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.
This Christmas, take your family on a magical journey through the heart of the Lake District…
The show where every child gets a present from Santa! What magic is hidden inside Santa's…
Weekly Market each Wednesday. Good range of fresh produce, gifts and household essentials.
Take Part In Festive Making Fun. Would you like to take part in spreading a little Christmas…
Weekly Saturday Market. A good range of fresh produce, cakes, gifts and household essentials.
A very Merry Muncaster Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Muncaster Castle this Christmas…
Here Comes The Girls - 3 of the top female tributes in the UK for one night and with a pie and pea…
Explore the history of brewing in Cockermouth and the leading role Jennings Brewery played in the…
Weekly Friday Market. Good range of Local fresh produce and cakes. Also gifts and household…
Follow Paddington and the Brown family as they visit Aunt Lucy in Peru, but a mystery sends them to…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Experience the magic of the season with Festive Afternoon Teas at Muncaster Castle, hosted in the…
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
Get ready to sing your heart out and spread joy with Cathy Marcangelo.
Get in to the festive spirit with Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing…
Get in the festive spirit with our fun Whinlatter Welly Walk! Suitable for all the family, our…
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world…
Ever wondered how Santa navigates the skies on Christmas Eve? Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a…
Cast: To be confirmed Choreography: Frederick Ashton | Music: Sergei Prokofiev This Christmas, be…
We are delighted to announce in light of the main auditorium being closed that we will be turning…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
Join Handpicked Productions for a festive stocking-making workshop! Do you have a family tradition…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 112
, currently showing 101 to 112.
Cockermouth
Freshly made food and drinks served in comfortable and relaxed surroundings.
Marine Rd, Maryport
The family-owned café offers a welcoming atmosphere with hearty portions, delicious pies, and a famed Cumbrian breakfast. Enjoy filling lunches and sneaky treats with cosy indoor and outdoor seating.
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.
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.
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.
Seascale
You’ll find this delightful café & farm shop beside the River Irt in the beautiful Wasdale valley – look out for the working waterwheel and millrace running through the heart of this fantastic venue.
Whitehaven
We are an independent cafe situated at the ground floor of the Beacon museum
Silloth
A charming seaside tearoom serving tasty food and drinks, decorated throughout with vintage treasures, gifts, and treats. Famous for huge hot chocolates, said to be the biggest in Cumbria!
Rowrah
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and consistency championing the highest quality of malts, whole cone hops and Lake District water, our in house yeast strain derived from traditional…
Whitehaven
Moresby Hall is an historic Grade 1 listed building offering fantastic food and accommodation on the outskirts of Whitehaven.
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.
Nr Holmrook
A traditional tearoom and gift shop serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, cakes and afternoon teas. Our gift shop stocks a range of cards, artwork, jewellery, books, candles, jams, chutneys and giftware.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL