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Explore Cumbria’s West Coast Car-Free

Explore Cumbria’s West Coast Car-Free

For a memorable visit to a lesser-known, but no less beautiful part of Cumbria, our coastline is a must. Stretching from Millom up to Maryport, sit back and relax as you trundle along the coast on one side and the countryside on the other.

Cumbria’s coast line offers passengers a pleasant, winding journey along a 45 mile route which constantly hugs the shoreline, offering visitors plenty of stops along the way which offer tales of Romans and Vikings, peaceful beach exploration and an authentic insight into the coastal way of life.

Accessing Cumbria’s coast by train is easy, thanks to direct rail links from the West Coast Main Line at Carlisle in the north, and just over the border in Lancashire at Lancaster in the south – the latter of which will also take you along the Morecambe Bay coastline too. For more on that journey, check out our suggested Morecambe Bay itinerary, here.

Maryport is the most northerly railway station on Cumbria’s coast and is the proud home of the Lake District Coast Aquarium just a five minute stroll away from the station, and the Senhouse Museum which stands on a cliff top overlooking the Irish Sea – just a ten minute walk away.

Continuing your journey south along the coast by rail, around half an hour later you’ll arrive in the historic trade harbour town of Whitehaven – once serving as Cumbria’s gateway to the rest of the world as a key trading post. Listed as one of the UK’s top six coastal towns by The Telegraph, Whitehaven the fascinating history of Vikings and Victorians is laid-bare at the Beacon Museum which stands on the harbour’s edge. How can we tell tales of the sea without mentioning every sailor’s favourite tipple, Rum? Fear not, the sights and smells of the drink are captured perfectly at the town’s Rum Story attraction.

Just another few minutes by rail takes you to St Bees station, with a peaceful walk of around an hour and a quarter taking you to St Bees Head, where you can enjoy a four mile stretch of coastline from the top of stunning red sandstone cliffs: At 100 metres high in places, this is the highest and most westerly point of England. The area is also home to an RSPB nature reserve which more than 5,000 pairs of seabirds call home.

The next stop on the list is the coastal village of Ravenglass, just 20 minutes away from St Bees by train. This former Roman port and fishing town is The Lake District National Park’s only coastal town and home to the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, offering a return journey to the Eskdale Valley through 14 miles of wild countryside. Ravenglass is also the site of Muncaster Castle, reputed to be among the most-haunted buildings in England!

A further 20 minutes south by train is the coastal town of Millom, which sits on the Duddon Estuary, with vast expanses of salt marsh and sandy beaches to explore under the watchful eye of the 2,000 foot high Black Combe; a moderate walk which regularly makes lists of England’s hidden gem places to climb lists. The town is also the home of the Millom Discovery Centre which is conveniently positioned at the railway station and features a scale model railway and a complete history of the local iron ore industry. The Hodbarrow Nature Reserve is also nearby, with a half-hour walk taking you to a brilliant viewing hide which looks across a large coastal lagoon.

Of course, there are plenty more stations to explore from along this line, with many beaches to explore – including Haverigg’s soft sand dunes and Silecroft’s shingle delights which stretch as far as the eye can see. Read more about Cumbria’s best beaches in our dedicated blog, here.

Maryport harbour  Whitehaven harbour  St. Bees Head  Ravenglass  Silecroft Beach

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Maryport
2 Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport
3 Senhouse Roman Museum
4 Whitehaven
5 The Beacon Museum
6 St Bees Coast
7 Ravenglass
8 Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
9 Eskdale
10 Muncaster Castle
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Product Information

  1. Maryport

    Maryport

    A delightful unspoilt town with a proud maritime heritage reflected in its fine harbour, marina, maritime museum and summer maritime festivals.

  2. Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport
    Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport

    Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport

    Maryport

    Stroke the rays and touch the starfish. Cafe, gift shop, crazy golf and model boats. Tickets valid all day.

