Carlisle - The Great Border City
As well as exploring mysterious chambers, stairways and dungeons at Carlisle Castle and seeing the 'licking stones' (once a source of lifesaving moisture for prisoners), you'll also find the Border Regiment Museum there. The magnificent cathedral has superb oak carvings and the Citadel, once a prison, is as captivating as ever.

Maryport
The Senhouse Museum tells of the town's role as a Roman fortress. Its seafaring history can be found in the Maritime Museum with displays on Titanic owner Thomas Ismay and HMS Bounty mutineer Fletcher Christian. And don't miss the Lake District Coast Aquarium with its new Wild Solway Centre. You can also visit the recently opened Wave Centre with its cinema, theatre space, bistro and visitor centre.

Whitehaven - an 'England Gem Town'
Mining in Whitehaven began in the 13th century. The full story is told at the Beacon and Haig Colliery Mining Museum. The town's picture-postcard harbour dates back to 1633 and you need to visit the Rum Story to savour the 'Dark Spirit of Whitehaven'.

Ravenglass
Once an important Roman naval base, Ravenglass is the Lake District National Park's only coastal village. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway - or 'La'al Ratty' as it is affectionately known - was opened in 1875 to bring ore to Ravenglass. It now takes visitors on a steam-hauled journey from Ravenglass to Dalegarth, calling at Muncaster Mill, Irton Road, The Green and Beckfoot. The illustrated Wainwright guide of ten 'Walks from Ratty' is available from Ravenglass station.

Barrow-in-Furness
The story of the small hamlet that became the world leader in iron and steel and a major shipbuilding centre, is told in the spectacular Dock Museum. With over 800 years of history, the red sandstone remains of Furness Abbey are well worth a visit.

Further Information
For more information about any of these locations or ideas for other places to visit on the Cumbrian Coast Line, please visit:

www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk
www.lake-district-peninsulas.co.uk