Surrounded by acres of salt marshes along the Duddon Estuary, there are miles of beautiful golden sands on the seaward side of Millom. With the heather-clad bulk of Black Combe Fell on its doorstep, the former fishing village of Millom has a varied history with a rich industrial heritage. Founded on iron-ore mining and ironmaking in the 19th Century, little evidence remains of that activity today.

The Discovery Centre has displays on internationally acclaimed, 20th Century poet and resident, Norman Nicholson, who spent his life in the town. The landscapes and hardships of daily life in and industrial community were evocatively penned by Nicholson. Next to the ancient parish church of the Holy Trinity are the ruins of the 14th Century, moated Millom Castle.

Hodbarrow, formerly iron ore mines, is now the largest coastal lagoon in the northwest of England. It’s a real treat for bird lovers, attracting thousands of overwintering and migratory birds to watch from the bird-viewing hide.

To the north-west are the small villages of Bootle and Waberthwaite and the scattered farming community that makes up Corney. The villages of Silecroft and Kirksanton lie at the southern end of the Whicham Valley. Haverigg and Silecroft are the main holiday villages on this part of the Western Lake District coast, whilst to the north are the rural hamlets of The Hill, The Green and Hallthwaites.