moved to the park from Corney Square, Penrith, in 1964. This was because of concerns that it was being damaged by traffic pollution.

Castle park gardens

The park is attractively laid out with annual flower beds, mature trees and grassed areas. It is ideal for a stroll or a picnic. Dogs are allowed in Castle Park as long as they are kept on a lead.

Castle park facilities

The facilities in the park include:

• A children's play area;
• Putting and obstacle golf;
• Tennis courts;
• Bowling green;
• Toilets;
• Café; and
• A bandstand.

Castle Park Bowling Club look after the bowling green, the use the green on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for competitions, on those evenings the bowling green is not available for public use.

Games

The obstacle golf course, putting green and bowls facilities are open April through September. Hire charges include golf clubs for use on the putting green, obstacle golf course, and bowls for use on the bowling green.

The tennis courts are open all year round from 7am - 10pm. Tennis equipment will be available to hire in 2024.

Charges

• Tennis: Court hire is £6 per court, per hour. Floodlighting is an additional £2 per hour. Book online at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/PenrithCastlePark
• Putting: Adult £2 and Juniors £1 an hour.
• Obstacle golf: Adult £2 and Juniors £2 per hour.
• Bowls: £2.60 per person.

Please pay for putting, obstacle golf and bowls at the games hut, which is open from 10am - 7pm, 7 days a week from April through September. Unfortunately at this time, we are unable to take card payments. Cash only.

Park opening hours

From 25 September 2023, the park gates will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Access to the park

There are pedestrian entrances from Ullswater Road, Castle Drive and Castle Terrace. Disabled visitors can access the park area from the Ullswater Road entrance. This is opposite Penrith Railway Station.

Parking

Parking and disabled parking is available outside the Castle Park on Ullswater Road near to the War Memorial gateway.

Find out about Penrith car parks for details of other places to park.

Transport

Find out about public transport in Eden for details of trains, buses and taxis are available at Penrith Railway Station, which is opposite the War Memorial gateway to the park.

Park events

We welcome enquiries from organisations and individuals wishing to hold events in its parks. Events held to date include:

• Open air church services;
• Tennis tournaments;
• County bowls competitions;
• Music from bands;
• Theatre productions;
• Sponsored toddles; and
• School visits.

Refreshments

During the summer months the park kiosk is open for hot and cold food, drinks and ice creams.