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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 the start of the festive season at Wigton's Christmas Lights Switch-On! Join us on High…
Starring: Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki & Nabhaan…
Andy makes his Rosehill debut with his latest stand-up comedy show. In his own words, "Life is hard…
It's A Doddle is back with a bang for 2026 and we're inviting our community to get involved! To…
Get inspired this Winter as we welcome the Whitehaven Flower Club and guest arranger Venessa…
A struggling primary school teacher in England dealing with an intensely disruptive, violent…
Get ready for a night of pure feel-good music with Forever Diamond, the concert that celebrates…
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell & Stephen Dillane Based on the 14th-century English uprising…
Featuring the incredible vocals and stage presence of Adam J Oades, and cherry picking the very…
WOT ITALIAN? Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, comedy, and charm as award-winning…
Starring: Charlotte Ritchie, Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Lolly Adefope The ghostly residents of…
A programme of music written for string quartet. Tickets in our website or on the door - £22.00. …
Discover 200 years of climbing history in Pillar 200, a fascinating new exhibition celebrating the…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
The Workington Christmas Light Switch on and Christmas Market returns for 2026 with a fun packed,…
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across the spectacular…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night. The walk will…
conic British screen and stage star Phil Daniels will journey from Quadrophenia to Parklife as the…
Screening by Clifford Odets directed by Sam Yates Josh O'Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads…
Brahms 'German Requiem', sung in German with Brahms' own four-handed piano accompaniment. Profound…
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O'Rourke & John Hannah On a remote Scottish isle,…


the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told

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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.
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.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Barrow-in-Furness
Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track wildlife across the reserve using different equipment and techniques, with the help of our expert guides.
Seascale
This two bedroom self catering holiday home located in the western Lake District is full of character, making it a perfect holiday home for families, couples and friends alike, with all amenities located on your doorstep.
Cumbria-wide
Leave the tarmac of urban running far behind and explore incredible landscapes only accessible on foot. With flexible itineraries to suit any pace, reliable daily luggage transfers and comfortable accommodation, our holidays provide complete peace…
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…
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.
Cockermouth
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'. The cottages have used green design and technologies with ground and air source heat pumps to power the under-floor heating beneath the…
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!
Ravenglass
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
Ravenglass
Tucked away in the heart of Ravenglass, where the mountains meet the sea and the little railway winds its way into the Eskdale Valley, you’ll find The Ratty Arms.
It’s the kind of place where you can come in after a day exploring the Lakes, settle…
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Silloth
Silloth on Solway Golf Club is a beautiful links golf course situated on the shores of the Solway Firth in North West Cumbria. Silloth is highly rated and is listed in the top 50 golf courses in Britain and Ireland.
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
St Bees
The Manor in St Bees offers nine comfy en-suite rooms, ideal for Coast to Coast walkers and coastal explorers. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and relax in this welcoming Cumbrian seaside inn.
Silloth
A museum/exhibition based on a collection of toy soldiers and related forts, guns etc. Battlefield models, Hadrian's Wall feature, historical information.
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…
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL