Cumbria Beach Cottages

Cumbria Beach Cottages and Coastal Places to Stay

Nearby towns and coastal bases

Cumbria’s coast is spread out, so the best base depends on whether you want a village, harbour town or traditional seaside setting. Grange-over-Sands sits on Morecambe Bay and has a more sheltered estuary feel, while Ravenglass is a small coastal village with railway links and access towards Eskdale. Whitehaven gives you a larger harbour town setting, with more shops, places to eat and local facilities.

Further north, Maryport and Allonby sit along the Solway coast, with long views across the water towards Scotland. Silloth has a traditional seaside feel, with a green, promenade and quieter pace than many larger resorts. St Bees is one of the best-known coastal villages in the county, useful for beach stays, walking and access to the western edge of the Lake District.

Nearby beaches and coastal setting

St Bees is one of Cumbria’s main beach locations, with sand, rock pools and red sandstone cliffs at St Bees Head. It is a good option for families, walkers and anyone who wants a beach with clear local character rather than a standard resort seafront. The beach is also well placed for coastal walks and views out across the Irish Sea.

Allonby has a long sandy beach on the Solway coast, with open views across the estuary towards southern Scotland. Silloth offers another Solway beach setting, with dunes, wide skies and a quieter seafront. Further south, Haverigg, Silecroft, Roanhead and Walney Island give access to broader sands, dunes and more open coastal landscapes, while Morecambe Bay brings estuary views and tidal sands that need careful planning.

Points of interest and things to do

Cumbria’s coast works well if you want to combine beach time with days out inland. Ravenglass is useful for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Muncaster Castle and routes towards the western Lake District. St Bees Head is a key walking and wildlife area, and the village is also known as the starting point of the Coast to Coast Walk.

Whitehaven has a marina, harbour history and town facilities, while Maryport adds Roman history, museums and access to the Solway coast. Silloth is a quieter option for promenade walks, sunsets and birdwatching around the Solway. The Cumbria Coastal Way links many places along the coast, making the county well suited to visitors who want beaches, walking routes, estuaries and Lake District day trips in the same holiday.