You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > Western Lakes & Coast
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.
Gemma is looking for love, but it's complicated! With the help of dating app Tingle, she dates two…
Simply enter the event, then choose whichever course you prefer daily. With six courses to choose…
Roo Stars Rock Fest
From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current…
Ian Wright directs Wigton Choral Society and invited soloists in a celebration of the 200th…
The full Pink moon aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness &…
2 multi terrain runs following for most parts the Cumbrian coastal path
Enjoy a fish & chip supper and a return evening train ride up the Eskdale valley. Your ticket…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Tired of spring-cleaning, Mole leaves Mole End and ventures out to the riverbank, where he…
In 2024 we're teaming up with the National Trust Rangers at Sandscale Haws to offer a unique guided…
When people in Littlehampton--including conservative local Edith--begin to receive letters full of…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
The Wild Murphy's are a very lively Irish covers group based in the north east of England. Over…
Aigul Akmetshina performs the title role in Damiano Michieletto's sizzling new production of…
This event will cover what is needed to build or improve a good wildlife pond in a garden or…
Film: Royal Opera House: Swan Lake Classical ballet's most powerful tale of love, treachery and…
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of blossoms, creativity, and camaraderie? Welcome to…
Our 2024 gala celebration will be taking place from Saturday 4th May - Monday 6th May, as we…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Join photographers Rosamund and John Macfarlane as they share stories and slides from their winter…
Are you a crafter or interested in crafts? Would you like to take part in our free wellbeing…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Ladies from West Cumbria - join Jo from JAG Outdoors for this special free Dark Skies Walk at…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 100
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Eskdale Valley
Experience canoeing on one of the Lake Districts most remote and impressive lakes and take a journey on the deepest lake in England taking in the views of the Scafell Massif.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Ravenglass
Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers exhilarating bird of prey flying displays daily from Easter to Christmas plus the wild heron feed daily year-round.
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
1706 reviewsBassenthwaite
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
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
Cockermouth
4 Luxury Glamping Retreat on The North Western edge of the Lake District - Castle Guards Farm Retreat. 2 of the 4 pods are Pet Friendly. Each pod has a private wood fired hot tub which can be added to your stay if required.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
161 reviewsCockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
866 reviewsMaryport
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
465 reviewsThe 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.
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.
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
1936 reviewsCockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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 270 dog-friendly cottages.
Ravenglass
Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls.
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 reviewsKeswick
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, large lounge, open fire, garden room, large kitchen/dining room, utility, CH, double-glazing and cycle storage.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviewsCockermouth
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery nights really are like no other. Seated on our stunning steam train and surrounded by 1930’s decor, you will be transported to an era gone by whilst the…
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
393 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL