You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > Western Lakes & Coast
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.
Brian Bilston and Henry Normal Brian Bilston and Henry Normal appear together for the first time in…
Come and join the team from The Conscious Self for a forest flow, a beautiful day of connecting to…
Join us for an Easter adventure at Wordsworth House and Garden and make your way along our fun…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
The Festival of Colours is a free full-day event celebrating spring traditions from across the…
Based on the award winning musical. Follow an African-American teenager named Celie being raised in…
Come along to Wordsworth House for a fun-filled session with the kids, brought to you by Wordsworth…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors, at Whinlatter Forest for a walk around the forest at night. The walk…
Turning the Tide Community Event. Sending your positive memories of times by the sea out into the…
The Whitehaven and District Amateur Dramatics Society return to Rosehill with their latest…
The Best of Queen featuring Majesty Sweeney Entertainments present The Best of Queen Get ready to…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, use mindfulness and ritual to…
Jibber Jabber Jamboree marks Ross Noble's 21st solo stand-up tour. To celebrate this milestone, he…
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to celebrate and connect with the…
Join Us for a Easter Rag Wreath Workshop! Looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter? Join our…
Jive Talkin' Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and THE ONLY Bee Gees…
Welcome to an early Spring Forest Bathing walk! I am Kim Ainis, a Certified Nature and Forest…
After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and…
Lots of shark species lay eggs. When the pup (baby shark) hatches, the eggcase often washes up on…
Most Haunted Live - The acclaimed World No. 1 paranormal show Most Haunted is the original and…
Join Tony Calvin, co-curator of The Beacon Museum's L. S. Lowry exhibition for a walking tour of…
Awesome family spectacular! Free meet and greet. Exclusive scoop – 10 fall KO challenge –…
A scenic 5.5 mile multi-terrain running race. Every finisher receives an Easter egg! Registration…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 98
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
153 reviewsCockermouth
Located in the picturesque Lorton Valley, Hundith Hill offers stunning views of the Cumbrian countryside. With 25 rooms, function suites, restaurant, bar & lounge, Hundith Hill is the perfect venue for country escapes.
Silloth
Stanwix Park is located on the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Self Catering Caravans and Apartments to hire for 3,4 and 7 night breaks (some pet friendly accommodation). Fully serviced pitches for Tents, Touring Caravans and Motorhomes. Camping Pods…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
865 reviewsWhitehaven
Converted 19thC farm buildings. Beautifully appointed and well-maintained by Cumbrian owners living in same hamlet. Close to coast and western lakes. Discounts for fortnights. No smokers and no pets.
Whitehaven
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical island's rainforest in the Caribbean, that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story.
Ireby
An elegant 18th century country house hotel set in its own extensive grounds in the stunning northern Lake District. Luxury accommodation, award-winning food and genuine hospitality. Dogs welcome.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
678 reviewsCockermouth
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'. The cottages have used green design and technologies with ground and air source heat pumps to power the under-floor heating beneath the…
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…
Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Workington
Armidale Cottages B&B is set in half an acre of land with a small orchard. Built in the 16thC the cottages have been lovingly renovated to a very high standard, retaining many of the original features.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
39 reviewsNr 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
Lindal in Furness
Rhinos, Tigers, Giraffes, Lions and Bears living in the heart of the Lake District….this is something you need to see for yourself!
Barrow-in-Furness
Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track wildlife across the reserve using different equipment and techniques, with the help of our expert guides.
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Barrow-in-Furness
Bright, modern hotel in the heart of Barrow in Furness with free WI-FI and breakfast included..
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Cumbria
Created by Alfred Wainwright, the full Coast to Coast Walk crosses the North of England from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay. Wainwright’s Coast to Coast passes through some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in…
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Keswick
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the warmest of welcomes and leisure facilities that provide the opportunity to unwind after a long day.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL