TV star votes Penrith high street best in Britain

By Victoria Brenan

        

Penrith has been praised as having the best high street by Great British Bake-Off host Mel Giedroyc.

 

Mel Giedroyc



She said she had been visiting the town “since the year dot” after her mum grew up in the northern Lake District.

 

As part of a campaign launched by the Daily Telegraph – Reinventing the High Street – Mel sung the praises of Penrith and said it had her favourite high street.

 

“My attachment to Penrith’s high street is part nostalgia,” she said. “My mum grew up in the northern Lakes and so I’ve been going to Penrith every summer since the year dot.

 

“Now, when I go back with my own children, I love the fact that Arnisons, the department store with more than a hint of Grace Brothers, is still there on Middlegate, and Grahams, the deli in Market Square, continues to serve you everything over the counter. But my reasons are not all sepia-tinted.”

 

She said Penrith had a tourist trade because of its proximity to the Lake District but was no “chocolate-boxey high street.”

 

“The red stone suggests something more practical and it retains a strong sense of its own identity that enables it to mix the old with the new and still stay real,” she added.

 

“There are chains and a Morrisons. Plus, it is a community place, with a real sense of local people getting on with things as the minutes slip by on the clock tower. It is resolutely normal, but it manages to make normal shopping feel as if it isn’t a chore.”

 

 

Landing Page for Gateway to National Park

Penrith, a hidden gem found in one of the busiest tourism hot spots within the Lake District National Park. 

 

Penrith offes many unique experiences, whether it be action, adventure, unwind or relaxation and rest. Penrith may be the ideal base whatever your preferences. This town has its own Tourist Information Centre, museum, Ullswater which is not far by car, Lacey's Caves, the River Eden, Long Meg, gardens, old houses, farms and wildlife parks in the area, this area offers something for everyone.

Offering a wide variety of accommodation, pubs offering traditional food and local ales and beers. There are many shops including specialist shops, and there is a farmer's market once a month every 3rd Tuesday. You can visit the castle ruins or the church which is Grade I listed, both offer grounds which would make for nice summer picnics.

 

Penrith has a good road network offering fast access to the North Lakes area via the A66, or multiple routes to Kendal, Windermere and beyond for the South Lakes area. This area is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District especially if you don't mind travelling a bit and paying less. You could also cycle along the country lanes, sit on the banks by the river and streams or walk through the fields or along the hills of the Pennines located on the east side of town. This location offers some of the best of everything.

If you would like to see what self catering we offer in Penrith and surrounding areas, use Penrith Lake District Cottages to assist you in finding something nice and cosy for your holiday. If you find this page useful or interesting, +1 this post or alternatively like us on our facebook page or tweet us. Let your friends and family know, we hope to help anyone looking for a self catering cottage in the Penrith area of the Lake District.

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