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Welcome to the Western Lake District & Coast: a striking area encompassing an awe-inspiring coastline, breathtaking countryside, and a whole host of things to see and do.
Discover secluded beaches, majestic castles, hidden lakes and awe-inspiring mountains. There are some of Cumbria’s most striking landscapes here, including the Solway Coast National Landscape and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From seaside villages to pretty market towns, there’s plenty to explore in this part of Cumbria. In the south, you’ll find places like Silecroft, Bootle and Ravenglass - which has the accolade of being in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the English Lake District and the Frontiers of the Roman Empire. It’s also the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park!
Coastal towns like Whitehaven, Maryport and Silloth highlight the region’s rich maritime history. Uncover our industrial heritage in towns and villages like Millom, Cleator Moor, Egremont and Workington. Visit the birthplace of William Wordsworth in the market town of Cockermouth and visit St Bees where Mr Bean actor Rowan Atkinson went to school.
Delve into the area’s past with interactive museums telling tales of smugglers, the spice trade, and the Romans who once patrolled these shores. In Whitehaven, visit The Beacon Museum and The Rum Story for maritime history and heritage, or head to the Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport to learn more about Roman history along the Cumbrian coast. William Wordsworth was born in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth; today, you can visit his former home at Wordsworth House.
For a great family day out, visit attractions like the Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport and Muncaster Castle, home to a Medieval weapons hall and hawk & owl centre. Nearby, you can take a scenic trip on a steam train through the Lake District at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
Fancy a trip to the beach? You’ll be spoilt for choice! St Bees, Silecroft, Drigg and Allonby are just a few of the beaches to be found along the Cumbrian coast. As well as being a great place to relax or enjoy a walk, they’re also home to a rich variety of nature and wildlife. Why not try horse riding on the beach with Cumbrian Heavy Horses at Silecroft beach, or puffin spotting amid the towering red sandstone cliffs at St Bees: the only designated Heritage Coast between Wales and Scotland.
Further north, the Solway Coast National Landscape offers much to explore while inland, the Lake District National Park is known for its stunning lakes and waters, including Wastwater, Crummock Water and Buttermere; as well as the Wild Ennerdale National Nature Reserve.
These landscapes were made for adventure, with walking routes to be found in abundance. The King Charles III England Coast Path runs in sections along the coast: challenge yourself to walk the entire route, or pick a section for a shorter stroll. The popular Coast to Coast National Trail begins in St Bees.
There are Wainwright walks aplenty, including Scafell Pike: England’s highest mountain.
For lower level walking, try family-friendly routes like the Eskdale Trail, or Miles Without Stiles: a collection of 50+ walking routes across the Lake District.
The Western Lake District & Coast is home to a rich food and drink scene, with independent makers and producers alongside fantastic places to eat. This is the home of the Cumberland Sausage, while spices once imported into ports like Whitehaven are still used in local delicacies today.
There are farmers markets across the area, as well as Taste Cumbria Food Festivals in Maryport, Wigton, Cockermouth and the nearby city of Carlisle.
There’s plenty going on across the western Lake District & coast, with country fairs, events and more taking place throughout the year. For foodies, Taste Cumbria Food Festivals are held in Maryport, Wigton, Cockermouth and the nearby city of Carlisle.
The Egremont Crab Fair takes place in September. Founded in 1267, it’s one of the oldest fairs in the world! It’s also home to the World Gurning Championships, which sees participants compete to pull the most grotesque face.
Keep an eye out for theatre and more at Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven; further inland, Cockermouth Live! is an annual festival celebrating live music from a variety of performers.
Come winter, there are Christmas markets and lights switch on events, with festive celebrations and towns like Wigton offering live music too.
Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Come and celebrate the festive season with us and enjoy an evening full of great West Cumbrian…
Rosehill's Comedy Club brings you some of the country's best touring comics. Don't miss your…
Mark Simpson Geysir, Gary Carpenter Pantomime for 13 winds, Mozart Gran Partita, Wind soloists of…
We will gather to honour the longest night and welcome the rebirth of the sun. Join in a…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
SIGNAL proudly presents its first major group exhibition in their newly refurbished gallery spaces.…
An Eastern European visitor becomes a resident of a New York airport terminal when a war breaks out…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Discover how World War II shaped the lives of people in our community in this powerful, story-led…
No.1 official Debbie Harry & Blondie tribute band
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
Wedding Open Day
A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local…
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey Step aboard our magical…
Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's…


the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told

Number of results: 129
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Ravenglass
Enjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the Eskdale Room. Your cream tea includes a selection of sandwiches (ham, cheese, egg mayo and tuna mayo), home-baked fruit scones with butter, jam and…
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
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.
Wasdale
Ranging from small groups in steep wet gorges involving roped ascents, to the fun of group set challenges. It may involve short scrambles, possible squeezes and crawls or even a rough stream walk. It can take you to places on the fell that you’d…
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.
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.
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.
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Silloth
Stanwix Park is located on the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Self Catering Caravans and Apartments to hire for 3,4 and 7 night breaks (some pet friendly accommodation). Fully serviced pitches for Tents, Touring Caravans and Motorhomes. Camping Pods…
Ravenglass
Standing proudly in the center of the village of Ravenglass the Pennington Hotel has 22 well appointed and relaxing bedrooms, with quality bathrooms, smart TV’s, and comfy beds, all areas offer high speed internet which has been complete upscaled…
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.
Whitehaven
At The Edge Hotel, we have a variety of cosy, spacious rooms to accommodate individuals, couples & families. They all share the same great styling & comfort with amazing sea views.
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Silloth
Stanwix Park is located on the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Self Catering Caravans and Apartments to hire for 3,4 and 7 night breaks (some pet friendly accommodation). Fully serviced pitches for Tents, Touring Caravans and Motorhomes. Camping Pods…
Millom
The Wayside and Whisky Barn offers a peaceful escape in the Western Lake District with beautiful en-suite rooms, local homemade meals, stunning views, and a whisky bar. Ideal for relaxation and exploring the Lakes and coast.
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
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.
Silloth
Silloth on Solway Golf Club is a beautiful links golf course situated on the shores of the Solway Firth in North West Cumbria. Silloth is highly rated and is listed in the top 50 golf courses in Britain and Ireland.
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