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Pendragon Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A ruined 12th century castle standing on a rise above a bend in the River Eden, below Wild Boar Fell in the southern Eden Valley. Pendragon Castle is associated with the legends of King Arthur.

The legend goes that the castle was built by Uther Pendragon, mythical father of King Arthur. Apparently Uther tried to divert the Eden from its course in order to create a moat around the castle perimter. However, Uther was unsuccessful, and his efforts gave rise to a local rhyme:

Let Uther Pendragon do what he can
The Eden will run where the Eden ran

Now, this is where legend and reality have some difficulty getting along: Uther Pendragon, if he ever existed, was a 5th or 6th century British chieftan, however, Pendragon Castle shows no sign of construction before the Norman period.

As far as we know, the castle was built by Ranulph de Meschines in the early 12th century as a fortified pele, or tower house. It later passed into the ownership of Sir Hugh de Morville, one of the four knights who murdered St Thomas Becket. The 12th century building was later remodelled with the addition of a garderobe tower in the 14th century.

Pendragon Castle was attacked by Scots on at least 2 occasions; in 1342 and 1541. After the later attack the castle fell into disrepair until it passed into the ownership of Lady Anne Clifford. In 1660 Lady Clifford rebuilt the castle, and added various outbuildings, including a bakehouse, brewery, and stables. Lady Anne's successors stripped the castle of anything useful, and left it to moulder into a picturesque ruin.

The castle is located on private land, but is accessible at any time. The location is utterly superb, with wonderful views out over the River Eden below. The walls stand to a good height on four sides, and visitors can access the interior of the keep, which is actually rather small. The garderobe tower stands to a good height, and you can see the clean-out pits at the base of the tower. The pele tower is about 20 metres square, with walls 2.5 metres thick. It is surrounded by an earthwork ditch crossed by two causeways, much overgrown.
B6259, Outhgill, Eden Valley, Cumbria, England

About Pendragon Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Just north of Outhgill, on the B6259. Parking in a layby opposite.
Location map
Pendragon Castle Photos
OS NY785025
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Mallerstang Dale - 0.6 miles (Countryside) Kirkby Stephen Church - 4 miles (Church) Brough Castle - 7.2 miles (Castle) Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre - 9.6 miles (Museum) Gamelands Stone Circle - 9.6 miles (Prehistoric) Rutter Force - 10.5 miles (Countryside) Eden Valley - 11.4 miles (Countryside) Appleby Castle - 12.3 miles (Castle)

Nearest Towns and Villages Kirkby Stephen - 4 miles away Muker - 8.8 miles away Hawes - 9.7 miles away Appleby - 11.4 miles away Askrigg - 12.9 miles away Aysgarth - 16.9 miles away Kirkby Lonsdale - 18.3 miles away Kendal - 18.5 miles away

Photos of Pendragon Castle

Pendragon Castle

Eden Valley view

Garderobe Tower

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Nearest Accommodation to Pendragon Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Ladthwaite Barn - 2.8 miles from Pendragon Castle Hartley, Cumbria Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £275

Low Mill - 4.1 miles from Pendragon Castle Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £300

The Barn - 4.1 miles from Pendragon Castle Ravenstonedale, Cumbria Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £200

More Self Catering near Pendragon Castle

Nearest Hotels

Black Bull Inn - 3.7 miles from Pendragon Castle Kirkby Stephen, Yorkshire Stay from: £50.00

Fat Lamb Country Inn and Restaurant - 3.8 miles from Pendragon Castle Ravenstonedale, Cumbria Stay from: £54.00

The Black Swan Hotel - 3.9 miles from Pendragon Castle Ravenstonedale, Cumbria Stay from: £68.00

More Hotels near Pendragon Castle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The George & Dragon - 10.6 miles from Pendragon Castle Dent, Cumbria From: £25.00

Rowleth End - 11.8 miles from Pendragon Castle Gunnerside, County Durham From: £80.00

Royal Oak Inn - 12.4 miles from Pendragon Castle Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria From: £49.00

More bed and breakfasts near Pendragon Castle

Kirkby Stephen
Tourist Information Centre
Market Street
Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria
England
CA17 4QN
Tel: 017683 71199
Fax: 017683 72728
Email: ks.tic@eden.gov.uk
Seasonal opening
Map