The only coastal village in the Lake District is abundant in natural beauty and storybook enchantment – and you could even escape the crowds of tourists.
The beauty of the Lake District is no well-kept secret. Situated in Cumbria, in the north-westerly part of England, the mountainous Lake District is a national treasure. In fact, England’s largest national park is now considered a world treasure, having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home to the famous Scafell Pike mountain, as well as glacial lakes and a myriad of picturesque villages, there is no wrong choice when it comes to selecting the hub for your Lake District trip. However, if you’re hoping to settle somewhere quieter and avoid the massive crowds that flock to the region each year, there is one town that should be on your radar. Ravenglass is considered the coastal hamlet of the Lake District National Park, as it’s the only coastal village in the region.
The storybook village sits on the estuary of three rivers—the Esk, the Mite and the Irt. The significance of Ravenglass’ location is best understood by the historical role it played as a naval base for Romans guarding the coast against Barbarian invasion during the 2nd century. While little remains of the ancient naval base now, the historic presence of the Romans can be appreciated by visiting the ruins of their former bathhouse.
And if you’re keen for a bit more ancient architecture to explore, Ravenglass is minutes away from Muncaster Castle—a privately owned estate overlooking the River Esk. Go for an afternoon to enjoy the gardens or stay overnight on the grounds by booking a room in the old stable yard buildings.
Any mention of Ravenglass would be incomplete without shining a light on its famous narrow gauge railway, known affectionately as La’al Ratty. The little steam train is perfect for marvelling at the village, as it runs from the countryside up into the Eskdale Valley. You can even book a Cream Tea and Steam experience to enjoy a delectable meal during the 14-mile return journey. For those who are interested in a more active holiday, the Hadrian’s Cycleway offers a scenic view of some of England’s most striking countryside. The whole route from Ravenglass in Cumbria to South Shields in Tyne & Wear is 280 kilometres and takes around 3 days to complete (4-5 if you want to take in the attractions along the way).
If you’re not keen on cycling, the walk from Dalegarth to Boot is a scenic, low-intensity route and will give you the chance to stop by the Stanley Ghyll waterfall tucked in the woodlands.
