I 💗Cumbria (part 2) Maryport.

We enjoyed such lovely weather while staying in Keswick we decided to have a trip out to the west coast town of Maryport. It was only half an hour's journey, driving past Bassenthwaite and some beautiful scenery.

I knew nothing about the town. We decided to go very much on a whim. However we had a lovely day there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
 http://www.visitcumbria.com/wc/maryport/

Maryport has a long history and what appears to be an excellent Roman Museum. Maryport was a Roman port dating from the 5th century. Unfortunately the museum was shut when we were there.



I will be honest and say that the town centre, as are so many, was a little tired and care worn.
The town folk make up for this and are very friendly and chatty.

We were made to feel very welcome, where ever we stopped.
There are a dedicated group of locals who are working hard to regenerate the town and bring in visitors. https://www.facebook.com/lovemaryporttownteam

Maryport has a long promenade, wonderful for walking and cycling along. As you walk along the Solway Firth, you are gazing across to Dumfries and Galloway. We walked almost as far as the next town of Allonby before turning back.

Our tummies were rumbling as we walked back into the town, lunch called. We found a quirky cafe, Her Citi, with wonderful food and some beautiful items for sale. https://www.facebook.com/herciti

We had such an enjoyable time, that we will certainly be returning.
I want to visit the Senhouse Roman Museum and maybe even finish that walk to Allonby.

During the year it holds heritage weekends and a Blues Festival in July.
There is a literary festival in November, for which I've already made a note in my diary.

I 💗Cumbria (part 1)

If you ever look at my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/carol.warham you would know that I visit Keswick as often as possible. Unfortunately this is usually only for two weeks a year generally.  One of these weeks is always the first week in March when I can enjoy the Words by the Water Literary Festival. This takes place at the Theatre by the Lake.

I usually book tickets for a couple of speakers and then see if anything else takes my eye and is not fully booked.  This time my friend Lynda and I went to listen to David Owen speaking about his book, 'Cabinet's Finest Hour -The hidden agenda of 1940'.  I admit is sounds a bit dry but he spoke eloquently about his research and his admiration for the politicians involved. He also answered questions on current topics, from Corbyn to Brexit. His answers and opinions were clearly expressed, no shilly shallying here.
The other speaker was Richard Francis on his book 'Judge Sewell's Apology', about the Salem witch trials. Again another well researched book and a fascinating history.

We enjoyed some beautiful weather while we were there.  Long leisurely strolls taken every day while a certain dog, named Sam, enjoyed leaping about in Derwentwater, splashing happily until we dragged him out.

During our time we we visited some of Keswick's excellent pubs and coffee bars. Yes, cake was involved.
We decided, unusually, to take a ride out to the coast and visited Maryport, more of which later.  Normally once I've parked up the car is forgotten about until it's time to go home.
I'm already planning my next week away, which will probably be around September or October time. That is unless I can squeeze one in sooner!