Discover the history of Copeland’s pretty rural villages

Photo: Adamediafilm.com

Copeland stretches across the west coast of Cumbria, with its beautiful beaches, castles, mountains and fells, there’s a huge array of things to see and do!

Discover the rich terrain and the magical rural villages that are nestled within it, from the breathtaking shores of St Bees to the historic attractions in Ravenglass – A visit to Copeland is sure to make you slow down, relax and appreciate your peaceful surroundings.
 

St Bees

The dramatic sandstone cliffs at St Bees Head make for a stunning coastal escape, towering at almost 100 metres high they are the highest and most westerly point in northern England and the start of Alfred Wainwright’s famous ‘Coast to Coast’ walking trail.

These spectacular cliffs are an RSPB nature reserve and a haven for wildlife and sea birds including razorbills, guillemots and herring gulls. If you venture out to look at the birds, make sure to tread carefully and always check the weather as this is an exposed cliff-top route.

The village of St Bees also has a wealth of history left by the Irish-Norse Vikings who settled in the area in the 10^th century.

Discover the medieval carved stones in the St Bees Priory, and the striking stained-glass windows that depict the local saint ‘St Bega’ who, legend tells, was an Irish princess that fled across the sea to St Bees after being promised in marriage to a Viking prince.   

After a big day of exploring, finish with a relaxing stroll along the promenade and a well-deserved Hartley’s ice-cream from the cliff-top tea room!
 

Seascale

Further down the coast you will find the small seaside resort of Seascale. This attractive village was a popular destination in Victorian times thanks to the introduction of the Furness Railway in the 1850s, which brought city dwellers who were looking for a coastal retreat to swim and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Photo: Adamediafilm.com

The town is still full of Victorian charm, with a stunning beach and walking trails that lead into the beautiful countryside nearby.

The seafront is a popular area for fishing, surf casting and windsurfing. On a clear day visitors can stand on the wooden jetty and gaze across the Irish Sea to the hills of Galloway in the distance.
 

Ravenglass

The picturesque village of Ravenglass is a unique place where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet – Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District National Park.

Famed for its Roman bathhouse and outstanding natural harbour, this is the perfect place to reset and enjoy the picture-perfect views and tranquil pace of life.

You can easily spend the whole day exploring the nearby Muncaster Castle, with 77 acres of stunning grounds including Himalayan Gardens, the World Owl Centre and a lively programme of events.

A nostalgic steam-train journey onboard the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is another must-do for all ages! This heritage railway offers a spectacular scenic journey, with dramatic views over the estuaries and countryside with England’s highest mountains towering in the distance. There’s also plenty of great walking routes to explore at stops along the way.

Hop off the train from Ravenglass to discover the valley of Eskdale, home to green fields, beautiful woodland and the sparkling river Esk. This remote rural village is home to the Eskdale Mill, a historic water-powered corn mill that is well worth a visit for the views alone!

View more about this area

If you would like to see more about the villages of this amazing part of the county, check out this video.
 

Please support our local shops and attractions by following HM Government COVID-19 safety guidelines when you visit. 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