You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Silloth
The Victorian seaside town of Silloth is a popular destination for its leisurely atmosphere, seaside recreation and spectacular sunsets. It has a wonderful, extensive town green right in the centre, with children's water play area and a great selection of independent shops. The long promenade provides a good walk with views of the majestic Solway Firth and across the water to Scotland.
Silloth borders the Solway Coast National Landscape and the town has a Discovery Centre, which is a great way to find out about the seabirds, wild flowers, special landscapes and heritage of the area. The natural indentation of the Solway Firth also influenced the building of Hadrian’s Wall in AD 122.
The flat landscape makes it ideal cycling territory – and even better there are a number of quiet roads for trouble-free pedalling. The National route 72 - Hadrian's Cycvleway passes through the town and you can obtain a free pack of cycle routes from the Discovery Centre.
There is a good selection of accommodation in Silloth from hotels to the highly rated Stanwix Holiday Park. For entertainment, the town has an extensive festival and events programme which includes its famous beer festival and vintage rally.
At its height, the Roman Empire stretched from Africa to the Scottish borders, with the northern frontier demarcated by the building of Hadrian's Wall between Tynemouth and the Solway. The large fort of Maia at Bowness-on-Solway was at the westernmost end of the Wall, guarding the crossings over the Solway, with a series of forts and milefortlets every Roman mile down the coast to Ravenglass.
Hardly anything remains of the wall or its supporting forts in the Solway area, as much of the stone was re-used in later buildings. Once the Romans departed new waves of settlers and influences left their mark on the landscape, including the Normans, who added Holm Cultram Abbey and a number of churches and castles at Beaumont and Burgh-by-Sands, both now demolished. The Abbey owned extensive lands and property around the Solway and had a port at Skinburness from which they exported wool.
Edward I based his naval vessels at Skinburness to supply troops and provisions prior to his assault on Scotland. His attempts to subjugate the Scots resulted in a series of uprisings throughout the borderlands, and contributed to the lawlessness that dominated until 1603 and the unification of the English and Scottish crowns – mostly in the form of reiving, where border gangs robbed goods and livestock. The towns and villages were forced to add defensive towers to their churches, to guard against reivers, such as the ones at Burgh-by-Sands and Newton Arlosh. Elsewhere, pele towers and fortified houses, such as at Drumburgh Castle, were erected.
Smuggling was rife along the Solway coast, with goods such as spirits, tobacco and fine textiles regularly smuggled in from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Wool, by contrast, was smuggled out of the county. Transport was the key to the area's fortunes and decline. The need to link Carlisle with the sea prompted the building of a canal in 1823 from Port Carlisle to the city. By 1854 the canal had been filled in and a railway built in its place, which extended westwards to a new port and docks at Silloth. This was the heyday of prosperity for Silloth.
Solway Coast National Landscape - The Solway Coast National Landscape, stretching from Rockcliffe to Maryport was designated in December 1964 in recognition of the quality of its landscape and its significant historic and scientific interest.
Allonby - Allonby enjoys some beautiful far-reaching views over to Scotland and the Isle of Man. Its sand and shingle beach follows the edge of a wide crescent-shaped bay that is ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Bowness-on-Solway - The coastal village of Bowness on Solway is charming mix of pretty traditional Cumbrian cottages, house and farms, hugging the shoreline of the Solway Firth - part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Beauty.
Did you know?
AN INTIMATE ACOUSTIC TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL.. PRESENTED BY 5 PIECE BAND 'THIS FLIGHT…
Are you a crafter or interested in crafts? Would you like to take part in our free wellbeing…
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Parking charges apply at Bowness Knott (card payments only).
The show where every child gets a present from Santa! What magic is hidden inside Santa's…
Located at the Joiner's Arms. Recycle glass, cans, plastics, paper and card at this site.
Join The Jerseys as we celebrate the timeless music of the 100 million album selling Frankie Valli…
Tribute to Showaddywaddy in Barrow
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
Whitehaven Harbour Saturday 31 August 11-5 pm The festival will once again feature live promenade…
The summer Whitehaven Flower Club Gala returns with even more beautiful arrangements and top advice…
Join us for an incredible adventure on Scafell Pike, one of the National three peaks and the…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable Ranger as they lead you around our amazing WOW Trail! The Wow…
Shopping centre with department store, 11 shops, 6 cinemas, 3 restaurants. Over 400 free parking…
Aspatria is a small town in the North West of Cumbria, situated within the area known as the…
Located in the car park of the Tesco supermarket. Recycle Tins & Cans, Paper & Card,…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
4 Luxury Glamping Retreat on The North Western edge of the Lake District - Castle Guards Farm…
Collect 10 different pebbles from the beach and bring them to the Hub for our experts to identify…
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
Whether for a small or large conference, meeting or event, Muncaster Castle, set on the beautiful…
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 1
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL