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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.
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the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told

Number of results: 130
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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.
Seascale
A small family-run boutique bed & breakfast in an enviable location. Superb views and a great base from which to explore the quieter part of the Lake District - its mountains, valleys & coastline.
Our contemporary interiors are designed to offer…
Cockermouth
Evening Hill drive offers cosy, modern self catering accommodation for up to 4 people. It is a semi detached property with front and rear gardens, off road parking, and is close to Cockermouth town centre. We have garden furniture and a patio in our…
Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
Egremont
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is ideal for walkers and runners.
Maryport
Maryport Coastal Park is a place for visitors to enjoy for its coastal views and flora and fauna. Access is free all year round. Maryport Coastal Park can be accesses from Maryport south shore car park, which can be found near the Glasson industrial…
Ireby
Our restaurant is open to residents and non-residents alike, serving a delicious 3 course meal made from freshly cooked local ingredients. We pride ourselves on the selection of local food producers and supplier who we work with to bring you a…
Maryport
Park Hill Mews are 3 self-contained self catering holiday homes nestled in the historic maritime town of Maryport, Cumbria – on the doorstep of the breath-taking Lake District National Park.
Maryport
Seaside destination for boarders, skaters & scooters
Silecroft
Designed by award-winning Scottish Architects, Silecroft Beach Café on Silecroft Beach offers an idyllic setting to relax, recharge and enjoy some great food.
Maryport
Enjoy a relaxing stay the well-equipped, recently refurbished, well established holiday cottages Dove and Seaview.
There are also two new cottages in the recent barn conversion. (Cross Beck, 3 bedroom and Black Dub 2 bedroom.)
We are a…
Abbey Approach, Barrow-in-Furness
Abbey mill is an independent coffee shop situated in a 15th century building overlooking Furness Abbey . Join us for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea and Lakes ice cream. Homemade scones and cranberry teacakes our speciality . Full afternoon tea…
Seascale
Built in the 18th century, The Strands Inn is a traditional Lake District pub in the beautiful Wasdale Valley.
Allonby
The Ship Hotel is a 17th century coaching inn. Centre of a village community, in a pleasant seaside holiday village overlooking the Solway Firth and across the road from a big play park.
Maryport
Shiver Me Timbers play area is a bright, colourful, and exciting destination for young visitors. Look out for this pirate-themed adventure play area next door to the Lake District Coast Aquarium on the Harbourside in Maryport.
Cockermouth
The Coffee Kitchen Bakery produces quality bread and baked goods from their Bakery in Market Place, Cockermouth. You can also find them at the Keswick market.
Bassenthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
Holmrook
The Bridge Inn, once a modest mail coach halt, is now a fine, well-situated, comfortable country pub and hotel, offering hospitality to all travellers and visitors. The Bridge Inn is also pet-friendly, and you are welcome to take your pet anywhere…
Whitehaven
Ravens Nest is a specialist tea, coffee, and cocktail bar. It’s a fun, friendly venue, with exclusive cocktails, quality hot drinks, and an exciting array of vegetarian food, to suit every guest.
Cockermouth
Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel with bar, restaurant and delightful en-suite rooms and apartments.
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