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.
Internationally and critically acclaimed, The Freddie & QUEEN Experience are the UK's Premier Queen…
Simply enter the event, then choose whichever course you prefer daily. With six courses to choose…
Join us at The Beacon Portal for a beginners half day glass fusing course. Learn a new skill and…
Meet talking rocks, find sunken trinkets and explore quarry portals at Signal Film and Media's next…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
This event will cover what is needed to build or improve a good wildlife pond in a garden or…
Gemma is looking for love, but it's complicated! With the help of dating app Tingle, she dates two…
Aigul Akmetshina performs the title role in Damiano Michieletto's sizzling new production of…
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of blossoms, creativity, and camaraderie? Welcome to…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
Tired of spring-cleaning, Mole leaves Mole End and ventures out to the riverbank, where he…
Following years of playing alongside members of The Shadows themselves, including Bruce Welch, Jet…
From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current…
In 2024 we're teaming up with the National Trust Rangers at Sandscale Haws to offer a unique guided…
Bring the whole family and join in a free and easy day of fun with balance bikes, volleyball,…
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…
We've hidden space-themed geocaches as well as planet-themed and sea-themed painted rocks. While…
A celebration of diversity and inclusion. Parade, performers, stalls and workshops. All free. …
Film: Royal Opera House: Swan Lake Classical ballet's most powerful tale of love, treachery and…
Ian Wright directs Wigton Choral Society and invited soloists in a celebration of the 200th…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Are you a crafter or interested in crafts? Would you like to take part in our free wellbeing…
When people in Littlehampton--including conservative local Edith--begin to receive letters full of…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 100
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
874 reviewsWorkington
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
40 reviewsCockermouth
From the moment you pull onto the sprawling driveway and capture your first glimpse of the magnificent house and it’s sweeping gardens, to the second you retreat to the cosy BBQ house and take a dip in the luxury hot tub.
Cockermouth
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.
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 reviewsWhicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
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
874 reviewsCumbria
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1937 reviewsBorrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1707 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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
808 reviewsWhitehaven
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.
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
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…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL