You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Silloth
The Victorian seaside town of Silloth is a popular destination for its leisurely atmosphere, seaside recreation and spectacular sunsets. It has a wonderful, extensive town green right in the centre, with children's water play area and a great selection of independent shops. The long promenade provides a good walk with views of the majestic Solway Firth and across the water to Scotland.
Silloth borders the Solway Coast National Landscape and the town has a Discovery Centre, which is a great way to find out about the seabirds, wild flowers, special landscapes and heritage of the area. The natural indentation of the Solway Firth also influenced the building of Hadrian’s Wall in AD 122.
The flat landscape makes it ideal cycling territory – and even better there are a number of quiet roads for trouble-free pedalling. The National route 72 - Hadrian's Cycvleway passes through the town and you can obtain a free pack of cycle routes from the Discovery Centre.
There is a good selection of accommodation in Silloth from hotels to the highly rated Stanwix Holiday Park. For entertainment, the town has an extensive festival and events programme which includes its famous beer festival and vintage rally.
At its height, the Roman Empire stretched from Africa to the Scottish borders, with the northern frontier demarcated by the building of Hadrian's Wall between Tynemouth and the Solway. The large fort of Maia at Bowness-on-Solway was at the westernmost end of the Wall, guarding the crossings over the Solway, with a series of forts and milefortlets every Roman mile down the coast to Ravenglass.
Hardly anything remains of the wall or its supporting forts in the Solway area, as much of the stone was re-used in later buildings. Once the Romans departed new waves of settlers and influences left their mark on the landscape, including the Normans, who added Holm Cultram Abbey and a number of churches and castles at Beaumont and Burgh-by-Sands, both now demolished. The Abbey owned extensive lands and property around the Solway and had a port at Skinburness from which they exported wool.
Edward I based his naval vessels at Skinburness to supply troops and provisions prior to his assault on Scotland. His attempts to subjugate the Scots resulted in a series of uprisings throughout the borderlands, and contributed to the lawlessness that dominated until 1603 and the unification of the English and Scottish crowns – mostly in the form of reiving, where border gangs robbed goods and livestock. The towns and villages were forced to add defensive towers to their churches, to guard against reivers, such as the ones at Burgh-by-Sands and Newton Arlosh. Elsewhere, pele towers and fortified houses, such as at Drumburgh Castle, were erected.
Smuggling was rife along the Solway coast, with goods such as spirits, tobacco and fine textiles regularly smuggled in from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Wool, by contrast, was smuggled out of the county. Transport was the key to the area's fortunes and decline. The need to link Carlisle with the sea prompted the building of a canal in 1823 from Port Carlisle to the city. By 1854 the canal had been filled in and a railway built in its place, which extended westwards to a new port and docks at Silloth. This was the heyday of prosperity for Silloth.
Solway Coast National Landscape - The Solway Coast National Landscape, stretching from Rockcliffe to Maryport was designated in December 1964 in recognition of the quality of its landscape and its significant historic and scientific interest.
Allonby - Allonby enjoys some beautiful far-reaching views over to Scotland and the Isle of Man. Its sand and shingle beach follows the edge of a wide crescent-shaped bay that is ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Bowness-on-Solway - The coastal village of Bowness on Solway is charming mix of pretty traditional Cumbrian cottages, house and farms, hugging the shoreline of the Solway Firth - part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Beauty.
Did you know?
You will find a diverse range of events and activities at The Forum, as we again aim to bring…
Sea to summits....This is a ride that leads from the coast towards the foot of the highest mountain…
Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track…
140 miles cross-country route linking Whitehaven or Workington with Sunderland or Newcastle. Mostly…
Located in the Foreshore car park. Recycle Tins & Cans, Paper & Card, Glass, Textiles and Plastics…
Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare…
Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, the Best Western…
Electric bike charging point, located at Cyclewise, Cockermouth. A donation to Mountain Rescue is…
A Premium Hotel & Wedding Venue based in Barrow in Furness in Cumbria. Set in 14 acres of private…
Join Jessie McMeekin as she tells tales by the kitchen fire to horrify and delight you. This event…
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Established in 2004, Lakeland Dialysis Limited helps to make it possible for those needing…
Experience the exhilaration of this wet and wild adventure in the remote Western Lake District. …
Join us at the Beacon Museum on 4th July for a guided tour to discover when the fledgling US Navy…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
A free car park with 40 spaces, found on the western tip of Ennerdale Water.
Here Comes The Girls - 3 of the top female tributes in the UK for one night and with a pie and pea…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Come fly with Handpicked Productions and create your very own windsocks and driftwood mobiles. The…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
Public Toilets adjacent to the car park. Free parking, open 7 days a week.
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 1
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL