While the Lake District is undeniably beautiful and well worth a visit, Cumbria has so much more to offer! The Cumbrian coast is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered with miles of rugged coastline for you to enjoy. We have chosen our favourite things to do in the region, as well as our top rated places to stay to ensure you are all prepared for your visit.
1.Cumbria Coastal Way
A visit to Cumbria would not be complete without exploring its fascinating coastline. The Cumbria Coastal Way is a great way to do this! The path is a stunning 182 mile (298 km) walk along the rugged Cumbrian coast starting at Silverdale in Lancashire and finishing at Metal Bridge on the Scottish border. The route winds around Morecambe Bay, the unmissable seaside towns of Whitehaven and Workington and not forgetting some fabulous beaches! The Cumbria Coastal Way is the perfect choice to discover different aspects of Cumbria. You will go through part of the Lake District, experience the industrial history of the area at its many historic ports and discover lovely nature of the area, especially at its estuary sands. The route is no longer an official path due to issues with access rights in some areas, but most of the path is still accessible and there are diversions.
2.Roman Remains
Interested in history? Then you are headed to the right place! Cumbria has a fascinating Roman history which you can experience at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport. The museum contains a unique treasure trove of Roman artifacts, many of which were excavated from the nearby Milefortlet 21, which is also part of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. The outline of the fortlet can be clearly seen in the ground and is the remains of a one of a chain of forts that ran along the west coast and met up with Hadrian’s Wall to the north. The fortlet lies next to Hadrian’s Cycleway, which you can follow all the way along Hadrian’s Wall! You can also check out the Elizabethan salt pans nearby in Crosscanonby, which is all that remains of a 700 year industry that made salt from sea water along the Cumbrian coast.
3. Whitehaven
Whitehaven is a harbor town bursting with history that is a must-see on any Cumbria travel itinerary! It was one of the first purpose built towns of the post-renaissance during the Georgian period. The building of the town was driven by the Lowther family. The Lowthers wanted to make the most of the rich coal and iron deposits in the region and so constructed Whitehaven harbor and a small town on a grid system (said to have inspired the grid system of New York!). Whitehaven had undersea deposits with the first undersea mine in the country constructed off the coast in 1729. The money that poured into the town as a result gave it its handsome Georgian architecture, which you can still enjoy today. Make sure to check out the Rum Story at the Dark Spirit of Whitehaven where you can find out all about the UK rum industry, of which Whitehaven was the centre.
4.Stunning Beaches
There are many wonderful beaches along the Cumbrian coast but one of the best is certainly at Allonby. The 5 mile stretch of beach is made up of pebbles, shingle and at low tide a huge area of sand where you can find rare species, such as the honeycomb worm reef. The beach is also a popular water sports area and if the weather is clear you can enjoy amazing views of the Solway Estuary, the Lake District and the Scottish Fells. Another beach to head to is St. Bees with its dramatic sandstone cliffs and Victorian promenade giving this mile of sand and pebbles a dignified air. If beachcombing is your thing, make sure to head to Seascale beach with its miles of pebbles and shingle. Seascale was also a popular Victorian seaside town with the Furness Railway line bringing people down to the coast from the industrial cities. You can still enjoy an unforgettable train journey along this lovely coastline on the Cumbrian Coast Line.
Where to stay on the Cumbrian Coast
Now you know what you have to see in this beautiful region, you need to know where you can camp in your motorhome hire! There are a variety of options on this wonderful coastline, with gorgeous sea views, dramatic landscapes and the perfect facilities for your holiday needs. Here are 3 of our favourites!
1.Spring Lea Holiday Centre
Situated on the coast in the quaint town of Allonby, Spring Lea Holiday Centre offers a welcoming family friendly environment, where you can relax and take in the wonderful coastal scenery. Guests can enjoy the heated indoor pool on site, a sauna and jacuzzi, games room and outdoor play area for the kids, as well as a bar serving meals and even live entertainment! There are also electric hook-ups, free hot showers, laundrette facilities and chemical toilet disposal point. It is the perfect location to explore the lovely Allonby beach and the fascinating Roman remains in nearby Crosscanonby.
Prices start from £15.00 per night
GPS: 54.776335, -3.427589
Allonby, Maryport CA15 6QF, UK
2. Harbourside Caravan Park
The Harbourside Caravan Park is situated at the Maryport Marina with 10 fully serviced gravel pitches. The unique location of this site means that you get sea views and the perfect town centre location with great links to explore the local region. Each pitch has electricity and water access, with a lovely amenities block at the marina, a laundry, dryer, iron, so all the facilities you could need for your stay!
Prices start from £19.00 per night
GPS: 54.714354, -3.506422
Maryport Marina, Marine Rd, Maryport CA15 8AY, UK
3. Seacote Park
Located in St. Bees, Seacote Park is a wonderful family friendly park with beautiful sea views with great facilities! There is a large children’s play area at the seafront, a shop selling essentials, souvenirs and most importantly local ice cream and visitors also have access to the live entertainment provided by the attached Seacote Hotel! There is free access to the park washroom, as well as baby-changing facilities and disabled access.There are hard standing pitches with sea views and access to electric hook-ups and water, which are included in the price.
Prices start from £18.00 per night
GPS: 54.491567, -3.606099
Seacote Park, St Bees, CA27 0ET, Saint Bees CA27 0ET, UK
Well now that you know what wonderful places you have to visit on the Cumbrian Coast and some fantastic places to stay in the region, you are all set to begin your next adventure! Make sure to check out the variety of campervans and motorhomes we have for hire on Goboony and find your perfect holiday vehicle.
