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.
The 26/27 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Prepare for an evening of murder, mystery and increasingly ridiculous twists as The Betray-tors,…
Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles and George MacKay A charming, witty, and deeply…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Are you brave enough to try the spooky night time trail? West Cumberland Orienteering Club are…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family near Keswick? Take on the…
WOT ITALIAN? Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, comedy, and charm as award-winning…
Screening by Clifford Odets directed by Sam Yates Josh O'Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads…
Looking for things to do this October Half Term in the Lake District? Get outdoors and head to Go…
Join us at Muncaster from 24 October - 1 November for some spook-tacular family fun! The iconic…
ANYONE FOR TENNIS? A Wimbledon line judge for 20 years, comedian Pauline Eyre is ready to spill…
Women Who Cumbria present Mooch: a clothes swap event at Maryport's brand new Carlton venue. Grab a…
Through unheard stories alongside candid photos from his new bestselling book 'No One You Know',…
Rosehill prepares to be transported back to the golden era of classic West Coast rock as Desperados…
Every Wednesday, 11am - 2pm: Finds handling Get hands-on with history. Visitors can get hands-on…
CELEBRATE THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF "ONE OF THE GREATEST FILMS IN THE LAST 50 YEARS" BBC Movie…
A struggling primary school teacher in England dealing with an intensely disruptive, violent…
Get ready for a spooktacular Pet Encounter session. Meet some amazing animal friends, learn all…
Screening. Two of opera's most extraordinary artists return to The Met: Live in HD for Verdi's…
He's a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten –…
Simon Evans is Back! Waaaay back… With growing evidence that we are living in a Computer…
Fear returns to Muncaster with a vengeance from 29 - 31 October at SCARECASTER - our spine-tingling…
Set in the present day, Gaby Gulliver, an eight-year-old child, is sent on an errand into the woods…
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell & Stephen Dillane Based on the 14th-century English uprising…


the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told

Number of results: 131
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
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.
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…
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
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Cockermouth
Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station 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 is served to you…
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,…
Brocklebank, Wigton
Wallace Lane Farm Campsite provides facilities for caravans, motor homes, tents and trailer tents, with toilets, showers, electric hook ups, free wifi and we are pet friendly.
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.
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…
Cockermouth
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent and the River Cocker. This water source is integral to our brewing, as our water is drawn direct from the castle well. This pure, Lakeland water, is…
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Cockermouth
Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel with delightful en-suite rooms, suites and apartments. Perfect for exploring Keswick, Cockermouth and the Lakes.
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,…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Nether Wasdale, Wasdale
Situated in arguably the most beautiful valley of Wasdale in the Lake District on the banks of the river Irt, is The Sawmill Café and Farm Shop. The perfect place to relax, restore and indulge, we offer a delicious locally sourced menu to satisfy…
Barrow-in-Furness
Bright, modern hotel in the heart of Barrow in Furness with free WI-FI and breakfast included..
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.
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL