Beaches in Cumbria/Lake District

[Emilyplays84]

Looking at going away for a week in the summer holidays - we have 3 young children. Had a look at beaches in Cumbria, thought Haverigg looked nice but then read about sinking sand and had horrible visions of my very active toddler 😂 Does anyone know much about beaches in the area? Just looking for a sandy beach, not too busy - kids will paddle but not at swimming stage yet. A few amenities nearby is good.

St Bees is beautiful, and has a great seaside cafe selling locally made ice cream, as has Seascale.

The Lake District isn't on the coast, so no beaches.

I think St Bees area is nice, but tbh I wouldn't visit Cumbria for the beaches

The beaches aren't great tbh. The tides come in very fast and there is just acres of damp sand everywhere.

You would be much better visiting one of the lakes or a river and paddling there. Wastwater is lovely for a paddle

Actually, I tell a lie. Looks like it does touch the coast at a couple of spots.

I agree. We drove miles for a beach in Cumbria and it was a massive let down. Just enjoy the lakes. It's beautiful

Where will you be staying? North or South Lakes?

Northumberland is much better and very quiet.

Not really that great for sandy beaches in Cumbria but St Bees is lovely. It’s a bit grassy/rocky and very windswept so you would need a properly hot day

The mud flats at Arnside are a bit different. Not sandy exactly but the (clean, tide-swept) mud is good fun and again there are grassy areas to lay down your picnic blanket. Seaside shops and a couple of great pubs there

Coniston has some “beach” areas around the lake with a great cafe and lovely little boat hire/trips

I agree with PP. If you want beaches, go to Northumberland. If you’re coming to the Lakes, go to the lakes, or mountains.

Also, not quite the Lakes but Kirkby Lonsdale has the most fantastic riverside “beach” area at Devils Bridge which is a popular bikers area. There is a stone bridge that the non-faint hearted jump into the river from (not recommended for children)

Sandscale national trust has a lovely beach

I agree Coniston would be a good substitute if the kids want to play in the sand.
Arnside is lovely but definite issue with sinking sand and the tide coming in very fast.

Ravenglass is in the Lake District. Though personally I prefer St Bees, which is in Cumbria, though not in the Lake District.

And as an additional attraction for Seascale beach, you can save on power bills because after a visit you will potentially light up all on your own 🙁

I'm an hours drive from the lake district on an island called Walney - some good beaches here. Or just up from us there's sand-dunes at Roanhead.
I guess it depends how far you want to go outside of the actual lake district

Arnside is lovely but definite issue with sinking sand and the tide coming in very fast

It is safe enough if you stay on the grassy area near the car park, opposite the famous chippy. And keep a close eye on the kids so they don’t roam.

Not totally true as Ravenglass is in the national park

good beaches

haverigg
roan head
barsaea
silecroft
st bees.

Thanks everyone, we'll probably stick with Wales then. Fancied a change but doesn't sound like there's the kind of beaches we're after. We love the Lakes and will definitely take the kids when they're a little older.

It’s not a bucket and spade type of place.

I’ve been involved in Quicksand rescues of the car park in Arnside and by the pier also at Sandside.

but it moves about.

We went swimming at Ravenglass some years ago and some bloke came running over to tell us we were near a sewage outfall. Shame, the water was lovely and clear, it was gorgeous

We then later went to Wastewater, its very difficult to wade out due to the slippery bolders and Im not very steady on my feet but it was lovely. It was in a heat wave.

If you fancy a change from Wakes OP, I highly recommend Northumberland.

Good decision op, not an area for traditional bucket and spade type beaches, dangerous in part, mud more than sand, tide retreats dramatically so little paddling. It can be nice at times, living here we walked our dogs hundreds of times on the beach and had fun.

There is no such thing as too young for the lakes. Its such a beautiful place with things suitable for all ages. My toddler loves going there and has frequently visited since birth

I think the best time to do the lakes is with little ones. Mine are teens now and would mainly moan if I wanted to drag round walks etc.

There are so many lovely activities and Beatrix potter theme places for little ones. Loved it.

I will go back with the dog and dh in a few years but I would not bother taking the teens with me. They will be old enough to be left hone alone by then.