10 Best Things To See In Do In The Lake District's Seascale

Located just north of Ravenglass, on the coast of Cumbria (but not part of the Lake District National Park), Seascale is small Victorian seaside resort that is one of the most charming coastal towns in the area. There’s plenty to see and do here, making it the ideal location for a relaxing weekend getaway. If you find yourself in the area, here are the 10 best things to see and do.

Walk on a Victorian jetty

Seascale’s Victorian wooden jetty was reinstated to mark the millennium, providing a focal point to the coastline of the town. Locals and visitors flock to the jetty, particularly during the warmer months for fishing, wind surfing and water-skiing. It’s also a pleasant place to stroll along at any time of year, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Visit a stone circle

It may not be as famous as Stonehenge, but Grey Croft Stone Circle is still an impressive sight. Located slightly north of Seascale, on the perimeter of Sellafield nuclear plant, the circle is located on private land but can be admired from a nearby footpath. 10 stones remain from the original 12 with some of them reaching two metres in height.

Learn to throw your own pots

Bridge, Shop

If you’ve always fancied yourself as a ceramicist, head to Gosforth Pottery where you can book in for a lesson on the potter’s wheel. If you don’t fancy throwing your own pot but would still like to get creative, there’s also the opportunity to paint your own ceramic plate, mug or ornament to take home. The shop sells their own range of handmade ceramics that are perfect for souvenirs of your trip.

Get back to nature

Visit Hallsenna Moor National Nature Reserve, one of the few lowland heath and peatland habitats in Cumbria. This is one of the most interesting nature reserves in the area, thanks to the diversity of plants that grow here. Keen bird watchers should keep their eyes peeled for buzzards, curlew and warblers.

Hop in the car

Park

Cumbria is notorious for its unpredictable weather, but if your visit coincides with a rainy day there is still plenty to see. Jump in the car and drive towards the nearby Lake District National Park. There’s plenty to see here, even from behind the wheel, as you drive down narrow lanes past beautiful lakes and towering peaks.

Learn all about rum

Cottages

Visit the nearby town of Whitehaven for a fully interactive experience about the story of how rum made its way to Cumbria in the 18th Century. The Rum Story is set in the buildings that housed the Jefferson family’s original 1785 shop, telling their tale through replicas of a tropical rainforest, an African village, a slave ship and Cumbrian cottages.

Visit the beach

There are plenty of beaches and seaside resorts in the area, but St Bees’ beach has been awarded an ENCAMS Seaside Award for its safety and cleanliness. Head here on a warm day to paddle in the water or simply to sit on the sand and admire the views. There’s also an impressive playground if you’re travelling with children.

Try to catch crabs

There are several places along the coastline, including Seascale itself, where it is possible to hunt for crabs in the rock pools. Children and adults alike will enjoy searching through the rock pools to find crabs of all shapes and sizes. Take a fishing net and a bucket to allow yourself a closer look, but make sure you put the crabs back in the water safely afterwards.

Go for a walk in the Lake District

Seascale is located right at the edge of the Lake District National Park, making it the ideal base for walking in the fells. Why not try out one of the Wainwright routes, or attempt to conquer the tallest mountain in England, Scafell Pike? There are also plenty of low level walks that are accessible to everyone, regardless of experience.

Visit a 12th-century abbey

The remains of Calder Abbey are in remarkable condition, offering a snapshot of what this area of England was like in the 12th century. The abbey is privately owned and isn’t technically open to the public, but visitors can admire the ruins from the footpath that runs past the impressively large house that owns the land. Walk along the River Calder on the path that starts by the churchyard at Calder Bridge to find the abbey.

About the author

Emma Lavelle

Based in the north of England, Emma Lavelle is a freelance writer and keen photographer with an endless wanderlust. Read about her latest travels on www.fieldandnest.com or on Instagram @fieldandnest