Renowned for its towering fells, rural countryside and bodies of water, these Lake District beaches are amongst the regions best kept secrets.
Expect pristine sands and glistening waters, all hidden away from the maddening crowds of England’s popular seaside resorts.
We’ve compiled a handy list of the best Lake District beaches. Continue reading to learn more…
1. Haverigg Beach, Haverigg
The first on our list of Lake District beaches is Haverigg Beach. This Cumbrian beach sits at the mouth of the Duddon Estuary, a short distance from the pint-sized town of Millom.
Framing awe-inspiring views of both the coast and country, this Lake District beach is one of our favourites. A tidal beach, it is recommended to visit at low tide, where it’s possible to reach Silecroft Beach on foot.
A former Blue-Flag award winner, Haverigg beach has been recognized for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. Paired with its parking, public toilets, and beachfront café, Haverigg beach is a must on your visit to Cumbria.
Made up of sand and shingle, there is plenty of space to be enjoyed. Make a splash with the little ones or take your four-legged friend for a stroll. With a long stretch of sand dunes waiting to be explored, you won’t be short on things to do.
Haverigg beach is backed by the RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve, where you can expect to see a fascinating collection of birds during nesting season.
Type of beach: Sand & Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard: No
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LA18 4ES
2. Roanhead Beach, Barrow-in-Furness
Preserved by the National Trust, Roanhead Beach forms part of the Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve. Known locally as Sandscale Haws, this Lake District beach showcases the unrivalled natural beauty of the Cumbrian coastline.
Three miles north of Barrow-in-Furness, Roanhead Beach enjoys views across the Duddon Estuary as well as the rural greenery of its surroundings. There is a lot to see away from the shore too, with the nature reserve home to a rare mix of plant and bug species.
The beach is decorated in a wide expanse of golden sand, perfect for building sandcastles, basking in the sun, or paddling the shores. Please be mindful that due to strong currents, it is dangerous to swim at Roanhead Beach.
Dogs are welcome on the beach, however are not permitted on the sand dunes.
Type of beach: Sand
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard: No
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LA14 4QJ
3. Allonby Beach, Allonby
Overlooking Allonby Bay, this popular Lake District beach stretches a staggering 5 miles in length.
Decorated in a mix of sand, shingle and peddles, Allonby Beach is best visited at low tide, where the water gives way to a large expanse of golden sand. Check the tide times ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.
Perfect for paddling, building sandcastles and soaking in some rays, Allonby Bay is an idyllic spot for families with little ones.
Enjoy far-reaching views across the Solway Estuary, with the rolling peaks of the Lake District towering in the distance. Even the Isle of Man may be visible on the clearest of days.
The town of Allonby rests moments away from Allonby Beach, where you’ll find all of your local amenities. Make a stop at beachfront favourite, Twentymans ice cream parlour, and enjoy a scoop or two. If you’re in the mood for a treat, there’s a mouth-watering selection of sundaes to choose from.
Type of beach: Sand & Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard: No
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: CA15 6PD
4. Seascale Beach, Seascale
Settled on the western border of Cumbria is Seascale Beach, perhaps one of the most well-known of the Lake Districts beaches.
This long, flat beach stretches for miles along the Cumbrian coast, ornamented with a mixture of sand and shingle. A large stretch of sand is revealed at low tide, providing plenty of space to enjoy hours of family-friendly fun.
This Lake District beach features a wooden jetty that extends into the water. An iconic landmark of Seascale beach, the jetty is a popular spot to engage in sea fishing or a number of exciting watersports.
There’s plenty to do on the safety of dry land here too. Test your swing at Seascale Links Golf Course, let the little ones run wild at Seascale Play Park or explore the Hallsenna Moor National Nature Reserve.
Type of beach: Sand & Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard: No
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: CA20 1PZ
5. Askam-in-Furness, Askam
Idylically positioned on the northern coast of the Furness peninsula, Askam-in-Furness is one of Cumbrias best dog friendly beaches. Home to a vast expanse of golden sand bordered by dunes and marshes, it’s easy to see why.
The Duddon Estuary separates this beach from Millom Beach, framing awe-inspiring views across the water. A truly picturesque setting to enjoy a stroll through the sand with your dog, there’s no better reason to add Askam-in-Furness to your list of Lake District beaches to visit.
Due to its history of iron ore mining, this sandy beach has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The shores are dotted with grassy red slag heaps, home to a diverse range of fauna and flora.
An old iron works pier stretches the width of the beach, thought to have been used as a quay for ships to dock.
Type of beach: Sand
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard: No
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: LA16 7FD
6. Ravenglass Beach, Ravenglass
Sitting on the estuary at the meeting point of the river Mite, Irt and Esk, Ravenglass is the only coastal town inside the limits of the Lake District National Park.
The beach is made up in a blend of sand, mud and shingle, making it the ideal spot for beachcombing, building castles, or strolling the shores.
Pets are welcome year round, will ample space to enjoy off-leash adventures. To keep the little ones entertained, there’s a small childrens playground nearby, as well as the much-loved Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Station.
A picture-perfect row of traditional fishermans cottages run parallel to the beach, leading the way into the heart of Ravenglass. Here you’ll find a handful of local amenities including public toilets, a homemade ice cream shop and a pet-friendly pub.
Type of beach: Sand, Mud & Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard: No
Car Park: No, however parking is available nearby in Ravenglass
7. Millom Beach, Millom
The charming town of Millom sits on the edge of the Lake District, overlooking Duddon Sands.
A pint-sized alternative to Haverigg Beach nearby, this Lake District beach is the perfect choice for those looking to escape the crowds.
Considered more of a salt marsh than your typical beach, grassy dunes protect a stretch of sand and shingle. From here you can enjoy views across the estuary toward Askam-in-Furness and the Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve.
Once a popular mining town, a coastal lagoon sits within the confines of a former mining pit, enveloped by Hodbarrow Sea Wall. A walk along the old sea wall will bring you to Haverigg Beach, where you can enjoy a family-friendly traditional beach day.
There’s plenty to see along this beach in Cumbria, including the Hodbarrow Point Lighthouse and the RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve.
Type of beach: Sand & Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard: No
Car Park: No, however roadside parking is available nearby
Tempted to visit the awe-inspiring beauty of these Lake District beaches for yourself? Browse through this wonderful collection of Lake District lodges and book your perfect getaway today!
And if the weather isn’t on your side, give our guide on things to do in the Lake District when it rains a read! Or if you fancy exploring further inland, read our blog on 11 of the best Lake District walks.
Images courtesy of: Studio 7043 – (CCO 1.0); Michael C – (CC BY-SA 2.0); David Jackson – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Anne Burgess – (CC BY-SA 2.0); David Medcalf – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Ian Taylor – (CC BY-SA 2.0); James T M Towill – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Perry Dark – (CC BY-SA 2.0);
