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The Cumbria Coastal Route is steeped in history, with each stretch of coastline revealing a different chapter of the past. From Roman frontiers and maritime trade to industry and shipbuilding, the route offers a fascinating journey through time.
History runs deep here: from tales of the spice trade in Whitehaven to Roman heritage along the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, which runs down the coast to the village of Ravenglass. Discover the area’s industrial heritage in places like Barrow in Furness, MIllom and Egremont.
Along the Cumbria coast, the legacy of the Roman Empire is never far away. This area once marked the north-west frontier of Roman Britain, with the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, running all the way down to the coastal village of Ravenglass.
Explore the remnants of Roman forts and visit museums that bring this history to life, including the Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport which offers an interactive look into the area’s time on the edge of an empire.
From shipbuilding to the spice trade, Cumbria has a long maritime heritage - and its coastal towns and villages offer ample opportunity to learn more.
Hear tales of smugglers and the spice trade in places like Whitehaven, once the third largest port in the UK. The Rum Story and The Beacon Museum both offer visitors the chance to learn more. Visit the Dock Museum to learn about Barrow’s history - from viking treasures to shipbuilding.
Industry has played a key role in shaping the Cumbria coast. From iron ore mining and steel production to shipbuilding and railways, many coastal communities grew around industry.
Places like Barrow-in-Furness, Millom and Egremont reflect this heritage, with museums and preserved sites along the route offering insight into the people and industries that defined the area.
Number of results: 28
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Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
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.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
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.
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,…
Ravenglass
The history of the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway told with relics, models, photographs and a 20-minute video.
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.
Ulverston
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows, Romano-British farmsteads.
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…
Ulverston
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.
The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Maryport
Maryport Coastal Park is a place for visitors to enjoy for its coastal views and flora and fauna. Access is free all year round. Maryport Coastal Park can be accesses from Maryport south shore car park, which can be found near the Glasson industrial…
ST. BEES
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and historic church in the seaside village of St Bees, built in 1120, is all that remains of the original Priory, but it is a thriving and much loved…
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
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…
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.
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…
WORKINGTON
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873 - 1876 to replace a chapel in the grounds which now forms part of St Joseph's High School.
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