Skelton and the Forest of Inglewood...
This gently rolling land of fields and plantations was once part of the great Forest of Inglewood - a vast area of open chase and woodland stretching from Penrith to Carlisle.
At its heart is Hutton-in-the-Forest, the ancestral home of Lord and Lady Inglewood and the venue for several prestigious events, such as Potfest in late July.
About the area
History & heritage
From Penrith, along to the villages of Skelton, Calthwaite and Plumpton were once within the forest but have pre-Norman origins.
Art & culture
Discover a treasure trove of artistic endeavour in this quiet corner of Cumbria.
Natural environment
The gardens at Hutton-in-the-Forest are a pleasing mix of herbaceous planting schemes and Victorian topiary work.
What's on
From the popular Skelton Show to exhibitions at Rheged, this otherwise sleepy area begins to buzz with creative energy.
Oddities
Forest of Inglewood
The Forest of Inglewood was once the largest Norman hunting preserve in England.Wragmire Oak
The Wragmire Oak was the last surviving tree of the Forest of Inglewood and died of old age in 1823. ‘Last tree of the forest, last oak of the wood, That landmark and umpire, six ages hath stood.'
Thiefside Hill
Thiefside Hill earned its name as a hideout for robbers planning to hold up stagecoaches on the London road (now the A6).
Unthank
Unthank (near Hutton-in-the-Forest) means ‘without permission' and indicates where fields were illegally carved out of the Royal hunting forest.
Sanctuary Stone
The sanctuary stone at Greystoke marked the point where fugitives from the law could find sanctuary within the precincts of the church. The stone has since been moved to its current position outside the swimming pool.
Unusual farms
The unusual castellated farms just outside Greystoke were built in the 1780s and named Bunkers Hill (after a 1775 battle in the American War of Independence) and Fort Putnam (after its namesake at West Point - the latter being a key part of the defensive network of New York City).
Greystoke Pillar
The Greystoke Pillar was erected on the ancient boundary between the Barony of Greystoke and the Honour of Penrith.
Greystoke Stables
Greystoke Stables has trained around 700 winning horses including two Grand National winners - Lucius (1978) and Hallo Dandy (1984).
Where to stay
Using this search
This quick search allows you to find accommodation within 5 miles of Penrith. For more detailed searches click on the advanced option.