  3. Exterior and Entrance to Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Exterior and Entrance to Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Senhouse Roman Museum from the Air in Maryport, Cumbria
    Winter Solway Views from Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Main Gallery at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Venus at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Jupiter Altar and the Serpent Stone at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Water Nymphs at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Epona and school visit at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Exterior and Entrance to Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Senhouse Roman Museum from the Air in Maryport, Cumbria
    Winter Solway Views from Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Main Gallery at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Venus at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Jupiter Altar and the Serpent Stone at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Water Nymphs at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria
    Epona and school visit at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport, Cumbria

    Senhouse Roman Museum

    Maryport

    Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.

  4. Whitehaven

    Whitehaven

    A delightful Georgian town with its street grid pattern and buildings largely still intact and harbour signifying the town's rich maritime heritage.

  5. Exterior and Marina at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Exterior and Marina at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    The Yellow Earl Exhibition at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Children's Play Areas at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Viewing Gallery at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    The Yellow Earl Exhibition at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Children's Pirate Play Area at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    VR Mining Experience at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Children's Circus Play Area at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Binoculars at the Viewing Gallery at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Exterior and Marina at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Exterior and Marina at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    The Yellow Earl Exhibition at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Children's Play Areas at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Viewing Gallery at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    The Yellow Earl Exhibition at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Children's Pirate Play Area at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    VR Mining Experience at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Children's Circus Play Area at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Binoculars at the Viewing Gallery at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
    Exterior and Marina at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria

    The Beacon Museum

    Whitehaven

    Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.

  6. St Bees coastline
    St Bees coastline
    St Bees coast
    St Bees coastline
    St Bees coast

    St Bees Coast

    The cliffs at St Bees (named after St Bega) are dramatic, composed of striking red sandstone some over 300ft high. There is an RSPB nature reserve.

  7. Ravenglass

    Ravenglass

    Where the Lake District meets the sea - an intoxicating mix of coast, mountain scenery of the highest order and top tourist attractions.

  8. Scenic Views from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Scenic Views from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    See the Coast from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Historic Steam Engine on Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Friendly Experience at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Scenic Views from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    See the Coast from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Historic Steam Engine on Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
    Family Friendly Experience at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District

    Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

    Cumbria

    Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!

    La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian Railway is an award winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. Excellent facilities at both ends of the line, from sea to mountains.…

  9. Eskdale
    Eskdale

    Eskdale

    One of the premier Lake District valleys with stunning mountain scenery, outdoor activities for all and fascinating culture and heritage.

  10. Muncaster Castle
    Muncaster Castle
    Muncaster Castle
    Muncaster Castle
    Muncaster Castle

    Muncaster Castle

    Cumbria

    Historic haunted Castle home to the Pennington family for 800 years. A 70-acre garden famous for its rhododendrons set against the stunning backdrop of the Lakeland fells. Hawk & Owl Centre home to a diverse collection of birds.

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Maryport (54.71516,-3.49482)Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport (54.71418,-3.50255)0.46
Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport (54.71418,-3.50255)Senhouse Roman Museum (54.72118,-3.49576)0.8
Senhouse Roman Museum (54.72118,-3.49576)Whitehaven (54.54942,-3.58724)18.01
Whitehaven (54.54942,-3.58724)The Beacon Museum (54.54871,-3.59455)0.43
The Beacon Museum (54.54871,-3.59455)St Bees Coast (54.49066,-3.60399)5.84
St Bees Coast (54.49066,-3.60399)Ravenglass (54.35902,-3.39291)18.04
Ravenglass (54.35902,-3.39291)Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (54.35565,-3.40807)0.95
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (54.35565,-3.40807)Eskdale (54.39776,-3.27068)9.06
Eskdale (54.39776,-3.27068)Muncaster Castle (54.35432,-3.38167)7.8
Total Distance *61.38 miles
Estimated Journey Time1.98 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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