When people think about Cumbria they might think about the Lake District and mountains but forget about its exquisite coastline.
On Cumbria's west coast you can find some of the best seaside villages in the country let alone the county and these are some of the most highly rated according to visitors.
Silloth
The seaside village with a population of around 3,000 is the ideal place for a beach day and is known for its leisurely atmosphere, seaside recreation and capturing perfect sunsets over the Solway coast.
The village green is a great place for a family picnic and the long streching promenade ideal for cyclists. Silloth is also known for its arcade and amusements which can be good for hours of fun and afterwards you can get an ice cream from the famous Ice Cream factory shop.
Silloth is a popular haunt with celebrities including film star Tom Cruise, popstar Will Young, footballer James Milner and TV personality Timmy Mallet
Bowness-on-Solway
Bowness-on-Solway is probably best known for being at the western end of Hadrian's Wall but also hold's it's own amongst the Cumbrian coastal elite.
For those who love nature, the village acts as the gateway to the Solway marshes which boast a number of unique habitats, one of the UK's biggest Peat bogs and is a great spot for bird watchers who are looking to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic Lapwings.
Once the adventure on the marshes has concluded, Bowness-on-Solway boasts its own ice-cream spots, like the Peartree tea room with confections being able to be enjoyed in front of the village's magnificent views of the Solway.
READ MORE: Southwaite services customers prefer Southbound over Northbound, new data shows
Ravenglass
Best known for its historic steam locomotive train journey's up and down the Eskdale valley, Ravenglass is another idyllic spot on Cumbria's west coast.
The railway which regularly welcomes visitors and sightseers has fantastic views of England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike and provides visitors with a taste of historic travel.
Ravenglass also acts as the starting point of a short cycle track which takes visitors to the award-winning Muncaster Castle
St Bees
Overlooked by the towering cliffs of St Bees head, the coastal Cumbrian village offers a wide variety of activities from canoeing, sea swimming and paragliding.
It marks the official start point of the Wainwrights coast to coast walk.
St Bees is also the perfect place for families with its play areas, cafes and restaurants.
Arnside
Situated on the Kent Estuary Arnside is a quiet village community which is ideal for a relaxing getaway.
It's long stretching beach and pier make a fanstatic walk but Arnside is also a good base for exploring the Lake District.
READ MORE: Derailed train clear-up to take 'weeks rather than days'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel