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Discover secluded beaches, majestic castles, hidden lakes and awe-inspiring mountains: there are some of the area’s most striking natural landscapes here, including the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why not try galloping down the beach on horseback with Cumbrian Heavy Horses at Silecroft beach, uniquely set against the dramatic backdrop of Black Coombe – its summit has a 360 degree panorama of mountains, sea and sand.
Or what about puffin spotting amid the towering red sandstone cliffs at St Bees, at one end of the famous Wainwright 'Coast to Coast' walk. This is the only designated Heritage Coast between Wales and Scotland - and the only area of high sea cliffs in the North West.
Head northwards up the Cumbrian coast to savour ice cream at Allonby and the Victorian seaside town of Silloth, The newly completed cycle route between the two is part of Hadrian’s Cycleway. Why not venture a little further inland to William Wordsworth’s birthplace of Cockermouth and its tasty mix of foodie hotspots, traditional pubs and independent shops.
The Georgian town of Whitehaven has a rich maritime heritage and a few spicy tales of smugglers. It also has an unusual claim to fame: it was reputedly used as the template for the expansion of New York in the mid-18th century! Check out family fun at the Beacon Museum and the nearby Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport.
Also in Maryport, the Senhouse Roman Museum is home to the country’s oldest private collection of Roman treasures. The Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site runs down the western coast to Ravenglass, where the remains of the bath house at Ravenglass Roman Fort are among Britain’s tallest remaining Roman structures.
Further still down Cumbria’s coast you’ll find the 800 year old Muncaster Castle & Gardens, which is thought to be the only historic home in the UK to appoint an official ‘fool’ (or jester).
The coastal village of Ravenglass has the unique accolade of being in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the English Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. From here, take a scenic train ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway through Cumbria’s spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains.
If you’re heading for the western lakes, the chances are you’re after somewhere more secluded and perhaps a little more rugged. The remote Eskdale and Ennerdale valleys are true testaments to the beauty of the area.
Roo Stars Rocky Horror Experience comes to Barrow
Bring the whole family and join in a free and easy day of fun with balance bikes, volleyball,…
The iconic songs of Sting. The electrifying choreography of Kate Prince. This is a tale of hope…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Join us at The Beacon Portal for a beginners half day glass fusing course. Learn a new skill and…
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
Come along to Wordsworth House and Garden and get crafty and creative in the Discovery Room. Be…
Shakespeare's profound story of love and loss, artfully adapted into a contemporary three-act…
Join us at The Beacon Portal for a beginners half day glass fusing course. Learn a new skill and…
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of blossoms, creativity, and camaraderie? Welcome to…
Get ready to sing your heart out and spread joy with Cathy Marcangelo.
Are you a crafter or interested in crafts? Would you like to take part in our free wellbeing…
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of…
The Hay O' Trail is a 6km multi terrain race. Runners leave the grounds of Cockermouth School,…
Arvo Pärt Summa Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor*# Grieg Holberg Suite Piazzolla Four…
We welcome the incredible Pet Encounters team who will teach you about their beautiful animals,…
Walk with our Ranger and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest! Whinlatter is a red…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
This event will bring together businesses, charities, organisations and individuals who all have…
From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current…
A celebration of diversity and inclusion. Parade, performers, stalls and workshops. All free. …
Collect 10 different pebbles from the beach and bring them to the Hub for our experts to identify…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
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Great Clifton, Workington
Enjoy delicious meals and afternoon teas in our restaurant, The Conservatory at the Melbreak.
Open between 12pm - 2pm, 5pm – 9pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm – 9pm Saturday and Sunday.
Afternoon Teas served between 2:30pm and 4:30pm daily –…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviewsThe English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Silloth
Silloth on Solway Golf Club is a beautiful links golf course situated on the shores of the Solway Firth in North West Cumbria. Silloth is highly rated and is listed in the top 50 golf courses in Britain and Ireland. The course is a traditional…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Rowrah
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and consistency championing the highest quality of malts, whole cone hops and Lake District water, our in house yeast strain derived from traditional…
Bassnthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
Cockermouth
Freshly made food and drinks served in comfortable and relaxed surroundings.
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