Things to do in St. Bees

The coastal village of St. Bees sits on the western coast of Cumbria and is a popular holiday destination due to its long, sandy white beach and fame as the starting point of Wainwright’s ‘Coast to Coast’ walk. The popularity of the village means there are plenty of activities to enjoy including pretty walks, historic landmarks and tasty fish and chip shops! The village is also only 15 minutes away from the larger coastal town of Whitehaven. 

  • St. Bees Beach

St. Bee’s is home to a stunning sandy beach stretching out below the dramatic headland of St. Bees Head. The beach is easily accessible from the village centre and is perfect for a summer’s day out where you can sunbathe, build sandcastles with the kids, enjoy some local fish and chips or a have a swim in the sea. At the northern end of the beach, there is a promenade that extends towards the red, sandstone cliffs in the central section of the beach. You may notice a row of nine groynes (shore protection structures) along the beach; these are in place to lessen the effects of longshore drift on the coast. 

  • St. Bees Head and Lighthouse 

St. Bees Head is a red, sandstone bluff, which forms one of the most dramatic natural features along the entire coast of North West England. There are four miles of towering cliffs made up of St.Bees sandstone, which is locally used for many buildings in Cumbria. The land is the only stretch of Heritage Coast on the English coastline between the Welsh and Scottish borders and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The North Head is the most westerly point of Northern England and is the site of St Bees Lighthouse, which dates back to 1718. 

  • St. Bees Priory

Established in 1130, St.Bees Priory is the parish church of the village and is still in used for worship today. The grade I listed building boasts beautiful Norman architecture, with the ancient designs on the arch of the West Door being of particular interest and believing to have survived from as early as 1150. The priory is brimming with history, with one of the most interesting displays being the history and model of the ‘St. Bees Man.’ During an archaeological dig of the 14th century chapel in 1981, remains of a man were found, believing to date back to 1368, whose body was in a remarkable state of preservation. The priory’s display includes information on the find as well as presenting the shroud in which he as wrapped.

  • Bird Spotting at St. Bees Head RSPB Nature Reserve

St. Bees Head is home to a protected RSPB Nature Reserve, with the coastal cliffs providing a home for thousands of seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, puffins, shags and herring gulls. St. Bees Head is the only place in England where black guillemots breed. Other birds that regularly breed here also include the tawny owl, sparrow hawk, peregrine and the raven. Grab your binoculars and head to one of the cliffs observation stations to see what you can spot!

  • Sculptures and memorials

The coastal village is home to a range of interesting, historic sculptures and memorials to visit on your trip. At St. Bees Priory, Josefina de Vasconcellos created ‘The Vision of St. Bega’ in 1955, which consists of two sculptures; the kneeling figure of St.Bega and the Virgin Mary and Child. Another one of Josefina de Vasconcellos’ works stands at St Bees School named ‘The Hand’ and was carved from Green Buttermere slate in the early 1950s. The sculpture is a memorial to the former pupils and staff of St. Bees School who gave their lives in the Second World War. In 2000, one of the most famous sculptures was created by artist Colin Telfer and represents St Bega arriving at the coast in her small boat from Ireland. The sculpture is placed in Beck Edge garden near the railway station. A time capsule was buried under the artwork before it was erected.

  • Take a trip to Whitehaven

Take a train from St. Bees railway station to the nearby town of Whitehaven for a day out exploring close by attractions including Whitehaven Harbour, The Beacon Museum, The Rum Story, ‘The Castle’ and St. Nicholas’ Church. The town is also bustling with pubs, cafes and restaurants.