You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > Western Lakes & Coast
Discover secluded beaches, majestic castles, hidden lakes and awe-inspiring mountains: there are some of the area’s most striking natural landscapes here, including the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why not try galloping down the beach on horseback with Cumbrian Heavy Horses at Silecroft beach, uniquely set against the dramatic backdrop of Black Coombe – its summit has a 360 degree panorama of mountains, sea and sand.
Or what about puffin spotting amid the towering red sandstone cliffs at St Bees, at one end of the famous Wainwright 'Coast to Coast' walk. This is the only designated Heritage Coast between Wales and Scotland - and the only area of high sea cliffs in the North West.
Head northwards up the Cumbrian coast to savour ice cream at Allonby and the Victorian seaside town of Silloth, The newly completed cycle route between the two is part of Hadrian’s Cycleway. Why not venture a little further inland to William Wordsworth’s birthplace of Cockermouth and its tasty mix of foodie hotspots, traditional pubs and independent shops.
The Georgian town of Whitehaven has a rich maritime heritage and a few spicy tales of smugglers. It also has an unusual claim to fame: it was reputedly used as the template for the expansion of New York in the mid-18th century! Check out family fun at the Beacon Museum and the nearby Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport.
Also in Maryport, the Senhouse Roman Museum is home to the country’s oldest private collection of Roman treasures. The Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site runs down the western coast to Ravenglass, where the remains of the bath house at Ravenglass Roman Fort are among Britain’s tallest remaining Roman structures.
Further still down Cumbria’s coast you’ll find the 800 year old Muncaster Castle & Gardens, which is thought to be the only historic home in the UK to appoint an official ‘fool’ (or jester).
The coastal village of Ravenglass has the unique accolade of being in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the English Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. From here, take a scenic train ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway through Cumbria’s spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains.
If you’re heading for the western lakes, the chances are you’re after somewhere more secluded and perhaps a little more rugged. The remote Eskdale and Ennerdale valleys are true testaments to the beauty of the area.
Tribute to Showaddywaddy in Barrow
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
Cumberlandia is a new grass roots folk weekend in west Cumbria from 16th – 18th August 2024, with…
Come along to Wordsworth House and Garden and get crafty and creative in the Discovery Room. Be…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable Ranger as they lead you around our amazing WOW Trail! The Wow…
Alpacas traditionally live high up in the mountains of Peru, but on 11 August you can join these…
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Weekly Friday Market. Good range of Local fresh produce and cakes. Also gifts and household…
Bruce Needs Your Help! Renowned artist Bruce Asbestos is taking up a month-long residency with us,…
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish…
Wheels Int Lakes are hosting our very 1st Automotive event on 11th August at Rowrah Go Kart Track.…
Bring the whole family for free drop in activities as part of our Summer of Play programme. Get…
Guided tour of the Roman fort at Maryport, led by a volunteer guide. The tour lasts for 30-45…
Cockermouth & District Agricultural Society 172nd Annual Show
Weekly Saturday Market. A good range of fresh produce, cakes, gifts and household essentials.
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Join our Ranger on their rounds to fill the red squirrel feeders! Whinlatter is a red squirrel…
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Join our Ranger on their rounds to fill the red squirrel feeders! Whinlatter is a red squirrel…
Join our Ranger on their rounds to fill the red squirrel feeders! Whinlatter is a red squirrel…
Maryport is welcoming back Taste Cumbria on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August 2024 for the Taste of…
Bring the whole family for free drop in activities as part of our Summer of Play programme. Drop in…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 117
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Whitehaven
Our vision is to be a local theatre of national significance, presenting and producing first class arts and entertainment with a vibrant programme of creative learning.
Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
Ravenglass
Located at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and homebaked cakes, to full meals made to order.
The Turntable Café, located on Platform 1 serves a wide array of food from hearty…
Brocklebank, Wigton
Wallace Lane Farm Glamping & Lodge Park offers a range of the latest luxury glamping cabins and lodges, all with parking, hot tubs and wi-fi. Pet and family friendly site.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Cockermouth
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
Barrow-in-Furness
You will find a diverse range of events and activities at The Forum, as we again aim to bring exciting entertainment to Barrow-in-Furness. There should be something for everyone during the current season and we are very proud to welcome…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Ireby
Our restaurant is open to residents and non-residents alike, serving a delicious 3 course meal made from freshly cooked local ingredients. We pride ourselves on the selection of local food producers and supplier who we work with to bring you a…
Cockermouth
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery nights really are like no other. Seated on our stunning steam train and surrounded by 1930’s decor, you will be transported to an era gone by whilst the…
Workington
Armidale Cottages B&B is set in half an acre of land with a small orchard. Built in the 16thC the cottages have been lovingly renovated to a very high standard, retaining many of the original features.
Lamplugh Rd, Cockermouth
Based in Cockermouth, on the edge of the Lake District, Wellington Farm have Six Luxury Glamping pods all with 7ft Hydrotherapy Hot Tubs and an onsite café & Tearooms. Beautiful panoramic views of the Western Lake District fells.
Eskdale
Is jumping from height into water your thing? There are jumps galore along with swimming across pools and scrambling up rocks. It's set in a beautiful area and you will really immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery - literally! If you're…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Cockermouth
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'. The cottages have used green design and technologies with ground and air source heat pumps to power the under-floor heating beneath the…
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
St Bees
Stone House Farm is a friendly family-run B&B in a large modernised Georgian farmhouse situated in the centre of St. Bees village. Situated near to the railway station and close to the local shops, restaurants and hotels.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL