Let's Go Car-free - Cumbria’s Coast by Train along the Cumbrian Coast Line

Arnside Viaduct

Travel along Cumbria’s striking west coast with this car-free itinerary, taking in stunning natural landscapes, family friendly attractions, and great places to eat and drink.

Arrive & Travel By Train

Carlisle’s centrally located train station can be easily reached from locations across the country, with Avanti West Coast, Northern, and TransPennine Express.
From here, travel down the coast on the Cumbrian Coast Line, operated by Northern.

Day 1 - Carlisle

Carlisle Cathedral

Once here, spend a day exploring the city of Carlisle (it’s the only one in Cumbria!). Home to over 2,000 years of history, there’s plenty to discover - from historic landmarks to delicious food and drink!

First up is a trip to Carlisle Cathedral: built in 1122, it’s one of England's smallest ancient cathedrals. Its blue, starry ceiling is a must-see: look out for ‘Angel’s View Tours’, bookable in advance, which offer the chance to see it with a guide. Feeling hungry? You can even enjoy afternoon tea in the Cathedral! They’re served in the impressive Fratry Hall or the modern Cathedral Cafe. Advance booking required.

Then, spend some time indulging in a little retail therapy on Carlisle’s high street, with national names alongside independent shops. Bitt’s Park is a green space in the city centre which makes for a great place to enjoy a stroll.

Come evening, dine out at Penny Blue at The Halston; they’ve also got modern apart-hotel style rooms where you can spend your first night before heading down the Cumbrian coast. 

Day 2 - Maryport

Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport

Hop on board the Cumbrian Coast Line from Carlisle to the harbour town of Maryport. Here, you’ll find Roman history, sealife, and sweeping views across the Irish Sea.

Families will love visiting the Lake District Coast Aquarium, with over 75 displays showcasing a diverse range of marine life from across the Cumbrian and UK coastline. Outside, there’s a 14-hole mini golf course, fishing tackle shop, and Shiver Me Timbers adventure playground where kids can blow off some steam! Refuel at the onsite cafe.

Then, it’s on to the Senhouse Roman Museum - a short, 15 minute walk away. Located along the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site, and standing next to a Roman fort known as Alauna, here you’ll find an extensive collection of Roman artefacts as well as interactive activities for younger visitors to enjoy.

Day 3 - Whitehaven & St Bees

Whitehaven

In the morning, take the train to Whitehaven: once the third largest maritime port in the UK, it’s now home to attractions telling the story of Cumbria’s coast.

The Beacon Museum is home to a whole host of interactive exhibits telling the story of the local area, from the Romans to modern day industry. There’s a viewing gallery overlooking the harbour, with impressive views of the Solway Coast. Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions, family friendly events, and visiting artworks.

The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

Whitehaven was once a bustling port trading various goods with the Americas. Learn more about Cumbria and Whitehaven’s role in the rum and spice trade at The Rum Story: an immersive attraction complete with thought-provoking exhibits.

Have lunch at Howling Wolf: an artisan bakery and cafe located beneath The Beacon Museum. On a sunny day, their outdoor tables are a great place to relax by the harbour.

Stay the night at Moresby Hall Farm - Swallows Return & Owls Retreat (a 15 minute bus ride away; alternatively, take the train to Parton which is a short walk from the accommodation). Or, head to St Bees where you’ll find Stone House Farm B&B which is located near to the station.

Day 4 - St Bees

Enjoy an ice cream in St Bees

Did you know? St Bees is the only heritage coast between Scotland and Wales! Today, spend the day exploring this beautiful area.

Take a stroll around the pretty St Bees Village, stopping at St Bees Priory Church which features history displays - including one telling the tale of the 1981 discovery of the body of a medieval knight, almost perfectly preserved and today known as  ‘St Bees Man’.

From here, walk down to St Bees Beach for an ice cream and a stroll along its wide beachside promenade. On a sunny day, you could spend hours relaxing here. Just make sure to check tide times before visiting.

Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to the cliffside St Bees Head Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll find an RSPB nature reserve - home to the only cliff nesting seabird colony in north west England - as well as impressive sea views. The King Charles III England Coast Path links the two, with stunning views along the way.

Stay another night in St Bees before heading to Ravenglass: just a half-hour train ride away. 

Day 5 - Ravenglass & Muncaster

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass is the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, and offers plenty to explore. Step off one train and onto another: its station is located right next to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Hop aboard and travel from coast to countryside along one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England. At each end of the line, you’ll find cafes offering a great place to refuel.

Fancy a walk? The Eskdale TRail was created with rail users in mind. Running between Dalegarth and Ravenglass stations, it’s an 8.5 mile trail which takes in sights and attractions like Stanley Ghyll waterfall and the medieval Muncaster Castle. The latter is well worth a visit in its own right: it’s home to pretty gardens, woodland walks, a hawk & owl centre, and Medieval Weapons Hall where you can have a go at archery, axe throwing and more!

Tip: look out for events at Muncaster Castle throughout the year, from music festivals to Halloween celebrations.

Muncaster Castle

Day 6 - Barrow in Furness

For your final day, it’s time to head to Barrow in Furness, where the Cumbrian Coast Line ends. Onward journeys are available with Northern to Lancaster, where you can pick up services from Northern, TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast to the rest of the county.

The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow boasts a rich industrial history and heritage. Learn more at The Dock Museum: a free, family friendly museum where you’ll find exhibits highlighting the Furness area’s rich history and heritage from as early as the Vikings.

On nearby Walney Island, don’t miss a trip to the South Walney Nature Reserve: it’s home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria.

South Walney Nature Reserve

Then, it’s time to head home with memories made in this beautiful part of the country.

Top Tips

Get there by train

Travel by Northern, Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express to Carlisle. From here, the Cumbrian Coast Line is operated by Northern. Prefer to travel from the south? Travel with Northern, Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express to Lancaster, before changing to Northern to continue on to Barrow in Furness and up the coast.

Travelling with dogs 

When travelling by train, dogs are generally allowed on board. However, we recommend checking ahead for guidance on how to travel with your dog.

Accommodation and tourist information:

Visit our accommodation page for lots of information on places to stay and things to do.