A SEASIDE town in Cumbria that’s won multiple awards is a well-kept holiday secret among travellers in the know, thanks to its unspoiled surroundings and spectacular sunsets.
Silloth in Allerdale, Cumbria, has been known since Victorian times for the quality of its air, the abundance of rare wildlife and its spectacular sunsets. And not much has changed since then.
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It has several beaches, two of the most famous ones being West Beach and Grune Point.
West Beach is a large, sandy beach with dunes and views of the Solway Firth and the Scottish landscape, including the hills of Southern Galloway and the Lake District Fells.
Grune Point is a long, sandy shingle beach that sticks out into the Moricambe estuary and is a great spot for bird watching.
The beaches are some of the best places to watch Silloth’s famous sunsets, which are considered so good because of the town’s location and views.
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If you don’t make it to the beach, another popular spot to catch one is Silloth Promenade – a traffic-free walkway which also has views of Solway Firth and Scotland.
The town’s Green is one of the largest and longest greens in the country, dating back to the 1860s.
It’s located in the Silloth conservation area and close to the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, and has been awarded the Green Flag Award several years in a row for its high environmental standards, excellent visitor facilities, and beautiful maintenance.
It’s now recognised as one of the best parks in the country.
Among the things to do there is a water play area, which is a big hit during the summer months with children of all ages.
Silloth has won several awards over the years, including the Coastal Resort Trophy and Best Sustainable Development Town in 2016.
The town has also played host to lots of big events. For 21 years it held a music and beer festival, with Allerdale beers and local acts.
But the organises announced this year they’d made the “difficult decision” for it to come to an end.
The Silloth Vintage Rally however, still takes place across two days every year.
It’s a free, family-friendly event that takes place on Silloth Green, showcasing hundreds of vintage vehicles, including steam engines, stationary engines, commercial and military vehicles, classic cars, vintage tractors, and classic motorbikes.
If you can’t wait for the rally to come around, Silloth has its very own Motorcycle Museum.
The museum displays a range of production and Grand Prix bikes that have been raced by Jim Snaith at iconic circuits including the Isle of Man TT and Daytona.
The museum is run by Snaith, and he shares his first-hand knowledge with visitors.
Entry is free and donations are welcome.
Silloth’s location is also ideal for exploring the Lake District.
Drive around 45 minutes south east and you’ll find yourself in Keswick.
Lesser known seaside towns and villages in the UK
Broadstairs, Kent – has a retro feel, a mild maritime climate, and many attractions, including seven sandy bays.
Bamburgh, Northumberland – the coastal village is known for its castle, beaches and rich history. Bamburgh Castle is a medieval fortress on a 180-foot basalt crag that’s one of the most important Anglo-Saxon archaeological sites in the world. Bamburgh Beach is a popular spot for surfing, kite surfing, dog walking, and horse riding.
Hunstanton, Norfolk – the town is renowned for its stripes cliffs, and it’s one of the only towns on England’s east coast that faces west, allowing for spectacular sunsets across the sea.
Portscatho, Cornwall – is a charming fishing village in the Roseland Peninsula that’s known for its scenic beauty, beaches, and activities. Portscatho Beach is a small, east-facing beach that’s mostly rocky with sandy patches. It’s sheltered within Gerrans Bay, which is great for rock-pooling at low tide.
Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire – Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque fishing village on the North York Moors Heritage Coast that’s known for its fishing heritage, smuggling, and fossils.
Mersea Island, Essex – There are many reasons to visit Mersea Island in Essex, including its beaches, wildlife, and outdoor activities. You can explore the island by bike using the Mersea E-Bikes.
Beer, Devon – The beautiful picturesque village of Beer is located on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast in Devon. Surrounded by white chalk cliffs, the shingle beach is lined with fishing boats still bringing in their daily catches and is famous for its mackerel.
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The UK’s best seaside town was revealed in July this year by Which?
Banburgh in Northumberland topped the list, making it four years in a row that the north east town has claimed the title.