Cumbria is perhaps best known for its stunning Lake District views, but if you step away from the famous Windermere and Keswick honeypots, you’ll find stunning ocean views, a rich industrial past, and independent shops along the county’s scenic shores. .
Maryport is one of those cities on the Solway Coast that rarely gets the credit it deserves. Overshadowed by the more tourist-driven neighbors of Silloth, Allonby and St Bees, it’s rare to see Maryport teeming with tourists and day trippers.
But I’m ready to put money into the fact that in the coming years, this will change. Despite its rich Roman heritage, Maryport is perhaps more identified with its industrial past, with its thriving 19th-century shipbuilding and tons of coal shipped from the town along the Maryport to Carlisle railroad.
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In recent years, many regeneration projects have made their way to Maryport, including the government’s Future High Streets Fund. Some of the projects in the pipeline include turning one of the city’s most prominent landmarks – the charming Christ Church – into a new home for the Maritime Museum; turning the city’s former cinema into an arts space and revamping shop fronts, just to name a few.
There’s no doubt that Maryport will look very different in the years to come, but the transformation has already begun. Many new businesses, cafes and restaurants have joined other independent shops and restaurants that line Maryport’s winding streets.
Among the city’s relatively new businesses is Portobello Wood Fired, a small bistro offering wood-fired pizza as well as a selection of mezze. They also operate from converted horse trailers in the city harbor on certain nights.
With the gorgeous weather we’ve had in the past few weeks it’s great to see the locals flock to eat and stroll along the prom. I’m really not sure what else you can expect other than great food with a sea view.
Of course there’s also a chippy (Cross Quays) in the harbor area, an Indian restaurant (Maryport Tandoori) which offers over 100 delicious dishes, and lots of pubs offering good pub grub at reasonable prices.
One of the best for enjoying warmer summer days is the Lifeboat Inn, with its beer garden overlooking the mouth of the harbour. But if you stumble across it on a cold day, chances are the lovely staff will pop a wood burner into the cozy pub.
For coffee and cake, you’ll find Studio Pixel’s unique décor, On Senhouse Street, which matches the flavors of the delectable treats. And Her Citi, on Crosby Street, is ideal not only for eating and drinking, but also for browsing the eclectic mix of clothing, furniture and homewares for sale.
There are several antique and art shops around town, selling charming collectibles and one-of-a-kind finds. I love to wander around and find some real gems. There are also some great local charity shops you can spend an afternoon at.
There’s also plenty to do and explore in the city’s Roman Museum, Maritime Museum, and Maryport Aquarium, which also have great cafes and serve ice cream. And for those feeling a little more adventurous or wanting something a little more active, there are indoor potholing and clip and climb experiences at the Wave Center as well as go-kart tracks at West Coast Karting.
But the jewel in Maryport’s crown is the sea. There are beautiful walks to be enjoyed along the coast, heading south to Flimby and Workington, or heading north, to Allonby and Silloth.
The view across the water towards Scotland, with Criffel standing proud right in the middle of the bay is breathtaking. And the sunsets are just magical. Honestly, ask anyone… Very few places get a sunset like Solway!
One business that is definitely seeing potential in Maryport is the city’s Marina. In addition to its obvious functions, catering to boating enthusiasts and trawler fishermen, the marina also operates a campsite.
There is an on-site caravan park, camping pods and cafe. And guests can enjoy gorgeous boat views and beautiful beach colors at sunset each evening. It’s great to see busy campgrounds and new faces in town, coming to enjoy what Maryport has to offer.
What I think really makes Maryport stand out from the crowd, is that it’s a city where the people are grounded. This isn’t the quaint Lake District hamlet where the average house price would require most of us to win the lottery to be able to afford one.
Maryport is a proud working class place where people are grounded. You’ll get a warm welcome wherever you go, but if you’re not from around here you might have a hard time picking up on a Cumbrian accent sometimes!
Mark my words, Maryport will be more famous than the Lake District one day!
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