more places to visit

       There are many small towns and villages to visit up and down the West Coast of Cumbria, many of which have their own interesting history of smuggling, or ship building.

       Maryport is only 6 miles away, and was once the site of a Roman fort and port, built to complement the harbour at Ravenglass to the south. The modern town of Maryport was the creation of the Senhouse family in the 18th century, who developed the small fishing village into a coal port. Now, you can pay a visit to the fascinating Lake District Sea Aquarium on the harbourside, or live dangerously at the West Coast Indoor Karting Centre.

        Whitehaven is also an ancient port, and was once a rival to Liverpool. Now, its quiet harbour with its piers and promenades, is a conservation area used by pleasure craft and fishing vessels, and the centre of events during the town's International Maritime Festival. From here, take a trip along the coast to look for porpoises, dolphins, seals, puffins and other marine creatures.

       For the more adventurous, go sea angling for cod, plaice or skate in the Solway Firth or Irish Sea. Details on charters from http://www.seaanglingcharters.com/ based in the port of Workington.

       Or if you fancy a leisurely stroll down a deserted sandy beach, then there are many traditional seaside villages to fit the bill. St Bees with its traditional cafe serving homemade icecream, and its unspoilt seaside atmosphere.

      Allonby is only a few miles away, and has all the facilities you would expect- cafes, pubs, a leisure centre, Blue flag beaches- you can even learn how to surf.

Other attractions on the West Coast include;

  • Muncaster Castle & Owl Centre
  • Ravenglass & Eskdale miniature Railway
  • The Rum Story, Whitehaven; used as a location in the film 'Miss Potter'
  • Trotter's Animal Park; see lots of friendly animals, endangered species, birds of prey, reptiles.
  • Sellafield Visitor Centre (free)
  • Lakeland Sheep & Wool Centre
  • Heavy Horse Centre, Maryport
  • Golf Courses at Whitehaven, Seascale, Workington, Maryport, Silloth
  • Visit "Britain's Best View" and see England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike; England's deepest lake, Wastwater; England's smallest church, Wasdale.

email: bushcottage@fsmail.net  tel: 01946812091