Things to do
Cumbria and the Lake District, right on the doorstep.
Cumbria and the Lake District, right on the doorstep.
Spectacular walking, water and scenery within easy reach.
England's highest mountains are on our doorstep — Scafell Pike, Scafell, Great Gable and Pillar are all within easy reach. Quieter routes start from Eskdale and Wasdale Head.
Wast Water — England's deepest lake — is a short drive away, with Devoke Water and the smaller Eskdale tarns close by. Quiet shores, big screes and unbeatable views.
Ride the "La'al Ratty" — a 15-inch steam narrow-gauge railway running from the coast at Ravenglass up into Eskdale. A proper Lake District day out for all ages.
Muncaster Castle, its gardens and owl centre are a short drive away, along with the Roman bath house at Ravenglass and miles of unspoilt west Cumbrian coastline.
Red squirrels, roe deer and buzzards are regular visitors. The western Lakes are one of the darkest corners of England — pack a head torch and look up.
The Bower House in Eskdale, the Boot Inn, the Brook House and the Strands brewery at Nether Wasdale are all within easy reach — proper Lakeland inns with proper food.
Just down the road, the Drigg Coast SSSI is one of the finest sand dune systems in England — wild beaches backed by the rolling "Peaks" of marram-covered dunes. Home to natterjack toads, sand lizards and breeding terns. Park at Drigg or walk in along the coast.
The area is dense with Sites of Special Scientific Interest — the Wasdale Screes plunging into Wast Water, the River Esk, Eskmeals Dunes, Muncaster Tarn and the Ravenglass Estuary are all within easy reach. Bring binoculars and a field guide.
Leave the car behind. The 22-seat Wasdale Shuttlebus runs summer weekends and bank holidays (May to August), connecting visitors to Wast Water and Wasdale Head. Dogs and pushchairs welcome.
A few useful pointers for first-time visitors.
April–October offers the longest, driest days. Pack waterproofs whatever the forecast — this is Cumbria, after all.
October–March, clear nights, a flask of something warm. Bring a red-light torch to keep your night vision.
Midweek stays in shoulder season — May or September — give you the scenery without the school-holiday crowds.