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The Cumbria Coastal Route is the perfect place for a family adventure. Stretching from Arnside to Carlisle, it offers a wide range of things to see and do - from interactive attractions and outdoor activities to beaches, wildlife and events throughout the year.
Whether you’re planning a full road trip or a short break, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep all ages entertained along the way.
Across the route, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly attractions offering fun, interactive experiences. From historic castles and country halls to museums and heritage railways, there’s plenty to discover.
Hop aboard a scenic railway journey, explore fascinating exhibitions, or step into the past at historic houses and coastal museums - many with activities and events designed especially for children.
With miles of coastline to explore, the Cumbria Coastal Route is ideal for outdoor family adventures. Spend the day on the beach building sandcastles, paddling in the sea or enjoying a picnic with a view.
Wide open beaches at places like St Bees, Silecroft and Allonby offer plenty of space to blow off some steam, while nature reserves and coastal paths provide opportunities to spot wildlife like grey seals and puffins.
For something a little different, older children may enjoy experiences like cycling along family-friendly routes or watersports.
Throughout the year, a calendar of events is waiting to be experienced. From food festivals and seasonal celebrations to family-friendly events at attractions, there’s always something happening.
The Cumbria Coastal Route is easy to explore as a family, however you choose to explore. Travel by car for flexibility, hop on and off the train along the coast, or plan shorter adventures within each section of the route.
With a wide range of family-friendly places to stay, from campsites and holiday parks to cottages and hotels, plan your perfect trip and enjoy quality time together.
Number of results: 30
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Backbarrow, Ulverston
Our Escape Rooms are an indoor activity for 2-6 people of all ages. Work together to find clues, solve puzzles and complete the challenge before time runs out!
Barrow-in-Furness
Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe…
Maryport
Award winning family attraction on historic Maryport harbourside. All day tickets for 70+ displays of local and tropical marine life include a free round of crazy golf! Cafe, Gift Shop, Bait & Tackle store, Radio control boats, Adventure Playground.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Ulverston
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. The Hall is regarded as the cradle of Quakerism as it was here in 1652 that the Quaker movement was formed during a period of enormous political and religious turmoil.
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach.
Carlisle
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events, family activities, refreshments or simply a moment of peace - a warm welcome awaits.
Maryport
Maryport golf course is an 18 golf course. Located just north of the town of Maryport, on the West Cumbria Coastline. Situated towards the northern end of the 'Cumbria Coastal Route'. It can be a very challenging course, more so with a strong sea…
Newby Bridge
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience.
Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.
Cartmel
Nestled in the heart of Cartmel, we offer a range of delightful activities designed to connect you with these gentle and affectionate creatures. We offer interactive meet and greet sessions where you can learn and discover the unique personalities…
Whitehaven
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical island's rainforest in the Caribbean, that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story.
Kendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Ravenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Keswick
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. Set in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre offers fully accessible accommodation and…
Grange-over-Sands
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the…
Ravenglass
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
Cumbria Wildlife Trust looks after lots of hidden and special places thriving with wildlife around the county. We run events at our nature reserves and in other unusual places, and cater for individuals and families. Events run all year round.
Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
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