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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.
Solo again, Britain's most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights…
Join us at The Beacon Portal for a beginners half day glass fusing course. Learn a new skill and…
From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current…
Two experimental groups arrive in Barrow for a night of sonic sounds. Tara Clerkin Trio and…
Are you a crafter or interested in crafts? Would you like to take part in our free wellbeing…
A celebration of diversity and inclusion. Parade, performers, stalls and workshops. All free. …
We welcome the incredible Pet Encounters team who will teach you about their beautiful animals,…
The iconic songs of Sting. The electrifying choreography of Kate Prince. This is a tale of hope…
Roo Stars Rocky Horror Experience comes to Barrow
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish…
Meet talking rocks, find sunken trinkets and explore quarry portals at Signal Film and Media's next…
Shakespeare's profound story of love and loss, artfully adapted into a contemporary three-act…
Join us for an incredible adventure on Scafell Pike, one of the National three peaks and the…
We're delighted to welcome Flip Entertainments back to The Beacon Museum. Together with colourful…
Walk with our Ranger and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest! Whinlatter is a red…
The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse's early rise to fame and the making of her ground breaking…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Get ready to sing your heart out and spread joy with Cathy Marcangelo.
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
Bring the whole family and join in a free and easy day of fun with balance bikes, volleyball,…
This event will bring together businesses, charities, organisations and individuals who all have…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
Full of Noises is delighted to host the Arethusa Quartet as part of the Ulverston International…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
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Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1715 reviewsCockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Great Clifton, Workington
Enjoy delicious meals and afternoon teas in our restaurant, The Conservatory at the Melbreak.
Open between 12pm - 2pm, 5pm – 9pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm – 9pm Saturday and Sunday.
Afternoon Teas served between 2:30pm and 4:30pm daily –…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviewsCockermouth
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…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1940 reviewsRowrah
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and consistency championing the highest quality of malts, whole cone hops and Lake District water, our in house yeast strain derived from traditional…
Bassnthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
Cockermouth
Freshly made food and drinks served in comfortable and relaxed surroundings.
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