St Bees, Cumbria

How to get there

Facilities Index

St Bees Index - - - - Home Page


By Road
From the South
M6 to junction 36 (South Lakes turn-off), A590 , A595 towards Whitehaven (Shorth-cut over Corney if adventurous - single track fell road) and then turn off at Egremont for St Bees.
Longer route, less scenic but faster (and less trying on those subject to travel sickness!) - continue on M6 to Penrith (See From the East).

From the East
A66 to Penrith, then A66 to Cockermouth and A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from there.
From the North and North East
Head for Carlisle (A69 from Newcastle way, A74(M) from Glasgow direction or A7 from the Scottish Borders. Then take the A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from there.

By Rail
Mainline train to Carlisle, then local train to Whitehaven (and walk (approx. 4 miles), hitch, taxi or bus to St Bees). Some trains go to St Bees. Also possible from the South (Barrow), but more changes required and fewer trains.
For information on train times, fares, etc. see
The Train Line
- Virgin Trains - Railtrack - UK Public Transport

The railway came to St. Bees in 1849 and there are still 11 passenger trains a day starting from Lancaster, Barrow-in-Furness or Carlisle. There are direct trains from Manchester Airport to these stations. The most picturesque route is via Barrow. The railway crosses the estuaries of Furness, and affords fine views of the Lakeland fells, before running almost along the beach for the last few miles. There are amazing seascapes from the carriage window - a far cry from the suburban railway. Summer timetable starts on 28th May. Trains are run by First North Western and times and fares are available on 08547 48 49 50 . Sample - the North Country Rail rover ticket gives unlimited travel between Irish and North sea for £55 (£36 with railcard) for four days; exact details from number above.
By Bus
National Express bus service available to Whitehaven. Sporadic bus service to St Bees. So as for trains, walk (approx. 4 miles), hitch, taxi or bus to St Bees! For information on National Bus routes, times and fares, see
National Express
- UK Public Transport
By Air
You are either joking or own a helicopter! Nearest international airport is Manchester (2 1/2 hours by car), with Glasgow (2 3/4 hours)a close second. Teeside and Newcastle airports are also within 2 1/2 - 3 hours drive. For information on some of these airports and airlines flying to them, see British Airports Authority
By Sea
Whitehaven has a Marina, accessible through lock gates at all states of the tide.
St Bees a beach & jetty.
The only time table which could be of use here is the Tide Timetables. Anyone know where to find them on the net?