There are many beautiful, sleepy villages in the Lake District, but one in particular can officially say that it shares the same cultural status as the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.
Welcome to Ravenglass, in Muncaster Parish, one of the only places in the world to be awarded double World Heritage Site status.
Ravenglass, the only coastal town in the Lake District National Park, is positioned at the start of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire, which is part of Hadrian’s Wall’s World Heritage status. Then, in July 2017, the Lake District as a whole was given World Heritage status, meaning the Cumbrian natural harbour now has a dual title.
As a result, the village welcomed a whopping 115,000 visitors in 2017, and that number is set to increase this year.
The town has a lot to offer visitors, including the Ravenglass Railway Museum, the nearby Muncaster Castle, a Roman Bathhouse, the Beacon Museum and Hardknott Fort in the Eskdale valley. This is before we include the views, walking, hiking, nature and wildlife opportunities the Lakes have to offer – the reason it was awarded its own Heritage Status in the first place.
A Lake District National Park ranger, Rec Cathey, says it’s an exciting time but lots of work needs to be done to help visitors, from all over the world, fully enjoy the beautiful landscape and unique history the area has to offer.
“We have already rolled out the compelling community-led archaeology project tracking Romans in Ravenglass and provided great walk options, including an accessible route for all ages and abilities,” she told NW Evening Mail.
“The England Coast Path, due to open in this area in 2018, will take people into the village and Ravenglass has a regular train service, as well as top attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.”
The Lake District certainly has lots to offer – and the area’s popularity has no signs of waning. Will you visit this year?
