Accessible Coastal Adventures

About

The stunning scenery of the Cumbrian Coast makes it a beautiful place to explore. There are plenty of accessible attractions to enjoy, from heritage transport to immersive museums.

Planning an adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria? Make sure you’re prepared for your route, the weather, and every possibility. Be AdventureSmart and check out our top tips on staying safe, and having fun before you go.

Highlights:

• Maritime history
• Seaside towns & villages
• Vintage transport

Good to know: Changing Places facilities can be found at Silloth Green, and at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Ravenglass station). Get in touch ahead of visiting to ensure your needs can be met.

Day 1 - The Cumbrian Coast
 

1. Silloth
   Begin your day in the coastal town of Silloth for stunning sea views over the Solway Firth to southern Scotland. The promenade is paved and on a level gradient, making it suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and those with limited mobility. It makes for the perfect place for a morning stroll. Be sure to enjoy an ice cream overlooking the sea - the brightly coloured Davison’s Ice Cream Factory serves a range of handmade flavours.
   There’s ample seating along the prom and a Changing Places facility located on Silloth Green.
    
2. The Beacon Museum
   West Strand, Whitehaven CA28 7LY
   Then, it’s on to the Beacon Museum. Enjoying a prime location on Whitehaven's historic Georgian harbour, this fascinating museum tells the story of the local area, with interactive exhibits on its social, industrial and maritime heritage. The viewing gallery on the top floor is not to be missed as it offers stunning views over the town, harbour and Solway coast.
   All floors are accessible by lift and a ‘quiet hour’ is held for the first hour of opening every first Sunday of the month.

 

Day 1 - Where to Eat

• Howling Wolf Cafe
  West Strand, Whitehaven CA28 7LY
  Located beneath The Beacon Museum, this family run coffee shop and bakery offers drinks and light refreshments.
   
• The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
  Choose from the two cafes located at either end of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway line: Fellbites Cafe and the Turntable Cafe.
  Fellbites Cafe, Boot, Holmrook CA19 1TG
  Turntable Cafe, Ravenglass CA18 1SW
   
• The Stables Cafe at Muncaster Castle, Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass CA18 1RQ
  Located in the Castle’s former stables, The Stables Cafe serves up a range of home cooked food from light bites to hearty meals.

 

Day 1 - Where to Stay

• The Pennington Hotel
  Main St, Ravenglass CA18 1SQ
   
• The Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge
  Whitecroft, Santon Bridge, Holmrook CA19 1UX

 

Day 2 - The Western Lake District and Coast
 

1. Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
   Station, Main St, Ravenglass CA18 1SW
   From Whitehaven, head south along the coast to the village of Ravenglass. Here, take a ride on one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England: The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, also known as La’al Ratty, transports visitors through the stunning landscapes of the Western Lake District via steam train.
   Wheelchair adapted carriages are available and most staff have disability awareness training. A sensory story can be accessed online and the railway is always happy to work to ensure a comfortable environment for all. A Changing Places facility is available on the Ravenglass station of La’al Ratty. An Outdoor Mobility scooter is available to hire, with advance booking required.
   
   Ravenglass Railway Museum
   Station, Main St, Ravenglass CA18 1SW
   Based at Ravenglass railway station, this free museum tells the story of La’al Ratty’s 150 year history and delves deeper into the history of the local area. With level access and a hearing loop,
   it’s accessible to a range of visitors.
    
2. Muncaster Castle
   Ravenglass CA18 1RQ
   This majestic castle is said to be the most haunted in Britain! Its extensive grounds and gardens feature wide, level, landscaped paths; mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire with advance booking. There are plenty of places to sit and admire the stunning views across the surrounding

 

Good to Know: Bee Unique - Keep an eye out for events from Bee Unique: a local charity which aims to help create safe sensory learning and stimulation through events, trips and social gatherings. As well as organising their own events, they support local businesses, so keep an eye out for them at attractions like Muncaster Castle and the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

 

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This itinerary is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield Ltd.