Looking for the perfect beach holiday? Try Cumbria
The Lake District and Cumbria are not normally known for the beaches and coastline but the county is trying to change all that and encourage visitors to sample this lesser known part of Britain’s favourite holiday destination.
The coastline of Cumbria stretches 150 miles comprising wide unspoiled beaches, natural nature reserves, unique coves and heritage towns.
Adrenaline activities
Cumbria’s location means its beaches enjoy a breezy climate making them a haven for adventure sports enthusiasts seeking out kitesurfing, windsurfing or just ordinary surfing. Unlike other popular parts of the UK, these areas are uncrowded meaning enthusiasts can enjoy watersports without the risk of running into others.
Walking
The beaches at St Bees are located on the start of the Coast to Coast walk which cuts through the centre of Britain en-route to the east coast. While this provides a great starting point its also worth taking a look around the whole coastline. Here visitors will find miles of walking routes taking in some spectacular vantage points, such as those from Twentymans famed local store in Allonby where the views across the Solway Firth are as impressive as any in the Lake District.
The coastline was also once used by smugglers and there are numerous points around the area where it is clearly visible as to where the smugglers might have travelled. An exciting insight into life in the Georgian and Victorian eras!
Flora, fauna and heritage
The region is home to a number of native birds including guillemots and puffins, many of which can be spotted in the cliffs which make up this heritage coastline.
On the centre part of the coastline near Ravenglass is where the Lake District officially meets the sea and also a region of historical importance. This Roman town contains remains and monuments showing where the Roman’s once used the area as an important naval port. It is also home to a number of attractions including Muncaster Castle, with Europe’s largest collection of black headed gulls, and the superb Ravenglass to Eskdale miniature railway.
Family fun
Like all seaside locations, Cumbria’s coast welcomes family visitors and offers pony treks on the beaches at Silecroft. However, perhaps what many families come for is Allonby’s famous ice cream at Twentymans. You could even try drinking the sea water as they did in Victorian times when it was once considered a health cure!
All in all the coastline of Cumbria has plenty to offer all types of visitor and with a growing number of small and boutique style accommodation on offer visitors are being encouraged to stay for longer.
For more information about the west coast of Cumbria visit western-lakedistrict.co.uk.