Western Lakes and Coast

Maryport

Out West

Western Lakes & Coast www.visitlakedistrict.com/explore/areas-of-cumbria/western-lakes

Did you know that Cumbria has more than 120 miles of awe-inspiring coastline stretching from Morecambe Bay right up to the Scottish borders?

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. 

Towns and Villages around Western Lakes & The Coast www.visitlakedistrict.com/explore/areas-of-cumbria/western-lakes/towns-and-villages

From postcard-perfect Lakeland villages to ancient seaports, the towns and villages of the Western Lakes and Cumbrian coast wear their history and heritage in every slate and brick. Here, you’ll find handsome Georgian streets, busy market centres and tiny villages strewn about the valleys, with plenty of historic charm.

Discover seafaring hubs and learn about times gone by: there are some brilliant museums sharing more about the life and times of those living here across the ages. There’s even the birthplace of William Wordsworth, who was born in Cockermouth in 1770.

The Cumbrian Coast Line connects a number of the area’s towns and villages by rail, running alongside the sea and boasting stunning views from your carriage as you travel.

Duddon Valley www.visitlakedistrict.com/explore/duddon-valley

Perhaps one of the most beautifully isolated spots in the Lake District is the stunning Duddon Valley, where there is unrivalled walking on the fells, through thickets of forest and along the riverbanks. Park up and take to the multiple footpaths – stunning views are almost always guaranteed

Broughton-in-Furness  www.visitlakedistrict.com/explore/duddon-valley

Dating back to the 11th century, Broughton-in-Furness is mostly Georgian in appearance but no less pleasant for it. It’s designed around a pretty cobbled square dominated by a spending horse chestnut tree, around which are gathered the town’s shops, pubs and houses. It’s the ideal spot to base yourself if you’re on a climbing or walking holiday in the western Lake District, especially if you plan on exploring the Duddon Valley and the quieter Lake District fells. Branwell Bronte, brother of Emily and Charlotte, lived here for a time; and the town has been praised in verse by William Wordsworth and Norman Nicholson, one of Britain’s finest 20th-century poets.

Millom www.visitlakedistrict.com/explore/duddon-valley

Sitting by the Duddon River Estuary with Black Combe Fell on its doorstep, the former fishing village of Millom has a varied history with a rich industrial heritage, founded on iron-ore mining and steel making in the 19th century. It was amongst the largest industrial sites of its type in the world. With the mining boom the market square was transformed into a showplace for Victorian architecture. The town hall, and other buildings still serve residents. There is also an inn dating from 1745. At the Tourist Information Centre is the Folk Museum, with displays on 20th century Millom poet and resident, Norman Nicholson, who spent his life in the town. Next to the church are the ruins of the 14th century moated, Millom Castle.

Trainlines - Cumbria has several spectacular train lines, hop on and hop off. www.communityrailcumbria.co.uk/lines/cumbrian-coast-line

Whitehaven

Attractions and Activities in the Western Lakes & Coast

Hardknott Roman Fort www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hardknott-roman-fort/

This remote and dramatically sited fort was founded under Hadrian’s rule in the 2nd century. Well-marked remains include the headquarters building, commandant’s house and bath house. The site of the parade ground survives beside the fort, and the road which Hardknott guarded can be traced for some distance as an earthwork.

Black Combe www.visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/black-combe-p1212791

Black Combe is one of the Lake District's most famous southerly peaks. Standing at 2000ft at the summit it offers amazing panoramic views across Cumbria and as far as the Isle of Mann, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

It has been claimed that fourteen counties can be seen from Black Combe on a clear day and even on a less than perfect Lakeland day, the view is breathtaking.

Ravenglass Railway ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Join us on a stunning seven-mile journey from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the UNESCO World Heritage site, The Lake District National Park. Travel across the estuary, through the hills, past seven request stops, en route to our final destination, Dalegarth for Boot station.

Muncaster Castle, Gardens & Estate - Ravenglass www.muncaster.co.uk

For groups, for individuals and families, for days out or memorable special occasions, Muncaster offers an unforgettable experience to all in an idyllic setting amongst the Western Lake District fells. Come and visit our historic haunted castle and 77 acres of woodland and gardens.

Maryport Maritime Museum www.maryportmaritimemuseum.com

The Maritime Museum is situated on the the corner of Curzon Street and Senhouse Street in the historic town of , in a building ideally situated close to the town's main shops.

The museum collection consists of objects, photographs and paintings relating to the maritime, industrial and social history of .

Senhouse Museum www.senhousemuseum.co.uk

Dramatically sited on cliffs overlooking the Solway Firth, this award winning museum is next to a Roman fort probably founded in the first century AD and rebuilt during the reign of the emperor Hadrian.

Most of the objects in the Museum derive from the fort at Maryport and the Roman civil settlement attached to it. The museum displays the largest group of Roman military altar stones and inscriptions from any site in Britain and unique examples of Romano-British religious sculpture.

Maryport Aquarium www.maryportaquarium.co.uk

The Lake District Coast Aquarium is a well established visitor attraction situated on the harbourside of Maryport, 

The aquarium has a popular Cafe serving a wide range of meals and refreshments overlooking the harbour, a Gift shop and outside is a 14 hole crazy golf course.

Plenty of parking is available on the Quay to the front of the Aquarium.

The Beacon Museum - Whitehaven www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk

Come and see what you can discover at The Beacon Museum, with four floors of family-friendly galleries and exhibitions. There really is something for everyone.

Between Whitehaven’s mines and Harbour, The Beacon Museum tells the story of historic Cumberland, an area set amongst the Lake District’s dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes.

The Rum Story www.rumstory.co.uk

Step back in time with a swashbuckling visit to The Rum Story, Cumbria’s most fascinating and immersive indoor attraction.

Travel back in time to the bustling seaport of Whitehaven – home of the Jefferson’s family business. Founded by Robert Jefferson in 1785 the Jeffersons traded in wines from Spain and Portugal and rum, sugar and molasses from the West Indies.

Millom Heritage and Arts Centre www.millomhac.co.uk

Based in Millom’s beautifully restored railway station, our Heritage and Arts Centre (formerly called Millom Discovery Centre) is almost fifty years old. From small beginnings our centre has evolved into a flourishing hub at the heart of community life in this small town situated on Cumbria’s beautiful coast. Our accredited museum celebrates a rich, varied and multi-layered past, ranging from the Bronze Age through industrial renaissance and subsequent decline to those bygone days when sailing ships crowded the harbour. And don’t forget the hidden role played by RAF Millom during those dark days of WW2!

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