The railway station for Bootle is about 2 km/1.5 miles north west of the town and is close to the hamlet of Hycemoor.

Bootle is England’s smallest market town and was granted its market town charter as early as 1347. The town lies within the Lake District National Park nestling between the sea to the west and Black Combe and Bootle Fell to the east.

On Bootle Fell there is the ancient Swinside stone circle and, in the dunes at Eskmeals, roman altars and coins have been found.  The Norman Church of St Michael is well worth a visit for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Millstones Barn is a welcoming café to the north of the church situated on the main road towards Ravenglass.