Food and Drink

From down-to-earth dining to venues with a touch of luxury, the Cumbria Coastal Route offers a rich and varied food and drink scene to suit all tastes. Whether it’s fish and chips on the beach, ice cream on the prom, or a cosy café stop, you’ll never go hungry.

Refuel with hearty dishes in friendly local pubs and inns - many of which welcome four-legged friends to join in the fun. Wash it down with a local ale or gin, brewed at an independent microbrewery or distillery along the coast. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of restaurants showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding area. In Morecambe Bay, Cartmel is even home to two Michelin-starred restaurants!

After a day exploring, recharge at one of the many cafés and tearooms dotted along the route. From hidden gems in quiet villages to bustling spots in lively towns, it’s the perfect excuse to pause for a brew and a slice of homemade cake.

The route is also steeped in culinary heritage. Follow Cumbria’s spice trail from the harbour at Whitehaven, where spices were once imported and used in local specialities such as Cumberland sausage, Rum Nicky and Grasmere Gingerbread®.

Also on the menu are local specialities like potted shrimps from Morecambe Bay, and sticky toffee pudding in Cartmel.

Add one of the area's food and drink events to your calendar: from agricultural shows and farmers' markets to the popular Taste Cumbria food festivals, there's plenty of choice.