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.
Screening.GIANT, the 5-star critically acclaimed play starring John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower…
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…
Furness Youth Theatre presents a double bill of Ghost Town Halloween & Dracula Ghost Town…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across the spectacular…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Screening. Book nowUnder the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun, the fiercely independent Carmen…
SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER Step onto the dancefloor and relive the soundtrack of our lives at our…
Celebrate the start of the festive season at Wigton's Christmas Lights Switch-On! Join us on High…
A little piece of the North Pole is coming to The Beacon Museum… Step into the elves' magical…
Seascale Lightworks 2026 Seascale Lightworks is designed as a flagship community celebration,…
Let It Swing! The Christmas Collection. The festive season has always had a soundtrack—and nothing…
The Workington Christmas Light Switch on and Christmas Market returns for 2026 with a fun packed,…
Screening by Clifford Odets directed by Sam Yates Josh O'Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads…
In a time when tensions around immigration run high in rural communities, Pipeline Theatre grasps…
Starring: Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki & Nabhaan…
A programme of music written for string quartet. Tickets in our website or on the door - £22.00. …
Legendary guitarist and songwriter Martin Simpson will release his new album Some Kind of Jubilee…
A struggling primary school teacher in England dealing with an intensely disruptive, violent…
Get inspired this Winter as we welcome the Whitehaven Flower Club and guest arranger Venessa…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
ADHD Unfiltered is packed with laugh out loud stories, accurate observations and audience…
Starring: Daniel Ings, Cynthia Erivo & Harry Treadaway An ambitious defence lawyer, expertly…
Andy makes his Rosehill debut with his latest stand-up comedy show. In his own words, "Life is hard…
The world's finest nature images are revealed as Wildlife Photographer of the Year arrives in The…


the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told

Number of results: 131
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
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…
Bransty Row, Whitehaven
Located in Whitehaven's beautifully redeveloped historic Bus Station, The Peddler is a vibrant restaurant, café and bar celebrating the very best of Cumbria's food and drink. Inspired by the travelling peddlers of old who sought out the finest local…
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
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…
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.
Barrow-in-Furness
The King Alfred Hotel on Walney is a thriving community pub with 10 en-suite bedrooms. With rooms overlooking Walney Channel we are greatly situated for midweek contractors to anyone looking for a weekend get away with a difference. Walney Island…
Ravenglass
Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers exhilarating bird of prey flying displays from Easter to Christmas.
Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
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!
Moresby, Whitehaven
For over 65 years, Rosehill has brought a rich mix of creativity and culture to West Cumbria. From classical musicians, pop stars, comedians, and visual artists, to drama queens, icons of cinema, children’s entertainers, and so much more!
Our…
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.
Workington
Peaceful countryside retreat on the edge of the Lake District with hot tub, BBQ hut and private setting. Ideal for couples or small families.
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.
Keswick
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. Set in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre offers fully accessible accommodation and…
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL