Maryport Tourist Information
Maryport, or, Minor Romano-British Settlement of Alauna Caruetiorum (the beautiful place).
The West Cumbrian coastal town of Maryport, rich in the history of Roman Occupation, offers the visitor peaceful beach and cliff-top walks along and above the Solway Estuary.
This is bird-watchers country where in the summer is home to a large population of gulls and waders, whilst the Autumn heralds the return of the Barnacle Geese and Whooper Swans.
You may also encounter the traditional method of fishing, Haaf Netting or Heave, for salmon and sea trout, believed to be introduced by the Vikings.
Around 2000 years ago the Romans arrived in the area, one of whom was an officer named Marcus Maenius Agrippa and a close friend of the Emperor Hadrian. A fort was constructed, one of a series of small forts and watchtowers built along Cumbria's western coast virtually as an extension of Hadrians Wall.
The fort remained manned until A.D.410 when the Roman army was recalled to fight in Romes war against the Barbarians.
In the 16th century the area passed into the possession of the influential Stenhouse Family who set about building a town later to be named Maryport after the name of the owners wife. The name change from Ellenport was approved by Parliament in 1791.
A rapid period of development followed.
In the mid-1800’s the Elizabeth Stenhouse Docks were opened from where coal was transported to Ireland, the Maryport to Carlisle railway, planned by George Stephenson, was opened in 1845, plus shipbuilding created the largest and busiest docks in Cumbria until the downturn began in 1927.
Maryport is the birthplace of Fletcher Christian of the Bounty fame. He was born at Ewanrigg Hall.
Thomas Ismay, the founder of the White Star Shipping Line, is another famous son. The Titanic was one of his fleet and photographs of the wreck are displayed in the towns Maritime Museum.
In the older part of the town is the Golden Lion Hotel, once a farmhouse, where the author Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins roomed on occasions.
Maryport and surrounds have much to offer the visitor in terms of historical location, simple access to all other western coastal towns and villages, Carlisle, the regions capital, the Ratty Railway at Ravenglass, Wordsworth's birthplace of Cockermouth, the beautiful Vale of Lorton, the lakes and mountains, and of course the warm and comfortable hospitality of the Cumbrian folk of the west coast.
How to get there:
By rail: From the West Coast Main Line, change at Carnforth or Oxenholme for Windermere.
From Windermere, take one of the many buses or taxis. The journey is four miles.
By road: Situated on the A591, Ambleside is easily accessible from the M6 motorway, exiting at J36.
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Attractions in Maryport |
The Lake District Coast Aquarium
Celebrating our 10th year, we will be hosting special events throughout the year.
www.lakedistrict-coastaquarium.co.uk
Food and Drink in Maryport |
Transportation in Maryport |
Worship in Maryport |