An exciting year ahead is in prospect for anyone lucky enough to be heading for the Western Lake District and its beautiful coastline. There are new art installations, attractions and a packed programme of outdoor events on the horizon. So, what better time than now to plan your latest visit.
You can do so secure in the knowledge that Copeland Borough Council along with local businesses have been working hard to ensure all required COVID-19 safety measures are in place for your safety.
Take a look at what’s in store for 2022. You can book in advance and if you have any questions you can’t find answers to on their websites – just give the businesses a call and they will be happy to help you.
The Edge
The Georgian gem of Whitehaven is preparing for an historic year with a new coastal activity centre called The Edge due to open in December, 2022. It’s an architecturally bold new building and will be a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the port’s scenery and stunning coastline.
It will be located close to the cycle coast to coast route and will prove a vibrant base for walking, cycling and water sport activities. The Edge will have 17 en-suite bedrooms, a café, showers, changing facilities and toilets.
It’s a busy, exciting year for Whitehaven. Early 2022 also sees the unveiling of the iconic Whitehaven harbour lighthouses following a major restoration programme. And if that is not enough reason to visit the beautiful Georgian town – don’t forget it’s also home to The Beacon Museum and the Rum Story.
Make time to Explore Deep Time
Adding to the area’s stunning natural beauty this summer will be the Deep Time Coastal Arts Programme. The innovative project will showcase new permanent site-specific art commissions by award winning international artists at Whitehaven’s Solway Hall, Silecroft beach, Whitehaven Harbour, Haverigg and Hodbarrow and Drigg.
The arts project will build on and celebrate The Western Lake District and Coast’s rich and varied terrain with artworks influenced by its ecology, history, industry and rugged beauty.
And what a place it is for art. It’s where the Lake District National Park meets the Irish Sea – an ever-changing landscape depending on the tides, light and weather.
The Deep Time programme has been commissioned by Copeland Borough Council and is funded by HM Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Fund.
Silecroft Beach
2022 is England’s Year of the Coast. Our striking coastline is ready to be explored – our beaches the perfect place for a stroll. Silecroft Beach has almost three miles of sand and shingle and is the perfect place to walk or simply sit and enjoy the unrivalled sea views.
And by late summer 2022 there’ll be a brand-new beach café where you can refresh yourself after spending some quality time on the beach. Sculptor, and former Turner Prize winner, Martin Boyce has been working with Edinburgh based architects Konishi Gaffney on the design of the new building – as part of the Deep Time Coastal Arts project. It will feature an artwork based on the beautiful backdrop to this tranquil beach – Black Combe fell.
Enjoy Market Day
Food lovers and artisan craft enthusiasts already know that Western Cumbria is a great place to discover new delights. Why not join them and visit our local markets? Weekly street markets are usually held in Whitehaven (Thursdays and Saturdays), Egremont (Fridays) and Cleator Moor (Fridays). There are also monthly (second Saturday of the month) Young Entrepreneurs Markets in Whitehaven and from 29th April to 2nd of May the town will also host a continental market on the harbour.
EskFest
And there’s something for music lovers too! The region hosts an independent music festival. It takes place between July 7-10, 2022, in the beautiful Eskdale valley. EskFest provides a varied programme of entertainment along with food, drink and of course camping. It’s incredibly popular and tickets are limited so book now
Plan Ahead
As you can see from this small taste of what is on offer in Copeland during 2022 – it is guaranteed to be an exciting year! Now is the ideal time to start planning your visit. There’s lots more information on places to see, events and attractions available here. Please check back regularly as events may affected if Government guidelines change.
Finally, please follow HM Government COVID-19 safety guidelines when you visit. Support our local shops and businesses by being mindful of social distancing and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces. Enjoy your visit and stay safe!