Egremont

Tucked between the St Bees Heritage Coast and the western edge of the Lake District National Park, the market town of Egremont offers plenty to explore, including the 12th castle, stunning walking and cycling trails beside the River Ehen, and the Egremont Crab Fair & World Gurning Championships.

History & Heritage

Rich in heritage, Egremont stands in the ancient region of Cumberland. The dramatic castle ruins which stand at the southern end of Main Street are the remains of a structure built in around 1130 on the site of an old Danish fort.

In 1266, Henry III granted Egremont a charter to hold a market and annual fair. The annual Crab Fair is still held every September, making it one of the oldest fairs in the world. 

Egremont’s layout has remained largely the same as it was in the 13th century, with its wide Main St leading into the Market Place. Additions to the town have included a bridges over the River Ehen, added in 1565 and 1748; and Egremont Town Hall in 1890.

Egremont boasts a rich industrial heritage, with dyeing, weaving, iron ore mining and quarrying being key local industries for hundreds of years. Clints Quarry provided agricultural lime, while around 1830, iron ore began to be mined on a larger scale. During this time, several mines were opened. Florence Mine was the last to close its doors in 2007, becoming the last working deep iron mine in Western Europe; today, it’s an arts & heritage centre.

Egremont is located near to Sellafield, which is a key local employer.

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Things to Do in Egremont

Egremont is home to the famous Hartley's ice cream, a vibrant monthly farmers market, and many independent shops and cafes. The Fair Trade town sells locally produced foods such as unique Cumberland sausages, vegetables, plants and bakery goods. Pop in to one of the welcoming cafes for a cuppa and follow with a visit to the Lowes Court Gallery for interesting local crafts.

Arts and culture enthusiasts will love a visit to the Florence Arts Centre, a fantastic hub for the arts, with regular events and a gallery featuring a changing programme of exhibitions from local artists. There’s also a shop selling handmade paints, artists’ materials, and creations made by local artists.

Egremont is also home to the famous Egremont Crab Fair and World Gurning Championships, which take place every September. During the festivities, Egremont’s main street comes alive with a traditional ‘Apple Cart Parade’ (crab apples being the origin of the fair’s name), free street music, family fun, and several sporting events including traditional Cumberland wrestling, which originates from Viking and Irish settlers. There’s also the world-famous ‘World Gurning Championship’ to see who can pull the most grotesque face!

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FAQs

Where is Egremont located?

Egremont is a town on the west coast of Cumbria, just south of Whitehaven and on the fringes of the western Lake District.

How to get to Egremont?

Egremont can be reached by car along the A595, or by bus from local towns and villages. It can also be reached by train: Egremont stands on the Cumbrian Coast Line, with rail services along Cumbria’s coast.

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What’s nearby

St. Bees - Less than three miles away is the seaside village of St Bees. It has acres of beach, a prom to stroll along, a shore-side café, and a fantastic children’s play area.

Gosforth - This quaint village with pubs, cafes and cycle hire, is just a ten-minute drive away.

Whitehaven - The historical harbour town is home to The Beacon Museum and The Rum Story

Wastwater – England’s deepest lake, which lies at the foot of England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike.