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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Lake Rudyard, Nr Leek, Staffordshire

Rudyard

in the county of Staffordshire

Pictures of St Bees

a Seaside Town in the county of Cumbria

About St Bees

St.Bees, the most westerly coastal village on the wild cumbrian coast, is a vision of loveliness, with dream-like scenery to which the red sandstone bluff of St.Bees Head forms a dramatic back-drop. There is a unique sense of peace pervading this special place, perhaps this is due to the legend of a priory being founded here by St. Bega who landed here in 900 AD and who was thought to be an Irish princess.

The scenery here inspired Alfred Wainwright to choose St.Bees as the start of his 'coast to coast' walk devised in 1972. And a wealth of fascinating wildlife is largely responsible for the RSPB Nature Reserve perched on the headland that is home to a variety of wild sea birds amongst which are Puffins, terns and a rare colony of Black Guillemots. From the soft, springy turf of the headland there are fabulous views of lofty sandstone cliffs sweeping down to lonely beaches fringed by tumbling waves.

Attractive buildings are a feature of St.Bees village. As you wander around you note a pleasant mix of architecture, sweet cottages dating from around the 17th-century blend easily with handsome Georgian dwellings, grand Victorian Hotel's and historic, atmospheric inns. The village has the usual assortment of village shops here the owner greets you with a welcoming smile. Any visitor arriving here in search of accommodation, will find themselves spoilt for choice. The village stages several enjoyable music, drama and art festivals throughout the year and at the side of the beach there is an adventure playground for children.

The beach is a paradise for everyone. High tide reveals a beach of golden shingle but once the tide recedes you see a vast expanse of gorgeous red sand. It has an ENCAMS seaside award, so you are assured of the quality and cleanliness of the water. There is no harbour but boats can be launched and landed from a slipway of a nearby hotel. Footpaths lead from the beach to the top of the headland and to the lighthouse at North Head. It is well worth the long walk up, for from the top on a clear day there are extensive views across the ocean to the Isle of Man. It is an unforgettable sight, a memory to treasure forever.

Places to visit include: The Church of St.Mary and St.Bega, St.Bees Head Nature Reserve, Egremont Castle, Ennerdale Water, Ennerdale Forest and Calder Bridge.

Recommended towns & villages near St Bees

A picture of Nether Wasdale

Nether Wasdale (4 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Cumbria

(10.7 miles, 17.2 km, direction SE of St Bees)

Nether Wasdale lies opposite Wasdale Head at the western fringe of Wast Water...

Loweswater, with Mellbreak Fell, CUMBRIA

Loweswater (17 Pictures) in the county of Cumbria

(11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction NE of St Bees)

Loweswater is centred in a landscape of grandeur, it is surrounded by Mellbreak Fell, Carling Knott Fell and Burnbank Fell, all excellent climbing and walking country giving views of a mountainous landscape reflected in sun-kissed pewter waters...

Ravenglass sunset

Ravenglass (40 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of Cumbria

(11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction SE of St Bees)

Special for being the only coastal village within the Lake District National Park, Ravenglass lies where three important rivers converge into the sea...

Buttermere, Cumbria, Haystacks and the path to Scarth Gap (clearly visible)

Buttermere (102 Pictures) in the county of Cumbria

(12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction E of St Bees)

Even when swirling mist rolls in over the stark fells surrounding Buttermere, the little hamlet remains serene in its simplicity and beauty...

The tree

Wasdale Head (42 Pictures) in the county of Cumbria

(13.6 miles, 21.8 km, direction E of St Bees)

Vast, lonely landscape of towering fells, jewel like streams and tarns situated at the head of the Wasdale Valley with the mighty Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain and Great Gable forming an almost uniformity range of mountains in the distance...

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Nearby attractions..

St Bees Head in Cumbria

St Bees Head (7 Pictures)

(1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction NW)

These are the only cliffs on the coast of Cumbria, and it here visitors can catch a glimpse of the sheer drama of sea-birds, for.....

Crummock Water, Lake District, Cumbria.

Crummock Water (37 Pictures)

(12.0 miles, 19.4 km, direction E)

The romantic setting between high fells gives Crummock Water its character. It is somewhat overshadowed by other better known.....

Wast Water

Wast Water (37 Pictures)

(12.4 miles, 19.9 km, direction E)

Wast Water is the deepest lake in England at 280 feet deep. The awesome peaks of Sca Fell and Great Gable tower over the wild,.....

Muncaster Castle, Cumbria

Muncaster Castle (33 Pictures)

(12.6 miles, 20.3 km, direction SE)

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General view showing Cockermouth Castle and Jennings Brewery, Cumbria

Cockermouth Castle (1 Pictures)

(14.9 miles, 23.9 km, direction NE)

These wonderful ruins of a by-gone age can be discovered in the charming inland resort of Cockermouth, amongst Lakeland's.....

Hardknott Roman Fort( Lake District )19th June 2005

Hardknott Roman Fort (3 Pictures)

(16.3 miles, 26.2 km, direction SE)

..

A picture of Whinlatter Forest Park

Whinlatter Forest Park (7 Pictures)

(16.5 miles, 26.6 km, direction NE)

If you happen to visit Keswick in Cumbria do not miss out on Whinlatter Forest Park, for this superb gift of nature is a real.....


All attractions in St Bees
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