Thanks to our position on the edge of the Lake District and near the quiet West Cumbrian coast, The Melbreak Hotel makes for a great weekend getaway. Whether you want to see some of the best sites of the Lake District, or explore a part of Cumbria that’s “off the beaten track”, we’ve got the perfect weekend itinerary for you.
We’ve assumed you’ll arrive and check in on Friday evening, with the whole of Saturday and Sunday available to explore. Of course, you can always browse other things to do if you have more time available. Or speak to our friendly team when you arrive, and they’ll be happy to make recommendations.
Browse our itineraries below, or mix-and-match to create your perfect weekend getaway.
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A Weekend on the Coast
West Cumbria is full of long stretches of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque villages. This coastline isn’t nearly as well known as the nearby Lake District, so you have a great opportunity to explore the beauty of some lesser known parts of the county with far fewer crowds to navigate.
Saturday
Start with a trip to a local favourite: St Bees Beach, about half an hour’s drive from the Melbreak. You can drive there or catch the train from Workington. The beach is long and sandy, especially when the tide is out; there’s a nice play area if you’re travelling with children; or you can enjoy a walk over the cliffs or try and catch a crab in the rock pools. Look out for the old outdoor swimming pool that used to be used by pupils at the nearby school. A small shop and café on the beach serves ice cream, refreshments and local produce.
Retrace your route back and continue north to Maryport (again, this is possible by both train and car), a small town made famous by the artwork of L. S. Lowry. There’s an aquarium and a Roman history museum, as well as some nice walks along the seafront. If the weather’s fine, get some traditional fish & chips for dinner and enjoy them as you watch a spectacular coastal sunset. If the weather’s not so good, there’s always a warm welcome at our own Conservatory restaurant (booking recommended).
Sunday
On Sunday, explore the northern edges of the Solway Coast. A drive from Maryport to Port Carlisle is delightful and the sandy beaches stretch for miles. Take your time on this journey for a relaxing day with plenty of stop-offs to enjoy the scenery and some excellent ice cream.
The first major village you’ll come to is Allonby where you can walk along the seafront cycle path or the sizable greens and admire the pretty seaside cottages. There are a couple of cafes here, as well as a play park, a few places to eat, a quaint gift shop, and the popular Twentymans ice cream shop.
Further up the coast is the drowsy Victorian village of Silloth with its spacious green, a handful of shops and eateries, and an old-fashioned arcade. Enjoy a walk along the promenade and look out for the “Big Fella” sculpture. Silloth would be a good place for lunch.
After eating, you can continue walking (or drive a little further north) towards Skinburness and Grune Point in the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Grunge Point is an important location for some rare plants and birdlife, but there are also some interesting military remains, including a pillbox and, at low tide, the remains of a crashed warplane.
Finally, continue around the AONB to Port Carlisle. There’s the opportunity for more birdwatching here, or further walks along the start of the Hadrian’s Wall long-distance footpath. When it’s time, you can head inland towards Carlisle and head home from there.
Walking Holidays
Enjoy a couple of the most famous local hikes during a weekend of walking in the Lake District, or try out some shorter, picturesque options. At the end of each day, tired and happy, you can re-energise with a good meal at the Conservatory restaurant.
Remember when hiking in the lakes that the weather can change quickly, so always be prepared and have appropriate clothing in your rucksack or backpack. Sturdy walking shoes are essential. Also have a map(s) and do not rely solely on your mobile phone as the signal can often be non-existent.
Saturday
Just a 25-minute drive away, Skiddaw is the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District, but surprisingly straightforward to ascend. The easiest and most popular route is the tourist path from Crossthwaite Car Park in Keswick. Park there (or at one of the other car parks in Keswick), or start slightly higher at the car park behind Latrigg fell.
The path is wide and obvious, so just enjoy the views as you ascend this famous mountain. Repeat your steps on the way back or, you can add variations to take in other, smaller fells nearby including Little Man, Ullock Pike, Carl Side or Dodd.
Back in Keswick, reward yourself at one of the many pubs and enjoy a ramble through the town, which has a nice selection of shops and attractions. There is also a very good market on Saturdays and Thursdays.
Easier alternative walks in this area include Latrigg fell or the wheelchair and pram-friendly Keswick to Threlkeld Railway.
Sunday
If you don’t ache too much after Saturday’s excursions, we’d recommend a trip into the Buttermere valley and a walk around the lake of the same name. This is an easy, relatively flat walk that shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. You can then enjoy lunch at one of the two village pubs before a walk through the Rannerdale Valley (full of bluebells in spring) and up the small fell of Rannerdale Knotts, where you can see three lakes, the sea, and plenty of mountains.
For an alternative, more taxing walk, park up at Gatesgarth Farm at the far end of Buttermere and follow the path up and over Haystacks, Alfred Wainwright’s favourite mountain. The views from here are truly spectacular and there is the option to extend the hike over High Stile and Red Pike.
Buttermere has limited parking and is especially popular during summer. We recommend taking the free seasonal shuttle bus from nearby Cockermouth instead of driving.
Hidden Gems
As most visitors to the area don’t travel this far out west, there are plenty of hidden gems to see along the west coast. Take a detour off the beaten track with this weekend itinerary.
Saturday
Start your day with a morning at Loweswater, a small lake that neighbours the more famous Buttermere and Crummock Water. Surrounded by mountains and ancient woodland, this is a peaceful place for a walk. You can do a full loop (some on-road walking required) or stick to the woods and hills on the south-east shore where you can spot squirrels and find hidden waterfalls. Pop in for some refreshments at the popular Kirkstile Inn nearby.
In the afternoon, you might like to head into the town of Whitehaven. Historically a major trading port, New York’s street grid was based on this very town, and it’s the last resting place of George Washington’s grandmother! The Rum Story tells of the darker side of local shipping trade, and The Beacon is full of interactive galleries and exhibitions that will satisfy both adults and children.
In the evening, head over to Workington for an evening at the Carnegie Theatre, which hosts lots of live music as well as occasional plays, musicals and talks.
Sunday
The market town of Cockermouth is already well known, but if you’re looking for something a little less familiar, stick to the outskirts and visit Isel Hall. On a steep slope above the river, the ancient hall has incredible views. Open select weekends throughout the year.
Heading back towards the coast, visit Maryport, a small town with beautiful Victorian houses and features, and pleasant walks along the seafront. It’s worth taking a gentle stroll and enjoying the sound of the lapping waves. Or, if the weather isn’t so favourable, there’s a small but interesting aquarium and a fascinating Roman museum.
If you still have time in the evening, a drive north along the coast as the sun sets is a must.
Lake District Must-Sees
If you want to see the best sites of the Lakes, we don’t blame you. Here’s our quick whistle-stop tour of nearby must-see Lake District attractions.
Saturday
The Lake District Wildlife Park is just a 20-minute drive away and is full of creatures great and small – from snakes and meerkats to zebras and wildebeest. There are flying displays and interesting talks that will keep you entertained throughout the morning.
While you’re here, you may as well stop at the Lakes Distillery, just around the corner. Home of the famous Lakes Whisky, there are tours and tastings available.
A visit to this area wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the pretty town of Cockermouth. The birthplace of William Wordsworth, you can visit his childhood home, Wordsworth House, now run by the National Trust. The town is full of independent shops, including a book shop and a quirky hardware store - J. B. Banks & Son - that includes a “secret” museum of curios at the back.
Sunday
As the only northern Lake District town, Keswick is undeniably attractive with its lakeside position and surrounding fells. We recommend spending a full day here, whatever the weather. If you’re feeling active, take a walk up Skiddaw or Catbells, or along the lake to Friar’s Crag. Take a tour of the lake on the Keswick Launch, or hire a rowing boat and go at your own pace. A quick detour up to Castlerigg Stone Circle will take your breath away. Alternatively, pop into Borrowdale to see the balancing Bowder Stone or the famous Ashness Bridge and Surprise View.
Outside is the best place to be in Keswick, but if the weather is truly terrible, try exploring Keswick Museum, the Pencil Factory, or the Puzzling Place. Thanks to Keswick’s popularity, these attractions are all open on Sunday, too.
On your drive back, take the scenic route through Borrowdale, over Honister Pass, and alongside Buttermere and Crummock lakes. If the timing’s right, witnessing the sun set whilst driving down Honister Pass is a truly spectacular sight!
A Cultural Escape
With a fascinating industrial and social history, this area has a rich heritage that can be explored through ruins, museums, and the landscape.
Saturday
The nearby town of Cockermouth is a good place to start, as you can visit the childhood home of William Wordsworth. At the National Trust-owned property, you can explore the house and riverside gardens as they were in the poet’s childhood.
Continue on beyond Cockermouth and around Bassenthwaite Lake until you reach Mirehouse, a family-run historic home with literary connections. There are letters from the likes of Wordsworth, Constable and Tennyson, and the latter’s Morte d’Arthur was inspired by a stay at Mirehouse. While you’re here, explore the library and grounds, then take a wander down to pretty St Bega’s Church on the shore.
Finally, stop in at Keswick where there are two museums: the Keswick Museum and the Pencil Factory. Between them, you’ll find a treasure trove of information and artefacts about the local area’s history.
Wrap up your day with a sunset stroll around Castlerigg Stone Circle, before catching a play at Theatre by the Lake.
Sunday
On Sunday, explore some history off the tourist trail by heading into our nearest town, Workington. Here you’ll find the Helena Thompson Museum, a fascinating collection of the town’s history, with all sorts of curios and interesting titbits. Then, cross the road and into Hall Park, where you can see the ruins of Workington Hall, which you’ll have learned about at the museum.
Step back further in time as you head to nearby Maryport, with a visit to Senhouse Roman Museum. This small but packed museum overlooks the sea and displays objects mostly derived from a local fort, including the largest group of Roman military altar stones in the country. There is a replica watchtower outside the museum.
Weekends at the Melbreak
We hope these weekend itineraries have given you an idea of the wealth of activities available in this quiet area of Cumbria. From Lake District favourites to lesser-known hidden gems, there is plenty on offer. Explore them yourself with a weekend break at the Melbreak.