Rheged is an award-winning visitor attraction situated 2 miles west of Penrith and just outside the border of the Lake District National Park.
Housed in Europe’s largest grass covered building, it is named after Cumbria’s ancient Celtic Kingdom. Since opening in 2000 it has welcomed more than 2 million visitors.
From outside Rheged looks like just another Lakeland hill, but inside there’s a wealth of attractions including shops and a giant screen cinema.
Shops
The centre is home to a number of speciality shops including:
- Mountain Life – outdoor and adventure clothing, footwear and equipment
- Splash Out – clothes and accessories
- Cards – stationery shop selling cards, gift wrapping etc.
- Toy Shop – children’s toys, clothes, and shoes
- Made in Cumbria – candles, pottery and other locally produced goods
- Sweets – traditional sweets plus newspapers and magazines
- Books – books, maps, local guides etc.
- Talent – ceramics, glass, and textiles by local artists
- Taste – sells locally produced cheeses, sauces, bread, beer, cider, and more
Cinema
Rheged boasts a cinema with a large format projector and a screen measuring 20 m by 14 m. Films are shown at hourly intervals throughout the day and last around 45 minutes. Most films are 3D. To view film listings and times visit the official website.
Restaurants
Rheged offers 3 places to eat; the Rheged Café, Café Pod, and Taste.
Events
The centre offers a packed programme of events including photography and exhibitions, talks, craft demonstrations, children’s activities, antique and wedding fairs, food festivals, and more.
For a detailed schedule of time and prices visit the official website.
Other Facilities
Other facilities here include indoor and outdoor play areas, children’s pottery workshop, tourist information centre, conference rooms, and petrol station.
Rheged is also licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies.
Admission Prices
Visitors to Rheged enjoy free admission and car parking. Charges apply for the cinema, children’s play areas, exhibitions etc.
Opening Times
Rheged is open 7 days a week. Opening times are 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Location & Directions
Visitors travelling by car should leave the M6 motorway at Junction 40 and take the A66 west towards Keswick. The entrance to Rheged is located at the first roundabout, approximately 1 mile from the motorway.
To get to Rheged from Windermere and Ambleside, simply follow the A592, past Ullswater, until it meets the A66.
Free parking for 450 cars is available.
