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.
We welcome the incredible Pet Encounters team who will teach you about their beautiful animals,…
Full of Noises is delighted to host the Arethusa Quartet as part of the Ulverston International…
Collect 10 different pebbles from the beach and bring them to the Hub for our experts to identify…
Join us at The Beacon Portal for a beginners half day glass fusing course. Learn a new skill and…
The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse's early rise to fame and the making of her ground breaking…
The Hay O' Trail is a 6km multi terrain race. Runners leave the grounds of Cockermouth School,…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of…
Bring the whole family and join in a free and easy day of fun with balance bikes, volleyball,…
Solo again, Britain's most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights…
Are you a crafter or interested in crafts? Would you like to take part in our free wellbeing…
Walk with our Ranger and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest! Whinlatter is a red…
The summer Whitehaven Flower Club Gala returns with even more beautiful arrangements and top advice…
A celebration of diversity and inclusion. Parade, performers, stalls and workshops. All free. …
Shakespeare's profound story of love and loss, artfully adapted into a contemporary three-act…
This event will bring together businesses, charities, organisations and individuals who all have…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
Roo Stars Rocky Horror Experience comes to Barrow
Come along to Wordsworth House and Garden and get crafty and creative in the Discovery Room. Be…
We're delighted to welcome Flip Entertainments back to The Beacon Museum. Together with colourful…
Arvo Pärt Summa Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor*# Grieg Holberg Suite Piazzolla Four…
Get ready to sing your heart out and spread joy with Cathy Marcangelo.
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 108
, currently showing 81 to 100.
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
684 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.
Ravenglass
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. Excellent…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1940 reviewsMaryport
Award winning family attraction on historic Maryport harbourside. All day tickets for 70+ displays of local and tropical marine life include a free round of crazy golf! Cafe, Gift Shop, Bait & Tackle store, Radio control boats, Adventure Playground.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
465 reviewsBassenthwaite
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…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
Ravenglass
Standing proudly in the center of the village of Ravenglass the Pennington Hotel has 22 well appointed and relaxing bedrooms, with quality bathrooms, smart TV’s, and comfy beds, all areas offer high speed internet which has been complete upscaled…
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsGreat 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 reviewsCockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Barrow-in-Furness
Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe…
Ravenglass
The Ratty Arms is located on the platform of Ravenglass station on the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line, which runs past the main terminus of our narrow gauge railway. Guests can sit back and unwind with a drink, while watching the trains go by.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
875 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Cockermouth
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
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
875 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.
Barrow-in-Furness
Express Bar & Lounge serving International cuisine, ranging from pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches and a range of alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and coffee.
Maryport
Situated in the centre of Allonby that nestles in a sandy bay on the unspoilt Solway Coast. Our beautifully converted 17thC barn cottages are hidden away in a tranquil courtyard. All have original features retained.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL