St Bees

There is plenty to see and enjoy in the pretty village of St Bees and surrounding area.  Home to a sweeping sandy beach which marks the beginning of Alfred Wainwright’s world-famous Coast to Coast Walk, St Bees is a popular holiday resort.

The rocky promontory of St Bees Head, the westernmost point of Cumbria, is the only area of significant cliffs between Wales and Scotland.  This red sandstone bluff forms one of the most dramatic natural features along the entire coast of North West England.  Bird watchers will be interested to see gannet, cormorants and peregrine and, in winter, sea ducks, divers and grebes.  A popular children’s playground is available near the beach which includes zip-wires and a play area

St Bees Priory is famed for its beautiful Norman architecture and originally dates back to 650 AD.  The name ‘St Bees’ is of Irish-Norse Viking origin dating back to the 10th century when a small convent was established near the headland.  It has been suggested that the final outpost of the Roman defences, stretching along Hadrian’s Wall and modern West Cumbria, may have ended at St Bees Head.

The village, 10 minutes walk from the railway station, has plenty of accommodation,  a cafe, bistro and restaurant. St Bees enjoys the benefits of the Lake District without the  hustle and bustle of the more populated tourist destinations.


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