Start Planning your 2022 Break - Visit the Western Lake District Region of Copeland

2022 is going to be an exciting year on the Western Lake District coastal region of Copeland. New art installations, attractions and a programme of outdoor events, are on the horizon so now is the perfect time to plan your next visit.

You can do so with the reassurance that Copeland Borough Council and local businesses have worked hard to install COVID-19 safety measures, so you can visit confident in the knowledge that your health is their priority.

Here are some insights into new developments and outdoor events to help you plan your 2022 visit. Book in advance and please call businesses if you have any questions that you cannot find the answer to on their websites – they will be happy to help you with your query.
 

The Edge

Due to open in Whitehaven in December 2022 is a coastal activity centre called The Edge. This architecturally bold new building will be a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the scenery and stunning coastline.

Enjoying a wonderful location close to the cycle coast to coast route, The Edge will be a vibrant base for walking, cycling and water sport activities. The centre will have 17 en-suite bedrooms, café, showers, changing facilities and toilets.

Early 2022 will also see the reopening of the iconic Whitehaven harbour lighthouses following a major restoration programme. Yet another reason to visit this beautiful Georgian town, which is home to The Beacon Museum and the Rum Story.

Explore Deep Time

New for summer 2022 is the Deep Time Coastal Arts Programme. This innovative project builds on and celebrates The Western Lake District and Coast’s rich and varied terrain, bringing artists into a dialogue with its ecology, history, industry and rugged beauty.

This varied and dynamic landscape is where the Lake District National Park meets the Irish Sea and is constantly changing depending on the tides, light and weather.

Deep Time will showcase new permanent site-specific art commissions by award winning international artists at; Whitehaven’s Solway Hall, Silecroft beach, Whitehaven Harbour, Haverigg and Hodbarrow and Drigg.

The programme has been commissioned by Copeland Borough Council and is funded by HM Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Fund.
 

Silecroft Beach

2022 is going to be the English Year of the Coast. Why not mark the occasion with a trip to our striking coast and stunning beaches? With almost three miles of sand and shingle beach Silecroft Beach is the perfect place to enjoy unrivalled sea views.

Scheduled to open late summer 2022 is a brand-new beach café. As part of the Deep Time Coastal Arts Programme, Sculptor, and former Turner Prize winner, Martin Boyce has been working with Edinburgh based architects Konishi Gaffney on the design of the new building. It will feature an integrated artwork based on the imposing Black Combe fell, which serves as a beautiful backdrop to this tranquil beach.

Open Air Markets

Local markets are a great place to buy local produce and artisan crafts. Weekly street markets are usually held in Whitehaven (Thursdays and Saturdays), Egremont (Fridays) and Cleator Moor (Fridays). There are also monthly (second Saturday of the month) Young Entrepreneurs Markets in Whitehaven and from 29^th April to 2^nd May the town will also host a continental market on the harbour  

EskFest

Did you know the region hosts an independent music festival? Taking place from 7^th to 10^th July 2022, in the beautiful Eskdale valley, EskFest puts on a varied entertainment programme, food, drink and of course camping. The event is incredibly popular, and tickets are limited so book now.
 

Plan Ahead

We have given you a taste of what is happening in Copeland during 2022 – it is going to be an exciting year! Now is the ideal time to start planning your visit. Lots more information on places to see, events and attractions available here. Check back regularly as events may be postponed if Government guidelines change.
 

Please follow HM Government COVID-19 safety guidelines when you visit. Support our local shops and businesses by being mindful of social distancing and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces. Wash your hands often using soap and water and dry them thoroughly, and where available, use hand-sanitiser as you enter and leave shops. Enjoy your visit and stay safe!

The Welcome Back to High Streets Project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.