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Ravenglass can be found on the west coast of Cumbria south of Seascale. Here, three rivers, the Esk, the Mite and the Irt all converge and was one reason why the Romans built a fort here, at the spot called Glannaventa. You can still see the fort's bathhouse with its 12ft high walls still standing.

The village was a Roman naval base, with the curving estuary channels with its inner stretches sheltered from onshore winds by sandpits, making this area an excellent sheltering area for the boats.

The village made its living from fishing, and in the 18th Century the harbour was also used for smuggling tobacco, French Brandy and various other contraband goods from the Isle Of Man.

Today the village comprises a short street of houses with a slipway to the beach which has changed very little in layout since the 16th Century.

One of the main reasons for coming to Ravenglass is for the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and is one of the most popular attractions in western Lakeland. It is also known as "Owd Ratty". The railway was built in 1875 to carry iron-ore from the mines in Eskdale to the coast and the Main Furness Line. In due course the railway closed when the mines began to close. Eventually it reopened in 1913 to carry granite from the quarries in Eskdale before closing again in 1953. In 1960, a group of people purchased the line and now run it as a tourist attraction. The railway is a narrow-gauge with miniature steam locos and carriages.

On the journey, which is 7 miles [11.2km] long, you will discover some of the finest scenic views in the Lakes. You can stop off at one of the five stations en-route, to take in some excellent walks.

Not far away is another popular attraction, the Muncaster Castle. The lived-in home dates from medieval times and was built on Roman foundations. You will find plenty to do here for all the family with its Himalayan gardens, world owl Centre and new MeadowVole Maze.

The dunes around Ravenglass and the beach are nature reserves, with the area being rich in animal and plant life.

Further up the coast is Sellafield Visitor Centre where you will find something for all the family in which you will experience a different day out which incorporates interactive scientific experiments, intriguing shows and fascinating displays of technology, which will educate and entertain.

Clicking on the various Level Maps below will show different map views of Ravenglass and District. Maps Courtesy of Multi Map.
County Level Map
Town Level Map
Street Level Map