A Coast of Contrasts

North of Seascale, the Cumbria Coastal Route combines wild, rugged headlands with historic Victorian and Georgian towns. 

Marvel at the towering red sandstone cliffs and wide sandy beach of St Bees: part of the only heritage coast between Scotland and Wales, and the start of the Coast to Coast Path National Trail. Explore this pretty coastal village, stopping for a brew and a bake at the popular Beach Road Bakehouse. Nearby, St Bees Head is an RSPB nature reserve and home to birds like puffins and black guillemots.

Continuing north, Whitehaven was once a major Georgian port whose harbour, streets and museums like The Rum Story and The Beacon Museum tell the tale of Cumbria’s maritime heritage. Nearby, Workington offers a further insight into the area’s heritage.

From here, it’s on to Maryport: a coastal town with strong roman roots and a burgeoning foodie scene. From fresh fish on the quay to Britain’s best curry, it’s a great place to eat and drink. Attractions like the Lake District Coast Aquarium and the Senhouse Roman Museum offer interactive experiences for all ages, while the views across the Irish sea are simply breathtaking.

Did you know? The area even has Viking connections. Small Viking burial grounds have been found on the Cumbria coast, and rumour has it that the remains of famous Viking Ivarr the Dragon could lie beneath a mound on the Cumbria coast along with his ship.

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