Sun, Sand, and Beauty: A Guide to Cumbria Beaches

Whilst the picturesque lakes and majestic mountains often take the limelight, the hidden gems of Cumbria’s beaches are a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Our guide will take you on a captivating journey along the stunning Cumbrian coast, where diverse landscapes and breath-taking beaches await. Prepare to uncover fascinating FAQs and explore our carefully curated list of beaches near the Lake District to enhance your itinerary.

Find the best Cumbria beaches below…

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Cumbria Beaches FAQs
The 11 Best Beaches in Cumbria

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Cumbria Beaches FAQs

Does Cumbria have nice beaches?

Yes, of course! Whilst the county may be seen by most as being home to the Lake District, its beache aren’t to be missed. Not only are many of them sandy and offer great views, but they’re within reach of handy facilities.

What is the best beach in the Lake District?

Personally, my favourite beach in the Lake District is Silecroft Beach. It boasts amazing mountain views and offers ample space to enjoy a beach day; this is especially helpful during the busy summer season.

Is St Bees a sandy beach?

St Bees isn’t entirely made up of sand, however, it does offer a mixture of sand and pebble.

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The 11 Best Beaches in Cumbria

1. St Bees Beach, St Bees

Best for: Coast to Coast Walk access

First up on our list of must-see Cumbria beaches is the delightful St Bees Beach. Its shoreline boasts a blend of sand and pebble, backed by rugged cliffs. The beach has made it to our guide to the best UK beaches too, and it’s easy to see why!

But there’s more to St Bees Beach than meets the eye. Besides its tranquil waters, perfect for swimming and surfing, it offers access to the iconic Coast to Coast Walk. Don’t miss the scenic St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge stretch, easily reachable from here

Calling all dog owners! St Bees Beach is one of the dog-friendly havens in Cumbria, allowing you to enjoy this coastal gem with your furry friend before embarking on a memorable hike.

Alternatively, head into the historic St Bees village, where St Bees Golf Club awaits. A train station sits in the heart of the village, so you can easily venture along the coast to more beaches.

Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Dog-friendly: Yes, all-year-round
Car park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: CA27 0ES

2. Haverigg Beach, Haverigg

Best for: Keeping the little ones entertained

Perched at the mouth of the Duddon Estuary lies the delightful sandy expanse of Haverigg Beach. It is one of our favourite Cumbria beaches and offers stunning views of the National Trust’s Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve.

As you arrive at the beach, you’ll notice a small stretch of shingle at the entrance. However, keep walking, and you’ll uncover vast sweeping sands that extend towards the Irish Sea.

This Blue Flag beach is also dog-friendly, so your furry friend can have a ball here! The beach is adjacent to a children’s play area, allowing the little ones to play to their heart’s content after enjoying a swim.

Be sure to visit the Haverigg Beach Café. You can enjoy tucking into several sweet treats, including Victoria sponge cake! Ideal for a post-swim snack.

Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all-year-round
Car park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: LA18 4GY

3. Allonby Beach, Allonby

Best for: Swimming in shallow waters

The delightful five-mile stretch of Allonby Beach is a wonderful addition to our guide to the best beaches in Cumbria. One of its biggest highlights is the incredible panoramic views it offers. From this part of the Cumbrian coast, you can admire the Scottish fells, Lake District fells, and the Solway Estuary.

Two popular activities at this beach are windsurfing, thanks to the shallow waters, and swimming. It’s worth noting that swimming is best enjoyed during low tide when the sandy shore is exposed and the water is easily accessible.

Even during high tide, you can still enjoy this beach. By wearing shoes, you can take a leisurely walk along the rocky shore. As a dog-friendly beach, your furry companion is welcome to join you on your seaside escapades here too!

If you’re looking for a Lake District beach, look no further than Allonby.

Type of beach: Sand, shingle and pebble
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: Yes, for free
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: CA15 6PE

4. Silecroft Beach, Silecroft

Best for: Views of Black Combe Fell

This Cumbria beach sits on the edge of the Lake District National Park and is popular with both tourists and locals alike! It’s a wonderful spot for a beach day, with the piercing Black Combe Fell resting behind it.

For experienced swimmers, Silecroft Beach offers deep waters to enjoy. However, please exercise caution as these waters can be challenging for beginner swimmers. During low tide, the beach unveils a vast expanse of sand, perfect for families looking to soak up the sun and build sandcastles.

If you fancy a bit of seafront golfing, why not make Silecroft Golf Club your next stop after visiting this beach?

Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: Yes, for free
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: LA18 4NY

5. Millom Beach, Millom

Best for: Birdwatching

When it comes to a tranquil beach outing, this Cumbria beach is the perfect choice. Millom Beach lies around the corner from Haverigg Beach, stretching for miles.

Whilst exploring this extensive stretch of sand, take advantage of its grassy dunes and marshes, which are perfect for a scenic walk. The beach’s close proximity to RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve has made it a haven for several bird species, including the sandwich tern and great crested grebe.

Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: No
Public toilets: No
Postcode: LA18 4LD

6. Ravenglass Beach, Ravenglass

Best for: Dog-friendly days out

Situated within the national park, this Lake District beach is the perfect place to go when you and your loved ones want to chill out. Breath-taking views of the Irish Sea and the Eskmeal Dunes await.

Traditional fishermen’s cottages line the shore, so you can enjoy an idyllic walk along the beach with fantastic views on either side. Your canine companion can join you on these walks too, thanks to this Cumbria beach being dog-friendly all year round.

After unwinding at the beach, why not explore more of Ravenglass? The coastal village is home to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, a small steam engine that will take the family on a fun, view-filled journey before letting you explore the on-site museum and eateries.

Type of beach: Shingle, mud and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes, all-year-round
Car park: No
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: CA18 1SN

7. Bardsea Beach, Bardsea

Best for: Historic sights

With its dog-friendly policy and access to scenic coastal paths like the Barsea and Baycliff Circular, this Cumbrian beach is a perfect destination for you and your furry friend. You can find this set of sand and shingle on the outskirts of Ulverston.

If you love history, you’ll be delighted to see that Bardsea Beach is moments away from Conishead Priory and the Birkrigg Druids Circle. You can also spot Chapel Island near the beach, which was the home of a 14th-century chapel.

Are you in the mood for shell searching? Ravenglass Beach is a treasure trove of shells waiting to be discovered. You’ll also come across beautiful pieces of driftwood, which are perfect for bringing a coastal ambience to your home.

Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes, all-year-round
Car park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: LA12 9RB

8. Whitehaven Beach, Whitehaven

Best for: Nearby attractions

Nestled by Whitehaven, this Cumbrian beach is perfect if you’re looking for a traditional beach day out. The charming Georgian town provides a picturesque backdrop for your seaside adventures.

Once you’ve enjoyed the sandy delights of this beach, take a hike along the harbour to reach the West Pier Lighthouse, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking ocean views. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along Whitehaven Marina and indulge in a delicious meal at one of the nearby eateries, such as The Vagabond.

The Rum Story and The Beacon Museum are also close by if you want to turn your beach visit into a complete day out here!

Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Dog-friendly: Yes, all-year-round
Car park: No
Public toilets: No
Postcode: CA28 7HD

9. Crummock South Beach, Buttermere

Best for: Being moments away from Lake District delights

Crummock South Beach is a small Lake District beach that is a superb unwinding spot when you’re hiking near Buttermere. Backing onto Crummock Water, a stunning Lake District lake, it’s a very tranquil location which you’ll struggle to tear yourself away from!

A great spot for watersports, you can enjoy canoeing and even Lake District wild swimming here! Its remote position makes it feel like a hidden gem too; you can easily escape the crowds here.

This is amidst the Cumbria beaches that are perfect for picnicking, so be sure to bring along a basket full of goodies to tuck into, after you’ve made a splash. Alternatively, savour a hearty dish at The Bridge Inn, a welcoming pub in Buttemere.

Type of beach: Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: No
Public toilets: No
Postcode: CA13 9XA

10. Bowness-on-Solway Beach, near Carlisle

Best for: Cycling and long walks

If you’re a nature and outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love this exceptional Cumbria beach. As part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it is a haven for various bird species and abundant wildlife, including redshanks and oystercatchers.

Bowness-on-Solway Beach, located at the end of Hadrian’s Wall, offers fantastic walking routes, making it a popular choice for hikers. Moreover, it is situated along Cycle Route 72, allowing cyclists to enjoy the picturesque Cumbrian coast.

For those looking to take a refreshing dip, the beach provides direct access to the Solway Firth. However, it’s important to note that swimming here is recommended for experienced swimmers, and checking the tide conditions beforehand is essential.

Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, but please keep dogs on leads around bird feeding/nesting sites and livestock
Car park: Yes
Public toilets: No
Postcode: CA7 5AF

11. Seascale Beach, near Ravenglass

Best for: Angling and watersports

Last but certainly not least on our list of Cumbria beaches is Seascale Beach. With its two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline, it offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, providing a getaway from the bustling crowds.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse coastal wildlife, including various seabirds and the occasional sightings of seals and dolphins. The beach also offers opportunities for engaging in watersports such as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Alternatively, you can enjoy beachcombing and building sandcastles.

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, visit during high tide for a chance to catch bass, codling, and flounders. Afterwards, treat yourself to a delightful dessert at Mawson’s Ice Cream Parlour, a perfect way to end your beach visit.

Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all-year-round
Car park: Yes, for free
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: CA20 1QS

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Ready to uncover these delights along the Cumbrian coast? Do so from a Cumbria holiday cottage or a Lake District holiday cottage. Uncover even more things to do in the area with our Lake District Travel Guide.

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Image credits: Andy Deacon – CC BY-SA 2.0; Perry Dark – CC BY-SA 2.0; Phil Catterall – CC BY-SA 2.0; Des Colhoun – CC BY-SA 2.0; Antiquary – CC BY 4.0; John Lord – CC BY-SA 2.0