You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > Western Lake District & Coast
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.
Celebrate Easter with a magical steam train journey through the Lake District. Kids can enjoy our…
Rosehill's Comedy Club brings you some of the country's best touring comics. Don't miss your…
We're excited to be working with talented photographer and teacher, Dave Wilson, to bring you this…
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star,…
Welcome to a Spring evening Earth Day forest therapy walk--a restorative way to immerse yourself in…
The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon A comic radio play presented live on stage. What is the mystery of…
Calling all music lovers are invited to a special fundraising concert in support of Blood Bikes…
Out of the Box is a multi-award-winning family show delighting audiences across the UK; an hour of…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Easter Little Engineers' Days at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Bring curious minds, creative…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Independently brewed beers from around Cumbria Friday 17th & Saturday 18th April 2026 ⏰ 4-10pm…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Celebrate spring with a joyful day out at Rosehill's Easter Market! Join us from 11:00–16:00 as we…
If you fancy trying your hand at making a fused glass bowl, wall hanging or freestanding curve,…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
The Haar will tour the UK this Spring in support of their acclaimed new album The Lost Day,…
Celebrate 50 Years of Northern Rock May 2nd – 4th, 2026 Join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway…
After three sell-out shows in a row, Meetwood Flac return to share their love of the legendary…
Join us for a trip back in time and discover over 200 iconic objects and artworks that bring the…
Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences minds and real…
Created during her residency at Rosehill, Fragments of Belonging explores movement, migration,…
Wigton will play host to another Taste Cumbria festival on Saturday 25 April 2026. It's the sixth…
We are proud to be working with our friends from Barrow Full to bring you our next temporary…


the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told

Number of results: 133
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
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.
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
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…
Whitehaven
High above Whitehaven, looking across the Solway Firth to Scotland and inland to the Lake District National Park, Rosehill is West Cumbria’s hub for culture and creativity.
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.
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.
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.
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 700 dog-friendly cottages.
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,…
St Bees
Enjoy freshly prepared dishes made with the finest local ingredients at The Manor. From light bites to hearty meals, there’s something for everyone — with options for all dietary needs.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Workington
Hunday Manor is a country house hotel with beautiful views & acres of gardens, based between the western Lake District & Cumbrian coast. With breathtaking views, heritage charm, and modern event facilities, we are a venue of versatility &…
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Cockermouth
Step behind the scenes with our guided tour and uncover the heritage, stories, and secrets that make Jennings so special. From our proud brewing history to the character of our beers, you’ll enjoy a memorable journey through time – finishing with a…
Seascale
Sella Park is now part of the Pennington Hotels group and the management and team are extremely proud of their refurbished property, with beautiful lounge bar, Priory restaurant and relaxing bedrooms.
Barrow-in-Furness
Express Bar & Lounge serving International cuisine, ranging from pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches and a range of alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and coffee.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL