Welcome to Copeland
The Western Lake District is an area of exciting contrasts with
its stunning natural beauty in landscape; a variety of small towns
and villages full of character; and many fascinating visitor
attractions - all with the warmest of welcomes.
Bounded by the quiet sandy beaches of the west coast and the
highest mountains, with tranquil valleys, rivers and lakes,
Copeland has something for everyone.
Both Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and the
deepest lake, Wastwater, can both be found in the majestic and
moody Wasdale Valley in the heart of Copeland. Wastwater of course
also has the added accolade of being “Britain’s Favourite View”.
The Ennerdale and Eskdale Valleys lie either side of Wasdale, each
with their own distinctive character and beauty to delight the
visitor. Our Landscape attractions page provides much more
information.
A wide choice of activities are available - including
horse-riding, golf, windsurfing and sea or fresh water angling.
Cyclists can choose from a local network of cycle paths, or one of
the long distance routes that run through the area, notably the
increasingly popular C2C cycleway. This is also superb country for
walkers - town trails, coastal paths, Cumbria Coastal Way, the
start of the cross country Coast to Coast route, gentle lakeside
walks or more adventurous walks among the quieter and magnificent
Western Fells.
The Western Lake District Tourism Partnership, which includes
the Boroughs of Copeland and Allerdale, has created a web-site
where details of local events, attractions and accommodation
information is available see the Western Lake District
website.
Heritage attractions and museums in Copeland bring the past to
life and provide the ideal opportunity to find out about the
Borough's unique history. Coal mining, iron ore mining, the rum
trade and even smuggling are just some of the factors that have
coloured and influenced the development and character of the
area.
Whitehaven
The superb harbour at the Georgian port of Whitehaven was once
the third largest port in the country, trading throughout the
world.
Today the town's historic harbour has undergone a long-term and
dramatic restoration project, with ancient harbour walls providing
the backdrop for a new marina. The transformation of the old
harbour has been astounding, yet it has retained the character of
the historic harbour. The harbour hosts, and adds the perfect
setting for, regular visits from Tall Ships, Cruise Ships,
Continental Markets, and regular firework shows and events.
For more information on Whitehaven and its events, contact
Whitehaven Tourist Information Centre on 01946 598914.
Egremont
Egremont is an attractive and historic market town five miles
south east of Whitehaven.
Known worldwide for its annual crab fair, the market town boasts
award winning grounds surrounding the ruins of Egremont Castle,
which dates back to Norman times. At the Castle, visitors can
appreciate its commanding views over to the fells of the Western
Lake District.
There are a number of walks around Egremont with interesting
things to see en route. Clints Quarry, a lime quarry a mile from
the town, is a site of special scientific interest, with rare
orchids in an amazing setting. Longlands Lake, Dent Fell and the
River Ehen provide other interesting places to walk and Egremont is
on Route 72 of the Sustrans Cycle Network and the Hadrian's Cycle
Way.
For further information on Egremont and its events, contact
Egremont Tourist Information Centre on 01946 820693 or visit the
Visit Egremont website.
Events and Shows
Events and attractions play a large part in the Copeland
calendar, from traditional agricultural shows and carnivals, to the
World Gurning Championships at Egremont Crab Fair, the Whitehaven
Maritime Festival and the World's Biggest Liar Competition.
For further information, please contact us:
Whitehaven Tourist Information Centre, Market Hall, Market
Place, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7JG
Phone 01946 598914
Email: tic@copelandbc.gov.uk