5 fantastic beaches in Cumbria

Enjoying a day by the sea is a great way to unwind and Cumbria has an amazing assortment of beaches to choose from. We’ve picked our 5 favourite beaches in Cumbria that will satisfy nature lovers, visitors eager to try out watersports, families, as well as people who don’t want their dogs to miss out on all the fun.

St Bees – for family fun

The village of St Bees has a lovely sand and pebble beach with handy facilities including a car park, a playground for children, as well as a beach café. The beach is a great choice for families, including family members of the furry variety as dogs are allowed too. Visitors who are keen to walk Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk will find the start of the walk at St Bees and there is also a nature reserve at St Bees Head where visitors can view the only nesting black guillemots in England.

Allonby – for adrenaline adventures

The stunning sand and shingle beach at the village of Allonby is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Adrenaline seekers can go wild here as the beach provides the chance to try watersports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as horse riding along the sand. Visitors who are keen for some fishing may get lucky with a catch here and walkers can join the Cumbria Coastal Way which passes through Allonby village.

Walney Island – for wonderful wildlife

Walney Island is connected to Barrow-in-Furness by a bridge and is Cumbria’s biggest island. The island is around 11 miles in length and has no shortage of beautiful beaches to explore but one of the more popular options is West Shore which is also known as Earnse Bay and is a good spot for kitesurfing and walking. Walney Island is also a good choice for nature lovers as it is home to two nature reserves known as North Walney and South Walney. The rare Natterjack toad makes its home in North Walney, while South Walney is a great place to see a large variety of bird species as well as Grey and Common seals.

Silecroft – for rest and relaxation

Silecroft is a sand and pebble beach next to the coastal village of Silecroft, located near the town of Millom. Dogs are allowed on the beach and it is also a suitable spot for angling. Facilities include toilets and a car park and pubs are available in the nearby village. Visitors can explore the pretty stretch of sand as well as the beautiful surrounding Cumbrian landscape, including walks along the Cumbria Coastal Way as well as inland to the fell of Black Combe which offers excellent panoramic views.

Roan Head – for wandering and walking

Visitors who are happy to sacrifice swimming in exchange for striking scenery should make their way to Roan Head beach. Situated a few miles north of Barrow-in-Furness, Roan Head Beach (which is sometimes referred to as Roanhead) is an ideal option for visitors who are keen to stretch their legs over extensive stretches of sand. The beach isn’t well suited to swimming due to the strong currents but it is the site of a stunning nature reserve that contains a variety of rare insects and plants as well as Natterjack toads.

Splendid seaside retreats that will satisfy young and old alike

No matter what kind of beach you’re looking for, these wonderful Cumbrian beaches can provide a seaside visit that’s just right for you. Whether you’re after wildly beautiful landscapes and the chance to spot wildlife, a family-friendly beach with handy facilities or a place to test your skills with a choice of exciting watersports, these beaches are all well worth visiting and will provide an exciting day out in Cumbria to suit visitors of all ages.