Copeland Winter Treats & Christmas Shopping

Copeland lies on the western side of Cumbria and although famous for its world class Lake District landscape and stunning coastline, Copeland is also brimming with dynamic and exciting shops, offering everything from simple groceries to artisan gifts and food. From coastal towns like Millom and Whitehaven, to beautiful rural villages like Ravenglass, a tempting place to shop lies around every corner.

So, if you are searching for ideas for a winter treat, why not combine a visit to an attraction with some shopping. We have done the research and compiled a guide to Copeland.

Whitehaven Harbour

Cleator Moor:

Located only four miles from the coast, Cleator Moor is the gateway to the beautiful Ennerdale valley. This former mining town has strong links to the arts. In the market square you will find sculptures by Conrad Atkinson, an internationally renowned artist who was born in the town in 1940. The famous artist L S Lowry also visited Cleator Moor and painted local scenes.

A visit to The Gather, a community owned shop and café, at Ennerdale Bridge is a must when you are in the area. This innovative community run shop sells Cumbrian produced gifts, pottery, felt and leather crafts, jewellery, art and much more!

Egremont:

Nestled between the St Bees Heritage Coast and the western edge of the Lake District National Park, the town of Egremont is the home of the Florence Arts Centre a multi-purpose hub for the arts, complete with an art gallery, an auditorium for live music, theatre and film screenings, workshop spaces and artists’ studios.

The Florence Arts Centre shop stocks a lovely range of high-quality gifts from Cumbrian artists and makers, including ceramics, pure wool accessories, jewellery, cards, prints and handmade paper. They also sell handmade artists’ materials produced by the Florence Paintmakers. Stock up on pastels, watercolours, oil paints and inks, which have all been created on site in small batches using natural local pigments.

Florence Arts Centre Shop

There are currently two exhibitions to see, a café selling fair trade and locally produced drinks and snacks, as well as a great programme of family-friendly activities on Saturdays in November and December.

Egremont also boasts a ruined castle built on the site of a Danish fort following the conquest of Cumberland in 1092 by William II of England. The present castle was built by William Meschin between 1120 and 1135.

Millom:

Based in Millom’s beautifully restored railway station is the Millom Heritage and Arts Centre. From small beginnings this centre has evolved into a flourishing hub at the heart of community life. Visit the museum and discover Millom’s rich and varied past from the Bronze Age through industrial renaissance, and subsequent decline, to those bygone days when sailing ships crowded the harbour. The Centre’s shop sells confectionery, artwork and souvenirs, alongside a fantastic range of local produce.

Millom Heritage Centre

In the town centre you will find independent retailers and cosy cafes. Of course, no trip to the coast would be complete without a Fish and Chip shop and Millom does not disappoint.

Combine your trip with some festive shopping as Millom will be hosting a Christmas market in the town square on 4^th December.

Ravenglass

Christmas at Muncaster Castle

In the coastal village of Ravenglass, the famous and imposing Muncaster Castle is always a winter’s treat. Decked out with seasonal decorations, it has been the home of the same family for more than 800 years and even houses a magnificent Hawk & Owl Centre, where falcons, owls, hawks, eagles, herons & vultures fly daily.

Ready for a winter warmer? Be sure to drop-in at The Ravenglass Inn, The Pennington Hotel. Or try The Woolpack Inn in nearby Eskdale for a cosy pint.

Whitehaven: 

Thanks to a wide range of things to do, a visit to Whitehaven can easily be a winter’s day-out in itself. Combine your shopping trip with a visit to one of the towns fascinating attractions.

Sitting proudly on the harbourside is the fascinating Beacon Museum. Telling the story of historic Copeland, the museum traces the social, industrial and maritime heritage of the area, using local characters, audio-visual interactive displays and fascinating museum pieces. You can also see history merge with the present in the top floor viewing gallery that offers unrivalled views of Whitehaven and the Solway Coast.

The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

Whitehaven’s maritime story also includes the creation of 1785 Jefferson’s rum, with more stories to be told at the town’s Rum Story attraction, delving deeper into Cumbria’s connections to the rum and spice trade.

Both the Rum Story and The Beacon shops sell a wonderful range of local produce and gifts made by Cumbrian based artisans.

The Rum Story Shop

Ready for some more retail therapy? Whitehaven is home to independent boutiques, high street names and a true local high street stalwart – Dixon’s Department Store. Family owned since 1882 this store is treasure trove selling beautiful gifts, clothes, homeware, furniture, beauty products and fragrances. After all that shopping you will be ready for lunch in the Roof Top Café.

Festive fun awaits as Whitehaven will be hosting two Christmas markets. The first, on 27^th November, on King Street between 10am and 3pm. The second is in St Nicholas Gardens on 3^rd December.

Why not stay over and catch a show at the Rosehill Theatre and enjoy a meal in the town. The Peddler on Lowther Street serves seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from sustainable local producers.

There’s never been a better time to back the county’s local businesses, save jobs and support communities. So, during your time here in The Western Lake District and Coast, please remember to ‘shop local’. Whether it’s at a greengrocer, bakery or florist, you can even help to show your support first-hand by taking to social media and using the hashtag #ShopLocal.

Now for the serious bit: Please don’t forget, the best way you can continue to support local shops, is 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, avoid touching your face and try to avoid crowded spaces.

Our local shops always look forward to welcoming responsible shoppers so be sure to drop-in soon – and above all, 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.