Lake District towns and villages by the sea
Famous for its lakes, landscapes, mountains and coastal towns, the Lake District is one of the most popular destinations in the UK. Some of the most popular Lake District towns and villages by the sea include:
Seascale
Seascale is the only village on the Cumbrian coast, and was once a Roman settlement. The village was once a favourite seaside resort with Victorian visitors. Who believed the fresh sea and mountain air would benefit their health. Since the early days of tourist travel to the Lake District, Seascale was accessible via the Furness West Coast Railway Company.
Modern attractions include: golf, bowling, local cricket and a beautiful coastline, offering views over to the Isle of Man. The Water Tower is a listed building which was used before Seascale had a proper water supply. Pumping water to the Banks, from a large tank on the hill. Visitors with plenty of time on their hands should explore the nearby villages which boast some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Lake District.
Muncaster Castle is also worth a visit, with its 77 acres of gardens, world owl centre, maze and playground, and the Millom Folk Museum, which documents the history of Millom and the Seascale Golf Club, with an 18-hole course, practice range and putting greens. This is also a great place to bring the kids, as there are plenty of attractions for all the family.
Solway Firth
The West coast takes you through many historic Lake District towns and villages by the sea. The area is renowned for spectacular sunsets, and peaceful surroundings. Many visitors to the area come to escape the crowds of the busier Lake District resorts. Solway Firth is also popular for the wildlife, flora and fauna.
Situated on the shores of the Solway Firth, facing southern Galloway, Silloth has a backdrop of fells and open countryside, and is known for its mild climate, and the peace and quiet that surrounds it. The Green is a 36-acre grassy area in the middle of town which attracts many visitors.
The name of Silloth was derived from Cistercian Monks at Holme Cultram Abbey in Abbeytown, Silloth, and was named after the sea lathes in which grain was once stored.
The hamlet was painted by famous landscape artist, Turner, and is also situated on the Cumbria Coastal Way and the Cumbria Cycle Way. Some of the best places to visit in the Solway Firth with the family include: Paramount Amusements, with a soft play area for kids, Solway Firth Discovery Centre, with its family-friendly museum and the Gincase Craft Barn at Silloth, with its farm park and tea rooms.
Maryport and Workington
Maryport was once known as the most attractive harbour towns in the UK. The town has many industrial markings from Roman, Georgian and Victorian times.
One famous resident was Henry Ismay, who founded the White Star Line, builders of the Titanic. Ismay was born in Maryport in 1837.
Nowadays, some of the most popular attractions include the Senhouse Museum, which is thought to have been one of the largest Roman forts in the North of England. Both Maryport and Workington were important industrial towns during the industrial revolution. The industry was built on coal, iron and steel mining. The towns prospered because of their close proximity to Ireland. Major Irish cities, including Dublin, were built off the back of Cumbrian coal.
Whitehaven
Whitehaven was planned by Sir John Lowther, inspired by Christoper Wren´s designs for the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666. Streets were designed in a grid pattern, with St. Nicholas Church sitting in the middle. Prosperity in the town declined, owing to the shallow waters of the Solway. As a result, the size of ships entering the harbour were limited. The deeper water ports at Liverpool and Glasgow prospered at Whitehaven´s expense.
Popular attractions in Whitehaven focus on the local history. There’s the Rum Story, which is dedicated to the history of rum-making and The Haig Colliery Mining Museum. Also be sure to visit the Beacon, which documents the history and industry of Whitehaven. Lastly, there’s the Whitehaven Marine Adventures, which includes a 90-minute boat ride to the nature reserves of St.Bees.
Book into a Spa Hotel in Windermere. Guests can enjoy Englands coastline during the day, followed by a dip in a private hot tub. Lake District towns and villages by the sea are only a stone’s throw away.