A Motorbiker's Tour of Cumbria - Dave Day 2025

Dave Day 2025 saw thousands of motorbikers head to the Cumbrian town of Barrow in Furness in honour of Hairy Biker (and Barrow native), Dave Myers Many people visiting to enjoy the event decided to stay a while and explore more of our beautiful area. In honour of Dave Day, we put together a motorbiker's guide to where to go and what to see after you've enjoyed all Barrow has to offer. From stunning brew spots to heritage transport displays, read on and be inspired to stay a while.

Exit the M6 motorway at J36

On the way to Barrow in Furness, leave the motorway at J36 and head west into the Lake District, Cumbria. On the way, you’ll head past some great brew stops including Levens Kitchen and Sizergh, with its on-site cafe.

Explore barrow - Dave's birthplace

Begin your trip in Barrow-in-Furness: birthplace of Dave Myers.It's worth checking what's on as Barrow is host to a wide variety of fantastic events throughout the year. Plus, there are plenty of great accommodation options making this a great place to stop over if you want to extend your stay!

The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness
 

Learn about Stan Laurel in Ulverston

A scenic ride along the A5087 Coast Road past Bardsea brings you to the bustling market town of Ulverston - also the birthplace of Stan Laurel! Today, the Laurel & Hardy Museum is dedicated to the famous pair. Located in a 1930s cinema complex, this quirky attraction features an extensive collection of films, letters, photographs, posters, film stills and personal items. Learn more about the early life of Stan Laurel, and watch daily screenings of Laurel & Hardy films.

Top tip: Booths Supermarket is a great place to pick up refreshments for your onward journey.
 

Visit the Lakeland Motor Museum

Around 7 miles north on the A590, discover the story of transport throughout the 20th century at the Lakeland Motor Museum: home to over 30,000 exhibits including cars, bikes and memorabilia. There are also period displays like a 1950s café, shop fronts, and women’s fashion. Don’t miss a special display in honour of the Isle of Man TT.

Once you’ve explored, the on-site Cafe Ambio makes for a great place to enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch.

Lakeland Motor Museum
 

See Bluebird K7 in Coniston

Before heading up the Cumbrian Coast, take a detour to the Lakeland village of Coniston. Home to some great places to eat and drink, here you’ll also find The Ruskin Museum. Packed with fascinating exhibits, it offers an insight into the story of Coniston village - from its local icons to its copper and slate mining history. Learn about the lives of famous figures including speed record breaker Donald Campbell: his iconic hydroplane, Bluebird K7, is now on display.

Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum, Coniston
 

Explore the Cumbrian Coast

From Coniston, it’s time to swap lakes for sea and head across to Silecroft on the Cumbrian Coast. Here, you’ll find a car park right next to the sea offering a great spot to stop and admire the view. There’s also an excellent brew stop thanks to the Silecroft Beach Cafe.

Silecroft Beach Cafe
 

Whitehaven

The A595 runs all the way up the coast, dotted with some great places to visit - including Muncaster Castle, said to be the most haunted in Britain. Stop in the coastal town of Whitehaven and learn more about the area at The Beacon Museum and The Rum Story. The latter has a small shop stocked to the brim with rum (including their own), spirits and more. Great for picking up a souvenir to take home!

Whitehaven
 

Maryport

Further north, it’s time to leave the A595 and head across to Maryport via the A596. With sweeping coastal views (on a clear day, you can see the Isle of Man) and some great cafes, it’s well worth a visit. Take time to refuel, and visit the Senhouse Roman Museum for a deeper insight into the area’s Roman history.

Maryport
 

Silloth

From Maryport, the road up to Silloth along the B5300 boasts stunning sea views. Be sure to make a stop at Allonby, a seaside village in a designated National Landscape. Breathe in the sea air and enjoy a brew with a view.

Silloth
 

Honister Slate Mine

Your coastal tour complete, head back inland towards the Lakeland town of Keswick, via bustling Cockermouth. South of the latter stands Honister Slate Mine. As well as being England’s last working slate mine, it’s also home to a whole host of adrenaline fuelled activities including Via Ferrata, an Infinity Bridge, mine tours and more. There’s also a scenic cafe, The Bait Cabin, which serves up great food and drink with a view to match.
 

Keswick

Heading east along the A66, the road drops down past Bassenthwaite - the only official lake in the Lake District - towards Keswick. There are plenty of places to refuel in this market town, as well as attractions like the Pencil Museum!

Bassenthwaite
 

Down to Windermere via Kirkstone Pass

From here, it’s time to head south towards Windermere via the breathtaking Kirkstone Pass. Along the way, the route takes you past Ullswater - if you fancy getting out onto the water, try Ullswater ‘Steamers’ for a boat trip on the lake.

Then, it’s on to the M6 and home after a great trip to the Lake District, Cumbria. 

Where to Stay

Fancy taking it all in at a more relaxed pace? Enjoy a longer break in the Lake District, Cumbria, and explore our stunning landscapes and excellent attractions at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of great accommodation options along the Cumbrian coast and inland - find your perfect place to stay, with everything from self catering to hotels, pubs with rooms, B&Bs and more.