Rheged Discovery Centre Museums
The Dark Ages. At its peak around 590AD, the Kingdom of Rheged stretched from Southern Scotland to the Midlands and from coast to coast. Rheged's most famous King was Urien meaning 'city born'. Urien was known as the 'Raven King' because of the talisman or good luck charm, which he wore around his neck and bore the symbol of a Raven. It was this symbol which provided the inspiration for our logo. The stone on which the Rheged Raven is often shown reflects the shape of the County of Cumbria today.
Rheged is the dream and vision of 4 Cumbrian born directors who recognised that tourism presented one of the few positive options for sustainable growth in Cumbria's rural economy. They therefore decided to create a visitor centre, which would encapsulate the spirit of this beautiful region and inspire visitors to go out and explore the whole of Cumbria and North Pennines rather than just visiting the well-known honey pots.
Rheged is the largest grass covered building in Europe and many visitors to the centre travel from far and wide to admire this breathtaking building.
The hollow of the quarry has allowed Rheged to remain hidden from the main road and not to obstruct views of Helvellyn, Cumbria's second highest mountain. Inside Rheged covers 85,000 square feet on five different levels.
The Rheged gift shop is a splendid place in which to browse and select that special memento of your visit. It combines an attractive range of gifts from tea towels to pottery, painted glass, soaps, perfume and jewellery, to biscuits, chocolates and chutney. There are also a good selection of maps and books of local interest. The 'Made in Cumbria' section includes beautifully designed hats, children's clothes, wrought iron work, candles, pottery and much more all produced by local craftsmen from throughout Cumbria and the North Pennines. .
Attraction Details
For enquiries about Rheged Discovery Centre, please contact the attraction using the details below.
AddressRedhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ
Opening times10am - 5.30pm
Entry costs
Attraction typeMuseums
Hotels near Rheged Discovery Centre
Staying overnight in Penrith?
Wondering where to stay that's close to Rheged Discovery Centre? We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs near Penrith in Penrith.
The Garth
The Garth offers pet-friendly accommodation in Keldhead, 31 km from Windermere and 23 km from Keswick. The property boasts views of the city and is 27 km from Ambleside. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
The Mains
Featuring a garden, The Mains is a holiday home located in Penrith. The unit is 9 km from Whinfell Forest. Newcastle Airport is 82 km away.
Crosslands
Set 30 km from Windermere and 23 km from Keswick, Crosslands offers pet-friendly accommodation in Pooley Bridge. The unit is 25 km from Ambleside. Carlisle is 29 km from Crosslands, while Bowness-on-Windermere is 31 km from the property.
Wordsworth Cottage
Wordsworth Cottage is a holiday home with a garden, situated in Pooley Bridge in the Cumbria Region. The property is 30 km from Windermere and free private parking is provided. Keswick is 23 km from Wordsworth Cottage, while Ambleside is 25 km away.
North Lakes - A
Boasting an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and modern rooms, this 4-star luxury hotel is located just off the M6 motorway. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and locally sourced cuisine, while Penrith centre is a 15-minute walk away..
Ashbank Lodge
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Ashbank Lodge offers accommodation in Penrith. Free private parking is available on site. The rooms come with a flat-screen TV.
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