Tucked away in northern Cumbria on the site of an ancient Roman road lies the rural town of Aspatria, pronounced locally as spiatry or spatry depending on who you ask. Located in between Carlisle, which is approximately 20 miles to the northeast, Keswick at 18 miles to the southeast and Maryport which lies around 7 miles to the west, Aspatria enjoys an elevated position above the picturesque Ellen Valley. With stunning views across the Lake District to the south and the Solway Firth and Scotland beyond to the north, Aspatria is a little known village with a long history.
From ancient occupation through to mining and latterly agriculture, these days Aspatria Cumbria is best known for its cheese and is where the Lake District Dairy Co., among others, are based. This rural town is also famous within farming communities as the site of the first agricultural cooperative in England which was formed in 1870, and Aspatria Farmers is still thriving and supporting local farmers today.
Visitors to this area love Aspatria as it is close to Carlisle, Keswick and the coast while still retaining its rural charm and local character. Sometimes referred to as the gateway to the Solway Coast, you’ll find a handful of nature reserves close by, as well as the Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite Lake and the northern fells of Clints Crags, Watch Hill and Binsey which is a wonderful Wainright for little legs. With local amenities in the town including several shops, three pubs, a bakery, pharmacy and library, Aspatria is a lovely place to spend a day or a great base for exploring the surrounding areas of Carlisle, the northern Lake District and the Cumbrian coast.
For a small town, there are a surprising number of local events happening in and around Aspatria. The local rugby union club hosts regular matches at Aspatria RUFC and has a rugby league team too, the Aspatria Hornets. There is also a women’s rugby union team, a local football club and a bowling club in town. Aside from that famous food festival, Taste Cumbria, comes several times a year to nearby Cockermouth, Wigton, Maryport and Carlisle and is a celebration of delicious Cumbrian fare.
You can find Aspatria on the A596 from either Carlisle to the northeast or Maryport from the southwest. On the northern edge of the Lake District and only a short distance from the coast, Aspatria is an excellent location from which to explore all northern and western Cumbria has to offer.
Carlisle Tourist Information Centre
Old Town Hall
Market St
Carlisle CA3 8JE
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